Fraxel after v beam for stretch marks?

Question

I have red/purple stretch marks on my hips and have had 3 fraxel treatments. The fraxel helped with the texture and has shrunk the stretch marks. However, they are still quite red/purple and i was thinking of trying v beam. I would also like to have more fraxel treatments. So i am wondering if getting more fraxel after v beam would make the redness come back? Would the vbeam results be permanent even with further laser treatments?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This does take a combination approach for improvement. This type of stretch marks needs vascular laser treatments and then can be treated with microneedling/PRP or non ablative lasers (viva or skinfinity) to get the best results.  we do both vascular and nonablative on the same day.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

The Excel V or V-Beam lasers are good treatment options for stretch marks with a red/purple color cause by underlying vascularity. A few treatment sessions will be required but you will see great results. Afterwards, you may or may not need additional Fraxel treatments to improve texture. If you do need Fraxel treatment, it will not cause the vascularity to return.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I absolutely would treat your stretch marks with V-Beam for the redness or eMatrix or Fraxel for the texture. This is the absolute best combination of treatments for these type of marks and I suggest you alternate treatments for the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

Stretch marks can be one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat; I am happy to hear yours are getting better with Fraxel treatments.

The VBeam laser is an excellent choice to help with the red color of your stretch marks. It is actually safe and effective to perform both the VBeam and Fraxel within the same session, so long as the VBeam is performed before numbing is applied.

The redness you experience post-Fraxel is very superficial, and generally subsides within a few days; the red color to your stretch marks exists deeper within the skin. Therefore, if you are to improve the color of your stretch marks with the VBeam laser, the redness will not return outside of the superficial, temporary flush you experience post-Fraxel. Be sure to always seek the consult of a board certified Dermatologist in regards to lasers. Best of luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would recommend the VBeam or Excel V for these. They can be treated at the same time as the Fraxel if wanted. Fraxel won't help with the redness like these laser can. It will take about 3 treatments with these lasers

Fraxel after v beam for stretch marks?

Answers (6)