What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are scars, appearing when the skin has stretched beyond its capacity, breaking apart the structure. Stretch marks develop on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks, upper arms, and lower back, and affect women more than men. Stretch marks often develop during pregnancy, puberty, or due to weight gain.

Am I a good candidate for stretch mark treatment?

If you are troubled by the look of stretch marks on any area of your body, you may be a good candidate for stretch mark removal. Many women who developed stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts and body areas after a pregnancy choose to undergo a custom stretch mark treatment. You may also be a candidate if you have gained and lost a significant amount of weight and developed unsightly stretch marks.

What can I expect with treatment for stretch marks?

After a consultation and evaluation, Dr. Ostad will recommend a stretch mark treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include any of the following:

Laser stretch mark removal: in this procedure, stretch marks are removed using laser skin resurfacing. It works by removing the outer skin layer with concentrated beams of light to help restructure the overlying skin. Two types of lasers may be used for skin resurfacing—ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers treat stretch marks by destroying the upper layer of skin, resulting in newly regenerated tissues that are smoother in texture and appearance. Non-ablative lasers target the deeper skin layers to promote new collagen growth.
Microneedling: This treatment uses tiny needles to penetrate the surface layer of the skin, stimulating collagen production and repairing damaged skin. The needles are so small that they are painless. Microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma) is a treatment in which growth factors from the patient’s own blood is used to stimulate collagen, improving skin laxity, texture, and scarring.
Microdermabrasion: this noninvasive treatment uses a handheld device to spray crystals onto the surface of the skin. This gently reduces the fine top layer, promoting new skin growth.
Retinoid cream: Retin-A and other prescription-only retinoid creams may improve the appearance of stretch marks that are less than a few months old.

What are the benefits of stretch mark treatment in New York?

The benefits of our stretch mark removal treatment are clear:

Comfortable treatment sessions

Minimal side effects

Smoother skin without surgery

No downtime

Improved skin appearance

Why choose Dr. Ostad for stretch mark treatment?

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a compassionate doctor who has an empathetic approach to treatment, and is well known in New York and beyond for his artistry and skill.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the recovery like after stretch mark treatment?

With microneedling, more sensitive patients may experience redness and minor swelling. Laser stretch mark removal is generally well tolerated. There is no anesthesia required and no downtime in most cases. Your skin may be tender and red after your treatment, and you may experience minor swelling. Microdermabrasion has no downtime, and you can expect to see results the same day. Your skin may appear flushed after treatment, but this should fade over the course of the day.

How do stretch marks form?

The skin has three layers—the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (deeper layer made of fat and connective tissue). Stretch marks are scars that form in the dermis when the connective tissue is stretched beyond its elasticity limits. This is typically the result of rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.

How many stretch mark removal treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed for optimal results varies from person to person. With microneedling, we recommend 3-5 treatments for optimal results. In some cases, only one ablative laser treatment is required. With non-ablative laser treatments or microdermabrasion, you may need a series of treatment sessions. At Ariel Ostad MD PC in New York, Dr. Ostad can individually tailor a stretch mark treatment plan for you.

Stretch Marks