Stretch marks

The skin is strong and elastic, but its supporting tissues can be damaged if they stretch too far or too quickly. Stretch marks are lines or bands caused by stretching of the skin’s connective tissue. The reason why some people get stretch marks and others do not remains unclear. Some people may simply be more prone to getting stretch marks due to genetics or certain hormone levels.

Treatments available through skin doctors and plastic surgeons offer some hope for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Laser stretch mark removal consists of removing striae (stretch marks) via laser resurfacing. It works by removing the outer layer of skin to help restructure the overlying skin. During the procedure, beams of light are used in concentrated amounts to encourage new growth. While it can’t get rid of stretch marks completely, laser removal may help make striae smoother, thereby reducing their appearance.