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121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022

Ph. (212) 285-1110

Garden City

901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240 Garden City, NY 11530

Ph. (516) 512-7616

Stretch Marks: Causes, Prevention, Removal

Stretch marks: the subject of untold studies, marketing, and complaints. Whether it is due to rapid muscle or weight gain, pulling on skin, pregnancy, or rapid puberty, these stubborn striae can be frustrating for anyone. Their appearance can vary from purple to bright white, and they usually occur in areas where fat is stored, such as breasts, thighs, buttocks, hips, and arms.

Unfortunately, desperate sufferers are easy prey for companies advertising creams, pills, and even devices to combat their undesirable appearance. Stretch marks, however, are caused by a tearing of the dermis. This means that very few so-called “treatments” can even access the area, let alone repair it.

It is often touted that keeping an area extremely moist during a time of anticipated stretch mark formation can reduce their severity and quantity. Though some studies have supported this notion, they are often poorly run and not statistically significant. More than hydration, hormones and genetics play a large role in stretch marks.

So…is there a solution? I’m happy to report there is: lasers. In fact, a 2007 trial showed a 75% improvement in striae in just 5-6 treatments. In my practice, I use the V-Beam Profecta redness laser to improve the color of red or purple stretch marks, and the Fraxel re:store to resurface the skin. The laser creates miniscule damage to the underlying skin, stimulating new collagen formation and improving the appearance and texture of stretch marks.

If you’re interested in discussing a stretch mark solution that fits your needs (just in time for summer), feel free to schedule a consultation with us by calling 212-285-1110 or 516-512-7616.

About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.

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