It’s summer, it’s hot, and you want to hit the beach. You’ve spent all winter getting your body bikini-ready, so when you put on your swimwear, it’s a bummer when you notice all those stretch marks. Getting rid of stretch marks in New York City might be easier than you think, though, thanks to the services offered by Dr. Cameron Rokhsar. Now, in many cases, stretch marks are not in and of themselves a bad thing; many people are perfectly comfortable with them. But for patients who find discomfort with stretch marks have options for mitigating them.
Stretch marks in genetically susceptible individuals are usually the result of rapid growth or weight gain in certain areas of the body. This could be due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy, puberty, or a rapid increase in muscle mass. Stretch marks are usually red early on and take on a whitish color as they mature. Over the counter and prescription, creams are not effective for the treatment of stretch marks as they do not penetrate deep enough on the skin to address the pathology.
*Results may vary.
The pulsed dye laser (V-Beam laser) is an effective modality in the treatment of fresh and red stretch marks. A resurfacing procedure, named fractional resurfacing or Fraxel affords a new solution for the treatment of stretch marks. This laser resurfaces the skin gradually, which allows for rapid healing while eliminating the risk of rawness associated with traditional laser resurfacing procedures.
Patients typically will need 4-5 treatments with this laser procedure for the treatment of stretch marks. Most patients can expect improvement in the quality and texture of their stretch marks. However, you can not fully eradicate stretch marks with any currently available modalities. Fractional resurfacing is performed under local numbing after the application of a numbing cream for one hour.
If you are interested in getting rid of stretch marks in New York City, Dr. Rokhsar is among the top choices to perform these procedures. Our offices in Long Island and in Garden City both offer many of these stretch mark mitigation procedures. The added benefit of these procedures is that they can make you look and feel more youthful, as they will often tighten the skin as well. The best way to determine which stretch mark treatment is best for you and your body is to discuss your options in person with Dr. Rokhsar. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Stretch marks may appear as pink, red or purple lines at first, but as time goes on and they are left untreated, indented white lines appear in the skin. They are at first brighter colors because of the broken blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin, which do eventually heal, but once they turn white and silver, it is an indication that they have set in and disrupted the dermis where both collagen and pigment reside.
Stretch marks can appear as a result of pubescent growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain, increase in muscle mass, oral corticosteroids, topical steroids, genetically caused hormonal imbalances or adrenal gland diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome.
Laser treatments are currently the most effective treatment options for stretch marks. The type of laser used depends on the state of scarring. If stretch marks are still pink, red or purple, the V-Beam pulsed dye laser is the best treatment option. The V-Beam emits a beam of light into the skin that will destroy the damaged blood vessels that cause the irregular pigmentation.
The only type of treatment that is proven to successfully address deep stretch mark damage is the Fraxel laser. This fractional laser therapy works by administering tiny areas of micro-damage, which stimulates collagen production. Once the Fraxel laser stimulates collagen production, fresh and healthy skin cells will replace the damaged sites, which create a tightening effect.
Stretch marks are lines or streaks that appear on the skin when it stretches or shrinks quickly. These marks can be indented and are usually long, narrow, and rippled. They are common in areas such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs, and can appear during pregnancy, puberty, or rapid weight gain. The sudden change in skin elasticity causes the collagen and elastin, which support the skin, to rupture, leading to the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are not painful or harmful but can be a cosmetic concern for some individuals. While anyone can develop stretch marks, fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role in their development. In pregnant women, stretch marks can appear during the last trimester due to the rapid expansion of the uterus and sudden weight gain.
Stretch marks require treatment if they are itchy or when they pose a cosmetic concern. Many patients feel self conscious about their stretch marks. Home remedies such as applying moisturizer do not do anything for stretchmarks. Another misconception is that topical retinoids such as retin-a help stretch marks. The only proven modality to help the appearance of stretch marks is fractional lasers and the pulse dye laser.
Red stretch marks are typically newly formed stretch marks and can occur for a variety of reasons. One common cause is rapid body growth during puberty, which can lead to stretch marks due to increased stress on the skin. Other common causes of red stretch marks include pregnancy, rapid weight gain, breast augmentation, extreme muscle gains, or use of steroids. The red color of stretch marks is caused by underlying inflammation and increased blood flow. Applying corticosteroids to the skin for an extended period can also cause stretch marks.
If old stretch marks are turning red again, it could be due to the skin stretching again. This can happen if a person becomes pregnant again, gains or loses weight quickly, or experiences rapid muscle growth.
The color of stretch marks can change over time. When stretch marks first appear, they are usually red or purplish due to increased skin pigment production. Over time, they may fade to a lighter color, such as silver or white.
In rare cases, bright red areas in old stretch marks may indicate an infection.
The best treatment to treat red stretch marks is the pulse dye laser of the Vbeam laser. The pulse dye laser targets the blood vessels of the stretch marks, and through a pulse of laser coagulates to seal the blood vessels feeding the stretch marks. The pulse dye laser or the veal laser improves any itchy sensation associated with stretch marks. It also makes stretch marks look better by decreasing the red color. Multiple Vbeam laser treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results. Another two modalities that help the appearance of stretch marks are fractional lasers such as the Fraxel restore dual laser and microneedling. Multiple sessions of microneedling or Fraxel laser may be required to achieve great results.
Stretch marks are a common skin concern that affects many individuals. They appear as streaks on the skin that may be red, purple, or white in color, and are often caused by rapid weight gain or growth during puberty, pregnancy, or bodybuilding. Itching is a common symptom associated with stretch marks, and it can be caused by several factors.
One of the primary reasons stretch marks itch is due to the stretching of the skin that causes tearing at the dermis, the layer below the epidermis. This tearing allows the layer below epidermis called the dermis to fill in, triggering an itchy sensation. Itchy skin is a natural part of the healing process, as the nerves produce itchy sensations in response to dermal tearing. Active stretch marks, which are often red, tend to itch more because the skin in that area is thinner, softer, and has less support. Treating itchy stretch marks with the pulse-dye laser or the V-beam laser helps cure the itchy sensation associated with fresh red stretch marks.
Moreover, hormonal changes and rapid changes in the body, such as during pregnancy or postpartum periods, can make the skin more prone to dryness, which is frequently linked to itchy skin. Drying of the skin due to a breakdown in the hydrolipidic barrier (which holds water, oil, or fat molecules) can also cause itchy stretch marks.
In some cases, itchiness associated with stretch marks may be due to other skin conditions. For instance, the Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP) can cause itchy stretch marks. This condition is characterized by small red bumps that usually appear first within stretch marks, with the area around the belly button being spared. The condition mostly affects pregnant women with their first baby and prominent stretch marks.
While stretch marks aren’t painful or harmful, some people may not like the way they make their skin look. If you’re wondering how to lighten stretch marks, there are several options available to you.
It is a myth that over the counter moisturizers such as Vaseline, shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil, or retinol can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Prescription creams such as retin-a or tretinoin, often recommended by dermatologists, are also not effective in lightening stretch marks. Use of aloe vera derived from the aloe plant for improvement of stretchmarks is more of a myth than reality as well.
Although we can not fully get rid of stretch marks, Dr. Rokhsar has been successful in improving the appearance of stretch marks by 50% to 90% using the Fraxel laser resurfacing procedure. The Fraxel restore dual is considered the gold standard for gentle resurfacing and it gently resurfaces your skin over a course of a few sessions tricking the skin to create new skin around microzones of laser treatment. Three to 6 sessions of the Fraxel restore dual laser is recommended for dramatic improvement in stretch marks. The are is numbed with numbing cream for 30-60 minutes prior to the Fraxel laser treatment. The area of the stretch marks is treated with multiple passes of the Fraxel laser. Aggressive treatment settings need to be used to improve scratch marks in a meaningful way. If you use light or lower Fraxel laser energy settings, the results will be disappointing. Dr. Rokhsar is considered a world authority in Fraxel laser resurfacing of fresh and old stretch marks. Microneedling may also be a treatment option as a second choice. The pulse dye laser or the Vbeam laser is highly effective in treatment of red stretch marks but has no impact in treatment of old or white stretch marks.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent stretch marks, there are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing them.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to prevent stretch marks. Sudden weight changes can cause the skin to stretch quickly, leading to the formation of stretch marks. To avoid this, it is recommended to control your weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Staying hydrated is also essential in preventing stretch marks as it helps keep the skin supple and flexible. Drinking approximately two liters of water per day is recommended. A balanced, nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins C and D, and zinc can also help maintain healthy skin and prevent stretch marks.
There are no creams or oils that have been proven to prevent stretch marks. However, keeping the skin moisturized may help reduce their appearance. While there are several creams and oils on the market that claim to prevent stretch marks, their efficacy is not supported by scientific evidence.
Some dermatological procedures such as chemical peel, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, and ultrasound can make stretch marks less noticeable, but they cannot completely eliminate them. Dr. Rokhsar recommends treatment with a few sessions of the Fraxel restore dual laser or microneedling. Red stretch marks can be treated with the Vbeam or pulse dye laser.
Stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce their appearance. Below are some tips on how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy:
While these tips may help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, they cannot completely eliminate the possibility of developing them. If stretch marks have already started to appear, it’s important to treat them immediately to give them less time to develop and darken. The best treatment for new and old stretch marks is treatment with the Fraxel Dual laser over the course of 3 to 6 sessions done on a monthly basis.
While stretch marks are not harmful, they can be unsightly and affect self-confidence. Here are some methods that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks:
While these methods may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, it is important to consult with a board certified dermatologist before starting any new treatments, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant. Finally, prevention is key, so maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and keeping skin well moisturized may help reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
While it is difficult to completely remove stretch marks, there are various treatments Dr. Rokhsar has used for years which can help reduce their appearance. Results may vary depending on the severity and age of the stretch marks. Here are some methods to consider:
It is important to consult with an experienced board certified dermatologist before trying any of these methods, particularly laser therapy or medical procedures, as they may not be suitable for everyone. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar in New York is double board certified in dermatology and dermatologic surgery and was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser which many today consider the best method to treat stretch marks. While stretch marks may not be completely removed, these treatments can help reduce their appearance and improve skin texture.
Stretch marks can take anywhere from a few months to a year to fade. However, stretch marks are permanent marks and may never completely disappear. While they don’t require treatment, some people may want to reduce their appearance. Products containing hyaluronic acid are useless in the treatment of s stretch marks. Similarly, it is a myth that retinoids may help fade stretch marks. The effectiveness of all home remedies like creams, oils, and lotions is not well-supported by evidence either. In some cases, cosmetic surgery like a tummy tuck may be able to remove skin with stretch marks. Stretch marks may fade differently for different people and that genetic factors may play a role in their appearance. Overall, it’s important to have realistic expectations and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on treating or reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The most effective way to help erase your stretch marks is through resurfacing with the Fraxel laser 3-6 sessions on a monthly interval. Fraxel uses a fractionated laser beam to remodel collage and create new skin to replace the defective torn skin of stretch marks.
Moisturize with aloe vera or coconut oil: Keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent stretch marks.
Results may vary depending on the severity and age of the stretch marks, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your board certified dermatologist before starting any new treatments.
Firstly, maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent stretch marks. It is important to ensure that you are consuming enough vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and silicon. Applying oil to the affected area can also help lessen the appearance of stretch marks. Some oils that are believed to be helpful include coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, and castor oil.
The most effective way to address stretch marks on the but is through laser treatment with the Fraxel restore dual laser. It is recommended to have 3-6 treatment sessions with the Fraxel laser every four weeks. Numbing cream is applied for one hour prior to the procedure. The procedure will take 20-30 minutes. The area may be slightly pink and scaly for 1-2 weeks. Patients report 50-80 percent improvement in stretch marks on the buttocks after 3-6 sessions of Fraxel laser treatment.
If you want to get rid of stretch marks on the butt fast, there are some medical procedures available. Laser therapy is one of the most effective ways to remove stretch marks, with the Fraxel laser being the most effective laser treatment. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser and has done more Fraxel laser treatments than any other physician around the world. Your doctor may also recommend a topical treatment, such as tretinoin cream or silicone gel. Dr. Rokhsar considers all creams to be ineffective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
While there is no guaranteed way to completely get rid of them, there are several treatments that can help improve their appearance.
Topical creams for early stretch marks like retinoid cream, such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita), are ineffective in improving the appearance of stretch marks.
Dermatologists can offer professional options for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. Pulsed dye laser therapy, in particular, can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of red stretch marks. Treatment with fractional non ablative lasers including the Fraxel laser is considered the best way to treat new and old stretch marks in the legs by most experienced dermatologists.
Stretch marks are often a result of stretching of the skin, which can be caused by weight gain, growth spurts, and pregnancy, among other factors. If you are concerned about the appearance of your stretch marks or if they cover large areas of your body, it is recommended to see a board certified dermatologist who can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options.
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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.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
