How To Remove Stretch Marks After Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be a wonderful journey but it can sometimes take a toll on the body. Stretch marks are one of the areas that can be noticeable after a pregnancy or indeed after weight gain. Of course stretch marks are not a bad thing and many people are proud of their stretch marks and see them as markers of their journey through pregnancy. Some people however look for ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks looking to regain their pre-pregnancy skin. It is a completely personal decision and there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your body and how you feel about it. At the Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetics Clinic, we believe in empowering women and encouraging confidence and we recognise that this is different for every individual. The treatments that we offer to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks use advanced, proven methods to get the best results possible for those individuals wanting to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Read on to understand more about what stretch marks are and how they can be removed using evidence-based practice.

Understanding Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae distensae, form when the skin is under increased pressure due to the rapid stretching of the skin. This can be associated with sudden growth spurts, weight gain or pregnancy. They can appear rapidly on the skin and can initially take a reddish or purplish tone. Over time they tend to fade so that they appear to have an off-colour hue in comparison to the rest of the skin. They are recognised by their streak-like appearance and affect 8 out of 10 pregnant women.

Why Remove Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a natural part of many women’s pregnancy experience and whilst they don’t bother some mums, they can make other individuals feel self-conscious. The desire to remove stretch marks is a personal choice and for some, it may help with improving self-confidence and well-being.

Fotona Laser: A Revolutionary Approach to Removing Stretch Marks

Tackling stretch marks has long been a difficult area for clinicians. The stretched skin contributes to the formation of scar-like tissue. Fotona laser treatments are renowned for their scientific approach to skin and the improvement of skin concerns and conditions from the medical to etc aesthetic.

LineLase™ a laser treatment using the Fotona, is a unique laser treatment that offers a non-invasive solution that can improve the appearance of stretch marks, promote skin tightening and restore elasticity in the skin. The two-step process combines Fotona’s unique SMOOTH® mode with a fractional Er: YAG mode to tackle the loss of collagen and repair the torn dermal layer of the skin. The two-step process is essential to treat both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin, the overall combined effect helps to promote tissue regeneration.

How LineLase™ Works

Step one: Step one utilises the Fotona Er:YAG SMOOTH® mode. The Fotona SMOOTH® mode is revolutionary as it uses Er:YAG which is a traditionally ablative laser wavelength in a non-ablative way. This means that unlike most Er:YAG treatment modes there is no damage to the top layer of the skin. The benefit of this is that the power of the Er:YAG laser is maximised and collagen regeneration and remodelling is stimulated, whilst the downtime of the treatment is negligible due to the no damage to the epidermis.

Used on stretch marks the SMOOTH® mode triggers collagen production to the areas where collagen has been lost. The heat from the laser also causes the collagen fibres to contract and remodel, helping to improve the laxity and elasticity of the skin.

Step Two: In step two a fractional ablation technique is used. Stretch marks are similar to scar tissue and the fractional ablation technique helps to improve the scar characteristics of the striae distensae. The micro-injury caused by the fractionated laser wakes up the skin cells and triggers the wound-healing response in the skin. As a result, the skin produces more collagen and the skin cells become more active. This helps to repair the torn dermis and improve the appearance of the stretch mark.

Occasionally your practitioner may use additional steps to help treat the colour of the striae. One of the benefits of Fotona laser is the ability to tailor the treatment to the individual. The incredible treatment modes include options to treat vascularity and pigmentation, which in some cases may improve the appearance of the stretch marks even further.

It’s incredibly important to see a clinician who is experienced and understands the skin when undergoing any treatment. Although the risks of a Linelase™ treatment from Fotona are minimal, there are still risks associated with treatment. Dr Tanja Phillips has over 20 years of clinical experience and is a key opinion leader of Fotona in the UK. With her vast knowledge of the skin and Fotona laser, you are in safe hands to ensure risks are managed and your results are maximised. Dr Tanja Phillips is the UK distributor of Fotona Laser and has trained all of the clinicians at the Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic to ensure that they offer Fotona treatments to the highest of standards and the team work to all her bespoke protocols. As a testament to the clinic and the wonderful team The Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic was recently won the award as Highly Commended for The Best Clinic in the South of England. at the prestigious Aesthetic Awards 2024

How Fotona Laser Works on Stretch Marks

1. Collagen Remodelling: The advanced laser treatment heats the deep layers of the skin, this process triggers the production of new collagen. As collagen is produced the skin’s elasticity and firmness is restored which helps to improve the texture of the skin and reduce the appearance of the stretch marks.

2. Skin Resurfacing: To tackle the top layer of the skin and to manage superficial stretch marks, the laser is used to make micro channels into the skin. As a result, the wound-healing mechanism of the body is triggered. This helps to encourage the growth of new healthy skin cells. As a result, the scar tissue of the stretch mark is disrupted. The Linelase™ treatment is conducted in a controlled way using appropriate energies which causes new healthy skin to replace the old damaged scar tissue.

3. Precision and Safety: One of the factors which set Fotona treatments apart from other available treatments is the precision and safety of the treatments on offer. The exact energies and settings of the laser can be adjusted based on the individual and their specific skin needs. This helps to negate risk and ensure that results are bespoke and optimised.

The Treatment Process

To get the best results from a LineLase™ treatment, it is typically recommended that you have a series of treatment sessions. Based on individual cases and consultation the skin will be assessed and a course of treatment will be recommended. Treatments last around 30 -60 minutes depending on the treatment area, severity and size of the treatment area. Cold air may be used at times to help make the treatment more comfortable, most patients generally report minimal discomfort.

Benefits of a LineLase™ Fotona Treatment for Stretch Mark Removal

Non-invasive: There are no incisions or needles used during a Fotona LineLase™ treatment which makes it a great choice for those looking to avoid the downtime of an invasive procedure.

Bespoke: The treatment can be personalised to the individual based upon their specific needs, making it more effective as a one-size-fits-all approach does not suit all skins.

Skin Tightening: A side-effect of the treatment is an improvement in the elasticity and laxity of the skin. Tightening the skin improves the skin’s overall texture and appearance.

Versatile: Due to the customisable nature of the treatment, the treatment is suitable for all skin types and colour. The treatment can also be used on stretch marks all over the body.

Is the LineLase™ Treatment for Me?

Stretch marks affect a large number of people and are a common concern. Although they have been seen as difficult to treat in the past, they don’t have to be a permanent worry and there are treatments available that can help. LineLase™ by Fotona is a safe, effective and non-invasive solution that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, improve the skin texture and tighten the skin. By choosing an experienced and qualified practitioner you can ensure that your safety is prioritised and that your treatment is tailored to suit your individual needs.

If you are interested in reducing the appearance of stretch marks and the LineLase™ treatment book in today for a consultation with a qualified practitioner. Contact us on: 01256 213007, hello@tanjaphillips.com, or submit an enquiry through our online ‘Chatbot’.