Body Image and Issues after Weight Loss - Laser removal for stretch marks

I had my first consultation today to have the stretch marks on my shoulders removed. I do have stretch marks all over my lower belly and lower back. I figured I'd start with my shoulders since I'm getting married in May. They gave me Epiquim cream to apply 4 weeks prior to my first treatment. Has anyone else had this procedure done? If so did you like the results?

Stretch marks are actually scars. How can laser treatments remove them?

I found this explanation on a web site:

This procedure involves the use of a beam of light to remove thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. Laser technology uses high energy ultraviolet light to disrupt the molecular bonds in the skin tissue and to help it disintegrate. The scar tissues are now gone and the vacated area is then replaced with newly formed skin cells and collagen.

I've never had it done but I would LOVE to get it done when I get the money. Please let me know if it works! I hate to think that even if I finally get into good enough shape to wear a bathing suit-heck even shorts-I won't be able to due to my huge stretch marks. It makes me more than a little sad to see what I've done to myself...

How much did it cost you to get it done?

Its cost me $3500 for 5 treatments. Typically 5 treatments is what they told me it takes, and they do one treatment a month to let your skin recover. They also said that some people may not need a total of 5, and that some people may need more depending.

Thats not as bad as I thought. Do strech marks ever appear again if you regain the weight? And do they recommend any sort of time interval if you want to do it in any other part of your body?

Stretch marks are actually scars. How can laser treatments remove them?

You can get laser treatments for scars. I was in a car accident at 15, I have a scar on my right cheek, a few inches long, I would LOVE to have removed someday. I had a scar revision procedure done a year after the accident but it just made the scare less wide. laser treatment would be awesome

I had Laser Genesis treatments for my acne scars, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. The difference in my face between how it was and how it is now is like night and day. I would imagine for stretch marks the results would be similar, depending on how severe the case.

In the meanwhile, Vitamin E is wonderful for stretch marks, and retinol is even better.

I get my first treatment this Saturday, I will let you all know how it goes. I'm very excited to get rid of these suckers for good. It will take a total of 5 treatments so its worth it , if it takes almost half a year to treat is worth the wait. Yay!

That has been one of the things I am most self conscious about is the stretch marks on my belly. I think I need to become buddies with a plastic surgeon. Keep us updated on how it works!!!! I am glad to see other nurses on this site, it is awesome!

Just got back from my 1st treatment. They had me put some numbing cream for an hour prior to the actual laser procedure. I just felt pressure on my skin during the laser treatment. After my right shoulder was done, it just looked very red like a bad sunburn and felt like it too. Once I was done with my left shoulder, it was just kinda burning but not painful. I was told to place a cold compress on the area and to expect redness for the next 2-3days. I will also need to put on some moisturizer twice a day to keep the area hydrated.

The next session I'll have was described to me as the same scenarios except for an increased intensity on the laser. So, I will go back in a month for treatment 2 of 5. I am so psyched to get these stretch marks out of my life for good. :)

Please do update as you go along! I have stretch marks on my shoulders that I am very self-concious about, and I would LOVE to get rid of them with laser treatments. I've heard about it before, but I have no idea how well it works. Fingers crossed that it works out for you!

Good luck to you this is really interesting.

It's been four months since you started your treatment, how has it worked for you? I'd love to hear an update!

You can get even big scars removed with lasers. My dad is a dermatologist and he does this all the time.

If you don't have the money for laser treatments, get Mederma (I actually used the CVS store brand one - its way cheaper and I got it buy one, get one 50%). If its a new scar, put it on twice a day for 8 weeks. If it's an old scar, it will take 6 months. I put it on my scar after I had my appendix out and it really works. It works for stretch marks, too.

I keep hearing conflicting info on laser surgery and reducing/eliminating stretch marks, and I have yet to see/hear a first hand account from someone that has been through the procedure. I really hope the OP comes back and gives an update!

BTW I tried Mederma for 8 weeks and did not notice any difference :-(