:: Stretch Marks

The treatment of Stretch marks with the Nlite laser

Because the Nlite laser targets blood vessels to promote new collagen production, it is thought that it might be effective for the treatment of stretch marks. However, as the Nlite is such new technology, there have not been any official clinical trials to measure its efficacy or to define best treatment parameters with regard to stretch marks. However, experience from The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic and other Nlite centres suggest that the Nlite does work on and improve the appearance of some stretch marks.

As the Nlite works by increasing collagen production through an effect on fine surface blood vessels, then more recent, vascularised (red) stretch marks should respond well and the laser may prove to be an effective preventative treatment, arresting the development of the depression in the centre of the stretch mark. However, as this is a long-term process, we have not treated a sufficient number of people, over a long enough period of time to truly evaluate the effect but the results to date are promising.

On older, silver coloured stretch marks, the laser has 2 possible effects;

The depth of the depressed area can be reduced
The width of the depressed area can be reduced

However, results are variable with some people getting little response while others achieve significant improvements.

It can also take a considerable time for any improvement to become visible and it may not be very obvious to someone checking up every day; it is very easy to notice large changes but it is even easier to miss small, cumulative changes taking place over weeks and months, even if the end result is significant.

Because of all this, we are working on stretch marks but in a cautious manner; we do not want anyone to spend large sums of money on an improvement that does not match their expectations. Consequently, we are happy to provide a consultation and a test patch procedure where we will assess, photograph and test patch the target area and offer a follow up appointment to assess the outcome.

This information will be used to assess the benefits of a full treatment and will allow a decision to be made on the basis of results rather than wishful thinking.