As it turns out, the idea of diminishing stretch marks may not be such a stretch after all. Laser technology is constantly advancing and attempting to provide solutions to common skin problems that plague so many people. No matter what your age, ethnic background, skin type or size, the stretch mark monster does not discriminate. Rapid weight gain and loss is typically the catalyst. Whether caused by pregnancy, side effects of medication, stress 
- even taking on an aggressive diet and exercise program – the pinkish, reddish and eventually glaringly white marks also known as striae find their place on the body. The possibility of them budging seems, well, impossible.
Until now that is.
Fraxel Re:Store is only one of the most recent lasers acquired by Ethos Spa. In addition to its amazing skin resurfacing and scar and pigment reduction capabilities, Fraxel Re:Store is proving itself to be a good weapon in our arsenal when it comes to conquering stetch marks.
As explained by the makers of Fraxel Re:Store, “Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. Skin does not bounce back if it’s been stretched by rapid weight gain or extreme weight loss. Unlike traditional treatments like stretch mark creams and gels, lasers are used to stimulate new collagen growth and fill the stretch mark from the bottom up. The laser energy is absorbed in the dermal layer of the skin stimulating the production of new collagen. As the new collagen thickens and plumps the skin, it fills in the stretch mark from below.”
The Fraxel Restore laser is a non-ablative laser capable of stimulating collagen formulation through depositions of hundreds of microchannels of heat. It does not physicially remove skin as in the ablative type of lasers. Fraxel also makes the Repair laser which is a true ablative CO2 laser that vaporizes skin as well as creating heat in the micro-channels. The downtime associated with ablative treatments that remove skin is greater than non-ablative treatments such as the Fraxel Restore. Multiple treatments may be needed with the Fraxel Restore laser but downtime is limited to mild redness and swelling lasting up to 5 days. At Etho Spa, we offer both non-ablative treatments such as Fraxel Restore and ablative treatments such as Pearl Fractional by Cutera. It is important to realize that you may not get 100% clearance of the stretch marks. Some people may not see any improvement. However, these current technologies offer the best non-invasive to minimally inasive treatment options for improving stretch marks.
If that doesn’t sound promising, we don’t know what does!
At Ethos we are constantly seeking out the best options to relieve every skin affliction. It’s no wonder the transition to summer wardrobes brought with it an influx of requests for consultations regarding stretch mark removal. Our best recommendation by far is a series of Fraxel Re:Store sessions. However, it should be noted here that results vary and 100% removal may not be a reality for all clients.
In addition, those seeking to treat stretch marks on the lower abdomen – typically caused by pregnancy or weight loss surgery – should know that Fraxel Re:Store will not help them. A surgical tummy tuck is the only alternative in those cases. That said, our physicians at Ethos are happy to recommend trusted and skilled plastic surgeons. As part of our mission statement, Ethos is committed to the highest quality of care and providing the public with options that will work for them- even if that means referrals to other physicians who focus on different methods.
So, what’s next? A physician consultation is free of cost and the best way to go as it allows our doctors to assess the area in question and provide a professional opinion on what technology is the most ideal to address individual needs.
Stretch marks don’t have to stretch out your stress or confidence level! Contact Ethos today at (908) 273-5400 to find out if Fraxel Re:Store is right for you.\
