Stretchmarks Removal:
Laser, Dermaroller & Thermage

Stretch marks are lines or bands caused by stretching of the skin’s connective tissue. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Pregnancy, rapid weight loss or weight gain, weight training when you have rapid muscle growth are factors causing stretch marks.

The difference between red and white stretch marks lies primarily in their appearance and stage of development:

Red Stretch Marks:

– Also called striae rubrae, are typically newer and more recent.
– Reddish, purplish, or pinkish streaks on the skin.
– Active inflammation and the presence of tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
– Accompanied by itching, irritation, or raised texture.
– More responsive to treatment compared to white stretch marks because they are in the early stages of formation.

White Stretch Marks:

– Also known as striae albae, are older and have undergone a process of healing and scar formation.
– pale, silvery, or white lines on the skin.
– Initial inflammation has subsided, and the scar tissue has matured.
– Depressed or atrophic appearance, meaning the skin may feel thinner or have a slightly sunken texture compared to the surrounding skin.
– More challenging to treat because the scar tissue has already formed.

This problem can severely undermine one’s self-esteem. In O2 KLINIK, we provide the following procedures to make stretch marks less noticeable to give you the best results:

Fractional CO2

Laser resurfacing is one of the effective treatment modalities for stretch marks. Fractional CO2 is approved by FDA to stimulate epidermal turnover and dermal collagen remodeling, which leads to significant improvement in several types of stretch mark. Laser energy micro beams are used to break down the skin tissue in small areas, triggering the growth of new, healthy skin over the affected area. In just a few simple treatments, redness can be reduced, old white stretch marks can be smoothened, and your skin can be ready to bare.

Q: How does CO2 Laser work?

A: Pulses of fractional CO2 laser light are used to breakdown stretch marks, triggering new tissue production at the site, thus helping to reduce stretch mark color. The new collagen can leave the stretch marks smoother and less obvious.

Q: How many sessions of Fractional CO2 laser will I need?

A: O2 doctors will consult you on the number of treatments you need depending on the severity of the stretch marks and your expectation. Most people need at least 3- 5 treatment sessions for optimum result. Number of sessions may vary for each individual.

Q: How long do CO2 laser results last?

A: The results may last up from x to x years after having the procedure done.

Q : What can I expect after the CO2 Laser treatments?

A : Majority of patients will experience redness and swelling at the treatment site which may last 7-10 days.

Dermaroller

Dermaroller is a type of skin rejuvenation treatment known as micro needling. It involves using a sterile roller with tiny needles along its surface to make lots of shallow punctures in the skin to induce new collagen growth for the purpose of skin rejuvenation.

Q: What is the patients expectation post procedure?

A: Patients should expect moderate redness with a “grazed” appearance for 24 to 48 hours and skin sensitivity also lasting 24 to 48 hours.
Redness of the face can last up to 10 days.
After-care consists of using bland moisturisers and cleansers with no active products for 7 to 10 days. After that, active products can be safely introduced again to maintain results.

Q: How many dermaroller treatments will I need?

A: Treatment needed may vary in every patient. Rest assured, O2 doctors will consult further regarding the number of treatments needed to give the best result. Most patients may undergo a minimum of 3 treatments about 6 weeks apart on average, while 5 treatments is the norm for general scarring.

PRP

PRP is the process of using your body’s own platelet and injecting the platelet into the area that needs regeneration. PRP works by enhancing the “growth factors” that activate and rejuvenate cells in our body. However you can achieve optimum result of this treatment in combination with fractional co2 laser or derma roller in O2 Klinik.

Q: How many PRP treatments are needed to get rid of stretch marks?

A: The number of treatments needed depends on the severness. Usually, severe stretchmarks will require few treatments and this treatment is best to be combined with fractional CO2 laser or derma roller.

Q: Do’s and dont’s for PRP treatment?

A: To ensure the best results and minimize risks, it’s essential for patients to understand and follow certain guidelines before and after undergoing PRP therapy. Here are some important do’s and don’ts to consider:

Do:

– Consultation with a Qualified Healthcare Provider to evaluate your medical history, discuss your concerns, and determine if PRP therapy is suitable for you.

– Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including dietary restrictions, avoiding certain medications or supplements, and skincare preparations to optimize the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

– Adequate hydration supports optimal blood circulation and facilitates the body’s healing processes.

– Protect the treated area from excessive sun exposure, trauma, or injury following PRP treatment, to minimize the risk of complications and supports optimal healing.

– Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These factors can contribute to overall well-being and enhance the results of PRP treatment.

Don’t:

– Don’t take blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin or NSAIDs) or certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) before PRP treatment, as they may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

– Don’t smoke or use nicotine products before and after PRP treatment. Smoking can impair circulation and hinder the body’s ability to heal properly.

– Don’t consume excessive amounts of alcohol before or after PRP treatment, as it can interfere with the body’s healing processes and increase the risk of complications.

– Don’t engage in strenuous exercise or activities that may strain the treated area immediately following PRP treatment. Allow for adequate healing time to minimize the risk of injury.

– Depending on the purpose of the therapy, multiple sessions may be required, and it may take some time to see noticeable improvements. Be patient and realistic about the expected outcomes.

Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment used to restore and regenerate collagen deep inside the skin without injections, surgery, or the use of lasers. Thermage tightens the skin by using captive radiofrequency technology that heats the skin’s outer layer, thus stimulating collagen beneath the surface. Patients may feel mild heat as Thermage releases radiofrequencies, but general anesthesia is not required. The patient’s collagen is renewed and tightened, improving the skin’s texture and tone immediately.

New collagen continues to grow in the six months following Thermage procedure, and patients will see more dramatic results as their collagen is restored during this period.

Q: What is the patient expectation post procedure?

A: The skin produces new collagen which tightens the skin further, leading to long-term results. Results will be sustained for around six months after the procedure, and can actually last for years depending on your skin condition and natural ageing process.

Q: How many sessions of thermage do I need?

A: The number of sessions of Thermage required varies depending on factors such as your specific concerns, the condition of your skin, and your desired results.

Q: Do’s and dont’s for Thermage?

A: When undergoing Thermage treatment, it’s essential to follow specific do’s and don’ts to maximize the effectiveness of the procedure and ensure optimal results. Here are some guidelines:

Do’s:

– Schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed aesthetician experienced in Thermage treatment to discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history to determine if Thermage is suitable for you.

– Adhere to any pre-treatment instructions provided by your provider. This may include avoiding sun exposure, certain skincare products, or medications that can increase sensitivity or affect treatment outcomes.

– Maintain adequate hydration before and after Thermage treatment to support skin health and recovery.

– Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially in the weeks leading up to and following Thermage treatment.

– Communicate openly with your provider about any concerns, preferences, or changes in your medical history before and during the treatment session.

– Adhere to post-treatment care instructions provided by your provider. This may include applying soothing skincare products, avoiding sun exposure, and practicing gentle skincare routines to support the healing process.

Don’ts:

– Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or sunless tanning products before and after Thermage treatment. Sun damage can increase the risk of complications and interfere with the skin’s healing process.

– Avoid using harsh skincare products, abrasive exfoliants, or treatments that may irritate the skin in the days leading up to and following Thermage treatment. Opt for gentle, non-irritating skincare products recommended by your provider.

– It may take several weeks to months to see the full benefits of the procedure as collagen remodeling occurs gradually.

– Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your provider to assess treatment outcomes, address any concerns, and determine if additional sessions or maintenance treatments are needed.

– Protect your skin from sun damage by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.