Can CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment Remove Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are common in up to 90% of people, either going through puberty or pregnancy. If the appearance still bothers you, many treatments today can improve the appearance of stretch marks. One of these treatments is CO2 fractional laser machine treatment.
How Do Stretch Marks Occur?
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly and breaks down collagen and elastin fibers. This results in visible lines or streaks on the skin, often found on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts.
CO2 fractional laser treatment uses a carbon dioxide laser to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny, controlled wounds stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are proteins that the body uses in skin repair and regeneration. In a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, the broken collagen and elastin in stretch marks are repaired. “Fractional” refers to the laser treating only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This promotes faster healing and minimizes downtime.
How CO2 Laser Treatment Works
The CO2 laser emits light energy absorbed by the water in the skin’s tissue. This energy is converted into heat, creating controlled injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing process. As the skin heals, it produces new collagen and elastin, leading to smoother, firmer skin. This process reduces the appearance of stretch marks over time.
