Stretch marks can be unpleasant to look at, although some people do try to look on the bright side and think of them as “badges of honor” that are the result of weight loss, pregnancy or rapid growth (the latter is usually seen in teenagers). But, no matter why you have stretch marks, you probably want to eliminate them. One of the best ways you can do this is through laser stretch mark removal.

Hold Your Horses!

Okay, before you open up your phone book or search online for the nearest laser stretch mark removal professional, you need to do some research. Taking this route will keep you from dealing with the worst of side effects that can happen with laser surgery. Whether its skin blisters, redness, irritations or anything else, most of them are temporary in nature. It’s also important to get prepared for that financial cost as well. This is one of the most expensive options out there for stretch mark removal. Why? Well, it is not covered by medical insurance.

Some surgeons will want you to take some type of over-the-counter pain reliever before your laser treatment. Stretch marks can be moderately painful to remove, probably three on a scale of ten. You might not want any pain, however, so listen to their suggestion.

During the Zaps

The way laser stretch mark removal works is through beams of light that are emitted by a handheld laser device. Your professional surgeon will direct this to the affected area you are trying to remove. When high-energy ultraviolet light hits the skin tissue, the molecular bonds are disrupted and the tissue will disintegrate. The medical term for this is; ablation.

Basically thin layers of skin are removed that surrounds the stretch marks. When each layer is peeled away, new layers form and you develop smoother skin as well as a lacking evidence that you ever had stretch marks.

You should keep in mind that several treatments might be needed. After the first laser treatment stretch marks might still be seen; most patients need more than one treatment before seeing results. The number of treatments you will need depends on the location, appearance and size of the stretch marks being removed, as well as your age. During laser stretch mark removal surgery, the laser’s zaps will feel like an elastic band snapping against your skin. The zaps won’t be as painful if you listen to your surgeon and take a pain reliever ahead of time.

After the Zaps

Following laser stretch mark removal surgery, you’ll experience some redness and tenderness of your skin. These symptoms are completely normal and caused by the removal of old layers of skin, which is necessary to make room for new skin layers to develop. There might also be some blistering, which is temporary but can last for a few days to a few weeks. Your recovery period will depend on your surgeon’s skill, how your body reacts to the laser and the size of the area treated.

While there is enough physical pain and financial backing to shy away from this avenue, once it’s done you will enjoy the benefits of laser stretch mark removal treatments. In the end, this is the safest and most effective way to remove stretch marks. Soon your self-confidence will be soaring again and you will be ready to shed those summer clothes for a bikini in the sun.

Want to find out more about Laser Stretch Mark Removal, then visit Catherine Gomez’s site to learn more about Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks.