Get Vancouver stretch mark treatments (in Surrey) with lasers, radio frequency devices, microneedling and more

Our Vancouver stretch mark treatments (in Surrey) include the services listed below.

Our skin experts will make a recommendation on which treatment is right for you, after seeing you in-person. We may even suggest a mix of solutions, for better results. All our stretch mark services are approved by an on-staff doctor.

Fraxel® DUAL laser therapy for skin regeneration

Infini™ RF microneedling for skin tightening and rejuvenation

excel® V laser treatments for vascular skin conditions and laxity

Cosmeceuticals and topical prescriptions to gently heal stretch marks

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Stretch marks are the result of skin that has been stretched or condensed beyond its capacity, too soon. For example, with sudden body growth, the skin’s tissues may not be able to ‘catch up’ with changes in fat or muscle mass. Common ways stretch marks are formed includes:

• Speedy weight gain or loss
• Growth spurts during puberty
• Fast muscle build-up from exercise
• Pregnancy growth
• Thinning skin (atrophy) from corticosteroid use or steroid medications

Genetic disorders and changing hormones may also make you prone to developing stretch marks.

As the skin stretches during these relatively fast changes in your body, the collagen and elastin in the dermal layer are torn apart. Eventually, skin loses pigment and blood vessels in those areas, too. The ‘leftover,’ healed skin is basically a scar. It can appear lighter in colour (white or silvery, depending on skin tone), and may be ‘sunken’ or a bit wrinkled. It can also feel like thinner, textured skin.

Early stretch marks, however, are not hypopigmented (i.e. lighter in colour). They look almost like red, purple or brown lines in the skin. If stretch marks are treated at this stage, they can be easier to heal, since your blood vessels are still active in those areas.

Types of stretch marks

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At our clinic, we only employ non-surgical solutions for stretch marks. We also only use the treatments we have researched and, according to that research, believe will work.

That said, other possibilities for stretch mark treatments in Vancouver can vary. These can include:

Plastic surgery – whether a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or otherwise, there are some invasive solutions for stretch marks out there. These can leave scars, not to mention the risk of complications. They can also be expensive.

Ultrasound therapy – using specific sound wavelengths, this technique aims to induce oxygen and ‘movement’ beneath the skin, so that cells regenerate themselves. It is unlikely that this solution will work on its own, if at all, without being combined with other treatments.

Take measures to prevent stretch marks, and maintain general skin health

Don’t believe false claims about stretch mark removal

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We can say that with Fraxel® DUAL and often with our other treatments too, we commonly expect 4 to 6 sessions, at 2 to 4 week intervals, to result in a 50% to 90% improvement in the appearance of early stretch marks. For mature stretch marks, we expect a 10% to 30% improvement. Mature stretch marks are those that have become lighter, or developed a thinner texture than the rest of your ‘normal’ skin. CO2 treatments can work even faster.

That said, since white stretch marks are already a little less noticeable than red stretch marks, even the slightest improvement can be enough for some people, to make them less obvious.

Stretch marks can be reduced, but they will not go away completely – at least not with non-surgical solutions. You may also form new ones after treatments, depending on your lifestyle and bodily changes.

Each person’s own response to stretch mark treatments can vary. For that reason, it is hard to give an absolute answer to this question.

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When it comes to using lasers, choosing a qualified, medically-focused clinic is paramount, for your safety. This goes for any type of laser treatment, for any condition. Improper administration of laser intensities can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (burn marks), or other side effects.

At our clinic, we are run by an on-staff doctor. We also have a laser safety officer on staff. Our laser technicians go through rigorous training before being allowed to use our lasers.

Other than operational errors (which we stringently avoid), there is little to be worried about in terms of laser treatments for stretch marks. We will go over any rare side effects during your initial consultation with us. These may depend on your health history, which we will also ask about.

Though, please keep in mind it is common to have redness and swelling immediately after a deep laser treatment. This usually subsides after a few weeks (or less). Heat-based treatments can also give you a ‘hot’ feeling, which some people find uncomfortable, but not intolerable. We can help ease that sensation by using topical or injectable anesthetic, if need be. Plus, we have cooling devices on hand.

With regard to topical creams, such as those containing retinoids, these must be monitored carefully, and used according to doctor guidelines. Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) can be quite harsh on the skin, resulting in peeling and discomfort. Plus, you may have allergic reactions, which are hard to predict. We will advise you on how to use creams like this, if we think your case can benefit from them.

If you are pregnant, or have a pacemaker, we may not be able to perform some treatments on you.

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At our clinic, knowing the cost of your Surrey stretch mark treatments will require that you come in for a consultation. We will be able to take a look at your case, and make recommendations from there.

Since each person’s stretch marks will vary in size, maturity, and quantity, it is near impossible to give estimates without this consultation. Plus, we may recommend a mixed approach to treating your particular stretch marks, which can also alter the cost from one person to the next.

Starting rates for our listed treatments are given on their respective web pages (we’ve noted and linked to them above). However, these are just guidelines, to give you a ballpark figure of cost.

Please note: we can not treat you for stretch marks if you are currently pregnant. Also, if you have a pacemaker, certain treatments will not be safe to perform on you. However, we may have other solutions we can try.

Stretch marks are not dangerous in any way, and are considered solely a cosmetic issue. For that reason, they are not covered by MSP in B.C., nor most private insurance carriers.