Stretch Marks - Nikki Butler Medical Tattooist & Skin Specialist

Treatments for Stretch Marks

Do you have stretch marks that affect your confidence? You’re not alone! Did you know that nearly all of us have stretchmarks in some form, men and women. The good news is that there are effective treatments for stretchmarks available. Read on to find out how I can help you feel happy and confident in your skin again.

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are simply areas where the skin has been stretched too quickly.

A stretch mark is formed when the skin is stretched quickly, as a result of rapid tissue expansion beneath the skin. Pregnancy, growth spurts, weight gain and gaining a lot of muscle quickly can cause this to happen. Did you know that many men have stretch marks as a result of body building programs? This is something I have seen a lot.

When the skin is stretched, there is an inflammatory reaction in the skin which is responsible for the red or purple colour that you may experience, particularly in the early stages.

As inflammation subsides, the stretch marks form scar tissue. This produces a thinned epidermis, loss of dermal elastin, and a replacement of the dermis by abnormally dense collagen fibres. So basically your skin is left thinner, weaker and unable to repair or ‘bounce back’.

The scarring is usually white or silvery in appearance and permanent. Most of us have tried creams and potions, with little success! So you’ll be delighted to discover that there are some treatments for stretch marks that actually work. Lets talk about what does work!

Treatments for Stretch Marks

There are two treatments for stretch marks that are really effective, depending on whether you have fine white stretch marks or deeper stretch marks that are more red or purple in colour.

I use both Lynton 3Juve fractional laser and Focus Dual RF microneedling to improve the appearance of stretch marks. If you have white or silver stretch marks then both laser and RF micro needling treatments may be suitable for you. If you have stretch marks that are red or purple in colour, then these can be treated with IPL.

Your skin is entirely unique to you, so I don’t have a set approach that I use. I recommend booking a consultation, so that I can assess your skin. We will discuss treatments options, products and lifestyle factors that will give you the best possible results and agree on a suitable program for you.

Scar Treatments - 3Juve Laser

The Lynton 3Juve laser is one of the most effective and safe lasers available in the industry, and wonderfully effective at treating pretty much any skin concern you have. With 3 different lasers, I can adapt your treatment to specifically target your stretch marks.

Lynton have incredibly high standards and produce exceptional results, which is why they are my laser of choice. With over 25 years experience, it’s easy to see why they are the industry leader. They are so good that our own NHS use their lasers in clinical practice.

Fractional laser treatment is one of the most effective scar and stretch mark treatments available, alongside RF microneedling. Significant collagen renewal is stimulated as the laser penetrates the skin and causes minor thermal damage. In response to this minor controlled trauma, your skin will naturally produce fresh collagen, improving the texture of the skin considerably.

This treatment can also help to stimulate your natural melanin production too, helping your natural skin tone normalise.

IPL is also fantastic at improving red or purple stretch marks, helping to improve their appearance.

Prior to having laser treatment, you will need to have a consultation and patch test. You will need between 3-5 sessions, which are carried out 2-6 weeks apart.

Treatments for Stretch Marks- RF Microneedling

I am a huge fan of microneedling, as really this is where my fascination around the skins ability to heal began. I always feel that this treatment is a wonderful reminder of how clever the human body is.

RF Microneedling involves creating micro punctures in the skin, to cause a minor trauma. In response to the trauma, your skin starts to produce fresh collagen and elastin. The addition of the thermal trauma caused by radiofrequency (RF), helps to lift and tighten your skin, and pull out sunken stretch marks.

Micro needling is suitable for white or silver stretch marks only. You can find out more by clicking HERE.

You would need a course of 5-8 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimum results.

How can I help you?

I have been passionate about skin (read ‘obsessed’) for the best part of a decade. Whilst I love products & treatments, I know that there is a lot more to beautiful skin than these alone.

As a qualified Nutritional Therapist, I know that what you put into your body is equally as powerful and effective as what you put onto your skin.

I have also personally experienced many skin challenges during my stressful corporate career and in more recent years, hormone related skin issues. So I have experienced first hand the effects of stress, insomnia, poor nutrition and hormone imbalances – and it’s not fun is it!

My goal is to help you to manage your skin, address your skin concerns and improve your well-being and energy levels. With your facial skincare routine, my aim is to teach you how to look after your skin for the long term, in a simple, sustainable way – with that little bit of luxury that we all deserve!

I know that sometimes the thought of making changes to our routines and lifestyle can be daunting, but I promise you there’s nothing radical here, it’s about helping you to create small, incremental changes for the long term. I have nearly 15 years experience as a coach, helping individuals to achieve their goals, so rest assured I will be there to help you through your transformation.

Are you ready to commit to take the next step?

Some frequently asked questions

How does IPL treat stretch marks?

Minute sections of the skin are targeted with laser light, which penetrates into the tissue, causing small columns of thermal damage which in turn stimulates significant collagen renewal. The surrounding non affected areas of skin aid the body’s natural recovery process, allowing dramatic results without significant downtime

How is IPL treatment carried out?

The skin is cleansed and the hand piece is moved over the skin delivering tiny microscopic laser beams. Typical treatment times vary depending on the skin condition and the area being treated. Price is on assessment, so please book in for a consultation. Protective eye wear must be worn during treatment

How does fractional laser treat stretchmarks?

Fractional laser causes micro burns to the surface of the skin, and is an ultimate resurfacing treatment. The micro burns trigger collagen and elastin stimulation in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to improve the look and feel of stretch marks. The ultimate exfoliating skin resurfacer (also a great facial!).

What should I expect after treatment?

You will experience a mild sunburnt sensation for a few hours after treatment and the skin may be red for 1 to 2 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing at a deep level. Swelling is likely but minimal, and resolves in 2 to 3 days. As the healing process occurs, your skin may have a ‘bronzed’ appearance that lasts from 3 to 10 days, depending on the treatment level.
Your skin will naturally exfoliate and may flake as if you had mild sunburn. How many treatments you need will depend on the area to be treated and the type of scar or burn.

Am I suitable for treatment?

Treatment is suitable for most people and highly recommended for individuals. A patch test is required. You must be over 18 years old and in good health. Blood thinning medication is a contraindication to treatment.

RF Micro needling

Micro needling is only suitable for white or silver stretch marks. Price is on assessment, as it depends on the area to be treated. Please book a consultation or get in touch for further information. Typically a course of 4-8 sessions are required 5-6 weeks apart. Find out more HERE

How much do treatments cost?

Price is on assessment, as it will depend on the area to be treated. These treatment are also suitable for other areas of the face and body that have scar tissue. Please book in for a consultation and I will be able to advise you on the exact cost for your procedures. To see our full price list, click HERE.

My skin! At last I have found a treatment that actually works. I found myself looking at my skin a week after my first treatment and noticing how much softer the lines and wrinkles were. I couldn't believe it. After my initial course of treatment I decided to have a monthly maintenance treatment, because I love it so much (plus I like to catch up with Nikki). Thank you for helping me look less haggered - haha! x