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The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication providing information about stretch marks, their causes, treatment, and laser therapy. Our mission is to provide you with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about striae and red skin lesions, as well as potential treatments. The information published on this site is written and provided by some of America’s foremost dermatologists and laser surgery experts.
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Stretch Marks Treatment & People of Color

Treating Darker Skin is Tricky

  • Treating Darker Skin is Tricky
  • Experienced Physician is Vital

    • People of color have more melanin pigment, which resides in the surface of our skin in the epidermis. This can make treating a person of color much more difficult for a laser surgeon. The reason for this is that lasers emit light, and melanin is designed to absorb light as its purpose is to protect our skin from the sun's rays. So rather than targeting the condition we seek to treat with a laser (e.g. stretch marks or acne scars), the melanin will steal away the laser light, which can cause injury to the skin. Improper treatment may also result in hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation (unwanted lightening or darkening of the skin, respectively).

    Experienced Physician is Vital

    The way to avoid this is to have a physician who is very skilled at treating darker-skinned patients and has multiple lasers at his disposal. Longer wavelength lasers are usually the best treatment option for darker patients as melanin is designed to absorb short wavelengths. So choosing the right laser is critical.

    For more information see: How to Choose a Doctor for Stretch Marks

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    Dr. Friedman of Houston discusses treatment of stretch marks
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    Ask The Doctor
    Q: What Causes Stretch Marks?
    Hormone changes in our skin are the cause. These hormone... [Read More]
    Q: What is a stretch mark?
    They are a type of scar caused by hormones impacting the... [Read More]
    Q: Is weight gain the cause?
    No, weight gain is not to blame. Weight gain can affect the... [Read More]
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