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What is a stretch mark?

What causes stretch marks?

How can I remove/get rid of them?

Why don't they heal over time?

Is weight gain the cause?

Pregnancy?

Can you prevent stretch marks?

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

	What does laser treatment cost?
	Does laser treatment hurt?
	What are the recovery times?
	For People of Color

Pre-treatment Questions

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Stretch Marks Treatment & People of Color


	Laser treatment is tricky for darker patients
	Melanin absorbs the laser light
	Having treatment with the wrong laser may cause injury
	Longer wavelength lasers are better suited to darker skin

Treating Darker Skin is Tricky

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.

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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Last Modified: October 23, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions
	What is Collagen?	Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks?
	What is Elastin?	Surgery for Stretch Marks?
	What are Stretch Marks?	Lotions and Creams
	What Causes Stretch Marks?	Diet and Stretch Marks
	How do I get rid of Stretch Marks?	What are corticosteroids?
	Why don't they heal over time?	What is hypopigmentation?
	Is Weight Gain to Blame?	What is hyperpigmentation?
	How can you prevent stretch marks?	What is CO2 Laser Treatment?
	Laser Stretch Mark Removal	What is Erbium Laser Treatment?
	Chemical Peels for Stretch Marks?

The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.

Stretch Marks Treatment & People of Color

Treating Darker Skin is Tricky

Experienced Physician is Vital

Frequently Asked Questions