Scars & Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are linear bands or lines on the skin which are caused by rapid growth or weight gain. Usually, as the body grows, the strong connecting fibbers in the dermis slowly expand and stretch, however, during rapid growth, the fibers may overstretch and break. This is why stretch marks are usually initially red or purple as the blood vessels are showing through the tears in the dermis. Everyone has unique skin properties and some are more prone to developing stretch marks than others. Many men and women have them- often developed during puberty or during pregnancy.

Older stretch marks are usually lighter in color due to the blood vessels contracting and the pale fat underneath the skin becoming visible. While stretch marks may occur anywhere on the body, they are most common on the stomach, breasts, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that form as a result of tissue injury. Visible changes in skin texture and pigment at the site of a healed wound can be caused by infection, surgery, trauma or disease. They may appear on any part of the body and are usually formed within the first couple of months after a skin incision or trauma. Part of our body’s natural repair process involves the formation of new collagen fibers which create a scar. The new scar tissue usually has a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue because the fiber composition of the protein weaves a different pattern than collagen fibers normally do. Scars can be raised, indented, smooth, and pigmented differently than surrounding skin.

There are several different types of scars, however, the most common types we see and treat are: acne scars, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, surgical scars, burn scars and stretch marks.

• Acne scars – Acne scars are the most common type of facial scars. These scars are usually the result of inflamed blemishes caused by skin pores engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. We find that acne scars in particular, respond well to CO2 laser treatments. 
• Hypertrophic scars- Hypertrophic and keloid scars present as raised, firm and smooth masses of tissue. These scars are formed due to an overproduction of collagen.
• Atrophic scars- Atrophic scars form as a result of an insufficient production of collagen, or connective tissue, to heal the site of an infection. They often look indented and thin.
• Surgical scars are visible, often linear scars which remain after a surgical wound has healed. Whether an incision heals well or poorly, a surgical scar may remain.
• Burn scars may be darker than the skin’s pigmentation or completely devoid of color. Burns may also result in hypertrophic/keloid scars or contracture scars, which tighten and prevent the underlying muscles and tendons from full range of movement.

Many people wonder what options they have for safely and effectively removing a scar. Surgical excision is possible and sometimes necessary to reduce a scar. However, non-surgical options such as CO2 and Erbium laser technologies offer quick and comfortable solution for scar revision. At Philosophy of Beauty, we offer innovative, minimally invasive scar transformation solutions that are, both, accessible and effective. They allow clients to be treated and return to daily activities with minimal down time and discomfort. Although it is not usually realistic to completely restore skin to its pre-injury look, advanced laser technologies such as the CO2RE and Fotona Dynamis SP can significantly minimize a scar’s appearance.

Scar revision with laser technology such as Fotona’s Erbium or CO2RE’s CO2 involves superficial and deep laser energy application.  The Fotona SP Dynamis laser is able to treat minor scars, while CO2 effectively treats most types of scarring including superficial or deep scar tissue. The laser uses light energy to target the scar cells for precise and gentle skin resurfacing. The laser beam is absorbed through surface, micro layers of skin to vaporize scarred tissue. This gentle ablation stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin in the dermis and helps to naturally resurface the skin. As a result, the damaged skin is lifted away, and the smoother skin below is revealed. This treatment also initiates the body’s natural healing process to create new skin cells which diminish skin imperfections, resulting in fresh and healthier-looking skin.

At Philosophy of Beauty, we use Fotona Dynamis SP platform or PicoWay Laser technology for stretch mark revision. Fotona laser involves 3 steps.

Step 1: In this step, the skin is treated with 4 passes of the Fotona Laser in Smooth Mode. Here the process of controlled thermal energy to the deeper layers of the skin begins. The laser energy stimulates collagen production by initiating skin remodeling and skin tightening processes.

Step 2: Here, fractionated laser beams are used. These beams cause fractionated dermal injury as the heat is delivered to the stretch mark lines and adjacent tissue. The stretch marks that are targeted in this step begin to change in texture and smooth out over the few weeks following treatment.

Step 3: In the third step, the larger surface of the treatment area is targeted. Thermal laser energy is delivered to increase the production of collagen which is integral for smooth-looking, healthy skin. This process results in reduced skin laxity by inducing neocollagenesis- the creation of more collagen.

Most of our laser scar revision procedures take 30-40 minutes. Before you begin, you’ll have a potent, topical numbing cream applied to your skin. Patients describe the sensation of laser energy on the skin as prickling, or pins and needles. We will start with one pulse of laser application to let you experience how it feels. If you find it uncomfortable, we will use Zimmer – cold air application during your laser procedure.  Afterward, it tends to feel like a sunburn would with skin slightly sensitive and tight. Once your treatment is done, you’ll be able to leave right away and return home with a skincare plan for your comfort and healing. 

At Philosophy of Beauty, we invite you to come in for complimentary skin assessment consultation to ensure that laser scar treatment is a good option for you. During your consultation, your provider will take down your medical history, assess your scar and skin type and create an individualized treatment plan for you. Based on information gathered, your treatment provider will explain to you if you need to condition your skin before treatment or if the treatment can be safely performed without preparation. In some cases, we offer a patch test to ensure that your skin responds well to the laser therapy.

Depending on the type of laser that will be chosen for your treatment course, the number of treatments may range from 1-6 sessions. Generally, least invasive involve more treatments and most invasive may only require 1 0r 2 procedures. For stretch mark treatment, 6-8 treatment sessions are advised. Each patient’s recommended course of treatments will vary based on the type of scars that they have, their skin type and past medical history. Our specialists will determine the best option for your individual needs and goals. 

Common concerns during recovery from laser acne scar treatment are generally mild and self-resolving. They may include temporary swelling, itching, lighter-looking skin, (new skin which has been less exposed to sunlight) pink or red skin areas.

Philosophy of Beauty is home to numerous, leading skin care products and programs that help our clients maintain their beautiful skin at home. Typically, products containing AHA, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinoid scan deliver scar-smoothing benefits and help speed up your cell regeneration. We also offer numerous skin-tone balancing treatments and products which are useful to reduce hyperpigmentation resulting from scars.

In some patients it would be beneficial to combine V-beam Prima laser with resurfacing laser to treat vascular component of the scar or striae. 

For those are suffering from scarring of the skin, or who want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, Philosophy of Beauty offers a complimentary consultation with one of our experts who can help create a customized plan for you.

Located just south of Vaughan, we proudly service clients from the Toronto and Thornhill areas, to help them achieve naturally beautiful skin.