Restructure scar tissue and fade stretchmarks with treatments at Geelong Veins Skin & Laser that stimulate the production of new collagen and remodel the skin surface.
Surgical excisions (skin removals, breast / abdominal and other surgery)
Earring piercings
Acne scarring
Self harm scars
Keloid scars
Hypertrophic scars
Hyperpigmented scars
We also treat stretchmarks, both pink and white coloured. These occur when the skin grows quickly, such as in adolescence, weight gain, with certain medications, growth spurt or pregnancy.
Stretch marks occur due to rapid stretching of the skin which damages the middle layer of skin called the dermis. As the body grows, the connecting fibers in the dermis slowly stretch to accommodate slow growth. However, rapid growth leads to sudden stretching. When the connective tissue in this layer is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity damage can occur causing the skin to become thin and shiny in sections or strips.
Symptoms
Scars can come in all shapes and colours (skin coloured, pink, brown, purple, red).
Hypertrophic scars are scars that become red / raised / enlarged more than expected.
Keloid scars are scars that become very enlarged, outside the bounds of the original defect, and are often itchy / painful and red. They occur more frequently on the chest/shoulders.
Treatments
Acupulse CO2 fractional resurfacing laser
This laser makes microscopic core holes into the skin that then heal and in doing so remodel the scar with more healthy collagen, elastin, blood flow and healthy skin structure. The laser has both deep and superficial settings which can be used alone or in combination. The result is improved scar texture, less thickness, improved colour and contour.
Skin needling (dermapen)
Skin needling (also known as collagen induction therapy) uses a pen with fine oscillating needles that pierce the skin causing tiny holes that repair themselves initiating a response to increase collagen and improve skin tone and texture.
Cortisone injections
Our doctors use cortisone injections to improve hypertrophic or keloid scars. We often combine this with other modalities of CO2 laser or skin needling.
Scar excision
Sometimes it is best to remove / re excise the scar if it is causing issues and you are not prone to keloid scars.
Before and after scars and stretchmarks treatments
All before and after photos are displayed with specific patient consent. Results may vary, discuss your individual needs with your health practitioner.
All stretch marks are caused by similar changes in the skin. Stretchmarks can however have an initial pink / purple discolouration, and later change to a shiny white or brown. This distinction can affect the stretch mark removal treatment choices, as pink or brown stretch marks may benefit from particular types of laser treatments that address vascular or pigmentation chromophores in the skin. White stretch marks are best treated with skin needling or Acupulse fractional laser.
Can you just cut out a keloid scar?
No – keloid scars will return if excised. They need to be treated with cortisone injections or a combination of cortisone and laser.
When is the best time to treat stretch marks?
Stretch marks are best treated early after they appear while they are still new and pink. Skin needling or vascular laser will improve stretch marks at this stage. Having said this, it is still possible to significantly improve the appearance of older, whiter stretch marks with Acupulse laser treatment. If you are currently pregnant it is best to avoid skin needling or laser treatments until post birth.
Should teenagers have stretch mark treatment while they are still growing?
Growing children or teenagers can have skin needling treatments for their stretch marks. Some children / teens are not at all bothered by their stretch marks, (it is a relative of the child who is more concerned than the child) in this group we would not recommend treatment. On the other hand there can be significant stress or embarrassment about stretch marks and a treatment to help fade these marks can make a huge difference to overall wellbeing – this is the group where we offer treatment which can be done at any age / stage.
We thoroughly explain and discuss the procedures, expectations and outcomes with both the child/teen and their consenting guardian before deciding on the best stretch mark removal treatment option.
Geelong Veins, Skin & Laser
Not sure where to start?
Book a skin analysis appointment with one of our dermal clinicians.
