What's New
New Treatment for Stretch Marks
The Palomar Starlux laser has recently been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of stretch marks! This laser represents the only procedural modality available that has been shown to improve stretch marks. The initial clinical studies were all performed in Europe, and I am pleased to announce that Palomar has asked myself and Dr. Vic Narurkar to conduct confirmatory studies in the United States. In addition, we will be refining treatment protocols and developing ways to better quantify results and predict treatment responses. Please contact us if you would like to be evaluated for inclusion into the clinical trials.
You can view Palomar’s initial press release here.
The Starlux laser is a fractional non-ablative laser that works beneath the skin surface to increase collagen content in the skin. Small columns of micro beams emanate from the laser, penetrate the skin, and work in the dermal layers. A stretch mark represents an area of the skin that has thinned due to excessive stretching, hormonal changes, or steroid use. By increasing the amount of collagen in these damaged areas, the skin “plumps,” and the depth of the stretch mark is reduced. Unlike the older ablative lasers, the skin surface itself is not damaged or abraded, and so many of the undesirable side effects that we saw before with lasers are avoided. There is virtually no down time, and the major side effect profile involves the potential for hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin. Fortunately, if this occurs, the pigmentary change gradually resolves in most patients.
Because skin types are variable, the response to the treatments are variable, and so results can vary widely, from only a mild improvement to a major improvement. In general, however, one should see some improvement overall. In order to achieve the best results, 2 or 3 total treatments may be necessary, and improvement can be noted even as far a year after initial treatment.
I am especially excited about this application for the Starlux laser. It will allow my “mommy makeover” patients to achieve an even more complete abdominal rejuvenation. The tummy tuck brings the abdominal area back to pre-pregnancy shape, and the Starlux laser will be able to improve the skin quality and texture. For those who don’t wish to undergo surgery or don’t need it, this treatment will potentially provide a welcome relief to unsightly stretch marks!
abdominal stretch marks before treatment
abdominal stretch marks after treatment
For more information, Dr. Narurkar and I recently participated in an instructional webinar for Palomar Medical. You can view this webinar at this link. And you can read the original research protocols and results here.
About Dr. Chang
Dr. Carolyn Chang is one of San Francisco’s premier plastic surgeons, known for delivering the most naturally beautiful results. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Chang serves as the Vice-Chairman for the Department of Plastic Surgery at California Pacific Medical Center.
Dr. Chang specializes in cosmetic surgery. In particular, her areas of expertise include natural facial rejuvenation and mommy makeover procedures. She is an expert in the natural SMAS-Platysma facelift and is known for delivering the most naturally beautiful results. She is also one of San Francisco’s premier mommy makeover specialists, specializing in breast surgery and body contouring and she currently performs one of the largest volumes in the area of post-pregnancy rejuvenation.
Dr. Chang’s aesthetic judgments and superb surgical skills have drawn attention from television producers, beauty editors, skin care companies, and professional associations who call upon her for her knowledge of plastic surgery advancements and professional expertise. CNN, The Doctors, and National Geographic have recently sought her professional expertise for their programming. Harper’s Bazaar Magazine named Dr. Chang on their Hot List of the 24 Best Beauty Surgeons, and W Magazine named Dr. Chang one of America’s top doctors for revisional plastic surgery.
Dr. Chang is known for her natural results and exceptional sense of aesthetics. With a “who’s who” roster of celebrity patients, including actors, musicians, artists, dignitaries, and socials, Dr. Chang is one of the country’s most sought-after plastic surgeons.
Dr. Chang and her husband Patrick King live in San Francisco, with the joy of their life, daughter Jacqueline.
For more information about Dr.Chang, please visit www.drcarolynchang.com.
