Stretch Mark Treatment in Santa Barbara, CA
Stretch marks do not have to be a permanent fixture on your body. Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS offers stretch mark treatments to women and men in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, and other nearby neighborhoods in California.
Stretch marks are a common part of life for many men and women. When the skin has been stretched too far or too fast, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, these unsightly lines appear. Finally, there is a treatment that will reveal smooth and touchable skin.
Stretch marks form when the dermis, or the middle layer of skin, tears due to rapid expansion. The resulting scars appear initially as red, purple, or pink streaks and gradually fade to a silvery-white over time. While completely harmless, many patients find them a cosmetic concern that affects their confidence, particularly in areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, upper arms, and breasts.
How Does It Work?
This fractional technology delivers pulses of laser light into the skin to target and break down stretch marks. This helps generate healthy new tissue to form in its place that is smoother and more even in skin tone.
The Icon™ laser system uses Optimized light (OPL™) technology to precisely target the discolored and textured skin of stretch marks. The energy stimulates the body’s natural collagen and elastin production, gradually remodeling the scar tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Over a series of treatments, patients see a visible reduction in the width, depth, and discoloration of their stretch marks.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the next steps towards booking a procedure? Schedule your consultation today to begin your aesthetic journey with Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
The Icon™ laser is versatile enough to address stretch marks on nearly any area of the body. Common treatment areas include:
- Abdomen (especially post-pregnancy)
- Hips and flanks
- Thighs and buttocks
- Upper arms
- Breasts
- Lower back
During your consultation, Dr. Yegiyants will evaluate the location, age, and severity of your stretch marks to determine the optimal treatment protocol for your individual needs.
Why Choose Icon™ For Stretch Mark Removal?
The benefits of laser stretch mark removal include:
- Smoother, better-looking skin without surgery
- No downtime
- Comfortable treatment sessions
- Only laser technology FDA cleared to treat stretch marks
Compared to topical creams, microneedling alone, or at-home devices, the Icon™ laser delivers clinically proven, measurable results, particularly for stretch marks that have already matured to their white or silver phase, which are otherwise notoriously difficult to treat.
Treatments can be performed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Typically you may resume your daily activities immediately following the session. You may experience a temporary redness and swelling of the stretch marks, which could last a few days. Most people need four to eight treatment sessions for desired results. Expect to see an improvement in both the tone and texture of your stretch marks.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Icon™ stretch mark treatment is suitable for a wide range of patients. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have stretch marks from pregnancy, weight changes, growth spurts, or bodybuilding
- Are bothered by the appearance of stretch marks on your abdomen, thighs, arms, or other areas
- Have realistic expectations about improvement and are aware that significant reduction is achievable, though complete elimination varies by individual
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have no active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area
Patients with all skin tones can often be treated; however, Dr. Yegiyants will assess your skin type during your consultation to ensure the safest and most effective approach.
What Can You Expect on Your Treatment Journey?
Understanding the process from start to finish helps patients feel prepared and confident. Here is a general overview of what to expect:
- Consultation — Dr. Yegiyants evaluates your stretch marks, discusses your goals, and recommends a personalized treatment plan.
- Pre-Treatment — No significant preparation is typically required. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanning products in the weeks before your session.
- Treatment Session — A handheld device is passed over the skin, delivering precise pulses of laser energy. Sessions typically take 20 to 30 minutes.
- Immediate Aftercare — Mild redness and warmth are normal and typically resolve within a few days. Moisturizer and SPF are recommended.
- Follow-Up Sessions — Most patients require 4 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results.
- Results — Gradual improvement is visible after each session, with full results apparent several months after completing the treatment series.
How Much Does Stretch Mark Removal Cost in Santa Barbara?
We discuss the cost of our procedures during a consultation with Dr. Yegiyants, along with our payment and financing options through Alphaeon® and CareCredit®. To learn about our pricing information for laser treatments contact us and schedule your consultation or call our office and speak with a specialist.
The total investment depends on factors such as the number of areas being treated, the size and severity of the stretch marks, and the number of sessions required. Many patients find that financing options make the treatment series very manageable. Ask about our current specials, which may include bundled session packages for additional savings.
Can You Combine Stretch Mark Treatment with Other Services?
Many patients choose to pair stretch mark laser treatment with complementary procedures available at our Santa Barbara medspa for enhanced, comprehensive results. Popular combinations include:
- Microneedling to further stimulate collagen and improve skin texture between laser sessions
- Exosome therapy to accelerate healing and enhance skin regeneration after laser treatments
- Body contouring (CoolSculpting® Elite or EvolveX) to address body shape concerns in the same areas as stretch marks
- Tummy tuck for patients with significant post-pregnancy skin laxity who may benefit from a surgical approach alongside non-surgical improvements
Dr. Yegiyants will help you build a customized treatment plan that addresses all of your aesthetic concerns in a coordinated, efficient way.
Stretch Mark Treatment FAQs
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients require 4 to 8 sessions to achieve their desired results. The exact number depends on the age, color, and depth of your stretch marks. Newer, red or purple stretch marks tend to respond faster than older, silver-white ones.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snapping or warming feeling. The Icon™ laser is designed with patient comfort in mind, and any discomfort is brief and well-tolerated. If you are sensitive to discomfort, ask us about ProNox™ sedation, available in our office to help you relax during treatment.
How soon will I see results?
Some improvement is often noticeable after the first or second session. However, because the laser works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, the most significant results continue to develop over several months as treated tissue remodels.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are typically minimal. You may experience redness, warmth, and mild swelling in the treated area for a few days following each session. Temporary changes in pigmentation are rare but possible, which is why proper skin assessment before treatment is essential.
Can stretch marks be completely eliminated?
While dramatic improvement is common, complete elimination of all stretch marks is not guaranteed. Most patients achieve a significant reduction in the appearance, texture, and discoloration of their stretch marks, leading to smoother, more even-looking skin.
Is laser stretch mark treatment safe for all skin tones?
The Icon™ system can be used on a variety of skin tones. Dr. Yegiyants will carefully evaluate your skin type during your consultation to select the appropriate settings and ensure the safest possible outcome.
Can I get stretch mark treatment if I plan to become pregnant again?
If you are planning a future pregnancy, it is generally advisable to wait until after you have completed your family, as pregnancy can create new stretch marks in treated areas. Dr. Yegiyants will discuss timing with you during your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the next steps towards booking a procedure? We invite residents of Santa Barnara, Ventura, Santa Maria, and other nearby neighborhoods in California to learn more about stretch mark removal treatment by contacting our office to schedule a consultation or treatment with Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS.