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-t