If visible scars or stretch marks are affecting how you feel about your skin, advanced aesthetic treatments can help restore smoother texture and more even tone. Scars from surgery, injury, or acne—as well as stretch marks from pregnancy or weight changes—can all be softened and minimized through non-surgical technologies designed to support your skin’s natural healing process.
In Palm Beach Gardens, Dr. Thomas Pane, MD offers customized scar and stretch mark removal treatments for patients who want to improve skin appearance without invasive procedures. These treatments may include radiofrequency microneedling, nanofractional resurfacing, or other energy-based technologies that stimulate collagen production and promote cellular turnover.
What Causes Scars & Stretch Marks?
Scars form as part of the skin’s healing process whenever multiple layers of skin are injured. The injury may be the result of an accident, surgery, a burn or even severe acne.
While the exact cause of stretch marks is unknown, it is thought that striae are the result of your skin’s collagen and elastin breaking down under stress. Pregnancy, body building and weight loss are the leading causes of stretch marks. Stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, groin or buttocks. In the beginning, stretch marks are red. They turn white as part of the healing process.
In the past, cryosurgery (freezing), excision, steroid injections and the use of topical creams and ointments were the standard of care for the treatment of scars and stretch marks. The results of these treatments range from fair to minimal, with recurrences commonly seen after many of these treatment options.
Laser Technology for Scars and Stretch Mark Removal
Today, laser treatments to treat a wide variety of scars and stretch marks are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Pane in our Palm Beach office.
The laser’s energy stimulates the skin under the scar and causes the fibroblasts in the skin to begin to divide again. It also stimulates the production of collagen. This thickens the skin under the scar until it closely resembles the surrounding normal skin.
Do Laser Treatments for Scars and Stretch Marks Work?
Our current laser technology has been shown to improve or eliminate red or raised scars. Recent studies have demonstrated that laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen and improve or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.
Additional studies show that the appearance of stretch marks continues to improve over a period of time ranging from 3–6 months after the laser treatment was given. Even those treatments that showed little if any initial improvement showed as much as a 50% improvement at their 6-month checkup.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Laser Scar and Stretch Mark Removal?
The patients that respond the best to laser treatment for scars and stretch marks are those with:
- Fair complexion and light pigmentation
- Shallow scars or stretch marks
Note: Patients with a history of Vitiligo, pigmentation disorders, dark tans or dark pigmentation may require an initial skin test for evaluation by our physician prior to treatment.
What Else Can Be Used to Treat Scars?
Scarfade™ and Laserfade™ are silicone gels that when applied to the skin form a micro-thin layer of silicone on the scar. They can be worn under cosmetics and are both easily tolerated by children. The silicone is thought to moisturize the skin, reduce capillary irritation and allow the skin to return to its normal texture and color.
Do Laser Scar and Stretch Mark Removal Treatments Hurt?
Most patients do not require anesthetic. Some patients have indicated that they feel a slight tingling when the laser pulses, or that the laser pulse feels like the snap of a rubber band against the skin.
What Should You Expect After Laser Treatment for Scars and Stretch Marks?
After our doctor performs a laser treatment, results vary from patient to patient and may not be immediate. Results from laser scar and stretch mark treatment are generally progressive and may require multiple treatments. If you respond to the first treatment, your second treatment will usually be as good as the first, and the third treatment will be almost as good. About 70% of patients receiving laser treatments for their stretch marks notice a marked improvement. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older and deeper scars and stretch marks. To enhance the results of your laser treatments, your surgeon may recommend the use of tretinoin cream or a glycolic acid cream prior to and after your laser treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Thomas Pane
Dr. Pane brings a comprehensive understanding of both surgical and non-surgical aesthetics to every treatment. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, he evaluates your skin condition carefully and recommends a tailored approach based on the depth, color, and age of your scars or stretch marks. His focus is on safety, gradual results, and outcomes that look natural and age well.
Patients from Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach trust Dr. Pane for his skill, clear communication, and conservative approach to cosmetic enhancement. Whether you’re treating a few isolated marks or addressing a larger area, your treatment plan is built around your goals and your comfort.
FAQs
How Many Scar or Stretch Mark Removal Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments you'll need depends on the type, depth, age, and color of the scar or stretch marks being treated. Newer, shallower marks often respond more quickly, while deeper or older scars may require a longer plan. Many patients need a series of sessions to see noticeable improvement because collagen production and skin renewal happen gradually. During your consultation, Dr. Thomas Pane will evaluate your complexion and recommend a schedule based on your concerns and goals.
Can Laser Therapy Completely Remove Scars or Stretch Marks?
Laser therapy can significantly reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, but complete removal is not always possible. The goal is usually to soften texture, improve discoloration, and help the treated area blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
Some patients see dramatic improvement, while others notice more subtle changes depending on the depth and age of the marks. Stretch marks and scars that are newer, lighter, or more superficial may respond better than older or deeper ones.
How Soon After Surgery or Injury Can I Treat a Scar?
A scar should usually be fully healed before laser or energy-based treatment begins. This means the skin should be closed, free from infection, and no longer scabbed or actively irritated. Some scars may benefit from early intervention once healing has progressed enough, while others may need more time before treatment is appropriate. The timing can vary based on the cause of the scar, its location, and how your skin is healing.
Can Old Scars Still Respond to Laser Treatment?
Yes, older scars may still respond to laser treatment, although they may require more sessions and may improve more gradually than newer scars. Over time, scars can become thicker, flatter, lighter, or more textured, and these changes can affect how the skin responds. Laser energy can stimulate collagen production and encourage remodeling, which may soften the scar and improve its appearance.
While older scars may not disappear completely, many patients still notice a smoother texture and better blending with surrounding skin. A consultation can help determine whether your scar is likely to respond well.
Is Laser Scar Treatment Safe for Acne Scars?
Laser scar treatment may be a safe option for certain types of acne scars when performed by an experienced provider. Acne scars can vary widely, including shallow depressions, deeper pitting, uneven texture, or discoloration. Treatment should be based on the specific scar pattern. Laser and energy-based therapies may help stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s surface over time.
Patients with active acne, irritation, or certain pigmentation concerns may need to address those issues first.
Can Stretch Marks from Pregnancy Be Treated After Breastfeeding?
Yes, stretch marks from pregnancy can often be treated after breastfeeding, depending on their location and your overall health. Many patients choose to wait until pregnancy-related skin changes have stabilized and they are no longer breastfeeding before beginning cosmetic treatments.
This can make it easier to evaluate the stretch marks and create a plan based on their color, depth, and age. Red or newer stretch marks may respond differently from white or older ones, but both may improve with laser or energy-based therapies. Red or newer stretch marks may respond differently from white or older ones, but both may improve with laser or energy-based therapies.
Restore Confidence in Your Skin
If you’re ready to reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks and reveal smoother, clearer skin, personalized care can make all the difference. Contact Dr. Thomas Pane in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, by calling +1 561-422-4116 to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options for long-term skin renewal.