Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae distensae, are discolored scars found on the skin. They are caused by shearing forces or tearing of the deeper skin layers and are generally permanent. Depending on one’s skin type and the age of the scar, they can appear brown, white, or red. Stretch marks often begin red, lead to brown, and subsequently lose pigmentation totally. Depending on their severity, they can develop textural abnormalities that appear like cigarette paper.
Stretch marks generally result from rapid stretching of the skin. This is typically associated with pregnancy, rapid growth spurts, weight gain, muscle building, severe hormonal fluctuations and/or abuse of drugs, such as topical or oral steroids that weaken the skin.
Common areas for developing stretch marks are the abdomen, the breasts, inner upper arms, thighs, hips and buttocks. They pose no health threat but are cosmetically unappealing.
Stretch Marks
Treatment Options for Stretch Marks
To date, topical therapy has proven to be ineffective, despite the availability and marketing of products. Currently, we offer four primary treatments used for stretch marks at our offices in New York City.
Fraxel Treatment for Stretch Marks
More recently, non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing, or Fraxel Restore, improves white or brown stretch marks without risk to the skin. This laser treatment smooths out the texture of stretch marks. In only 4-5 treatments, dramatic improvement can be made; a personalized treatment plan can be discussed with your provider at your stretch mark treatment consultation.
Energy-Delivered Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Energy-delivered microneedling is an effective method of tightening the skin and smoothing away stretch marks. At our office, we provide state-of-the-art VirtueRF, Vivace, and Morpheus8 RF microneedling.
These treatment modalities combine microneedling with application of radiofrequency energy for enhanced results. The tiny microneedles create microinjuries in the skin tissues, stimulating new collagen and elastin protein production. RF energy boosts this process, restoring skin health and structure over time. This makes stretch marks gradually fade.
Vbeam Treatment for Stretch Marks
When stretch marks are red and relatively new, the VBeam pulsed-dye laser can reduce the redness, improve the texture, and slow down the scar’s progression in its tracks. The energy from this laser locks onto broken capillaries to restore natural skin color. At the same time, it encourages collagen protein production to heal and strengthen the skin.
How Much Does Stretch Mark Removal Cost?
The cost of stretch mark removal is dependent upon several factors. The exact treatment modality chosen can impact the overall price, as can the number of treatment sessions required to achieve optimal results.
Begin treating your stretch marks to improve your skin’s texture, increase your confidence, and stimulate collagen and your body’s natural healing process. Schedule your consultation online or contact our dermatology office in New York City at (212) 327‑2919 to get your questions answered.
SOCIAL MEDIA
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Stretch marks form when skin’s elastic fibers are stretched beyond their capacity to repair, often from pregnancy, growth spurts, weight changes, or hormonal shifts.
This patient began treatment while her stretch marks were still red, which is the most responsive stage for improvement. In the photos, you can see a clear reduction in redness, a smoother texture across the abdomen, and softer edges where the stretch marks once appeared deeper and more inflamed.
Treatment began with Vbeam to calm the redness and vascular activity. Pico was then added to break up pigment and stimulate collagen remodeling. Customized topicals between sessions supported ongoing healing and improved overall skin quality.
Her texture, color, and uniformity have improved significantly. Most patients require 6 to 10 treatments for visible fading, depending on the age, depth, and type of stretch marks. If you prolong treatment, the stretch marks will most likely be permanent and significantly harder to treat.
Every body is different, which is why PFRANKMD uses advanced, customized treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcome.
✨ Treatment performed by Registered Nurse Jennifer Schroder @bomb.ass.skin
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 + 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭
Scars evolve over time, and so does the skin around them. This patient began with significant redness, tension, and stretch marks across the lower back and buttocks. Over the following months, you can see the scar soften, fade, and blend more naturally into the surrounding skin.
This transformation was achieved using our scar protocol, combining:
• Vbeam to reduce redness and vascularity
• Miria to improve texture, remodel the scar, and resurface surrounding stretch marks
With consistent aftercare, proper scar management, and more than 5 treatments, scars can soften, smooth, and transform beautifully. Healing is a process, and every stage of progress tells a story of strength and renewal.
The scar protocol combo for effective scar revision treatment customized for the patient. Click the link in bio to schedule a consultation.
𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐚: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Miria is a non invasive treatment that reduces fine lines, softens wrinkles, improves crepey skin, and enhances overall texture with minimal downtime. The device delivers cone shaped heat deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen, tighten skin, and support long term maintenance for patients who want smoother, firmer, more youthful looking skin without the recovery of ablative lasers.
Watch the video to see how this technology penetrates deeply, creates controlled heat, and rejuvenates the skin while keeping recovery minimal and treatment tolerable.
Click the link in bio to learn if this treatment is right for you.
𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
Miria Skin Tightening is designed to target superficial skin concerns, enhancing elasticity, reducing fine lines, and improving the appearance of acne scars for a refreshed, youthful look.
This advanced treatment uses innovative energy-based technology to stimulate collagen production, delivering natural, long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Whether you’re looking to firm the face, neck, or body, or improve skin texture and acne scars, Miria offers a customized solution tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Say goodbye to superficial skin concerns and hello to rejuvenation!
✨Call (212) 327-2919 or click the link in bio to schedule your consultation.
𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Dr. Yang discusses this patient’s post-thyroid cancer surgery scar and how we’re treating it with Vbeam to target redness and discoloration, followed by Miria for texture refinement.
At 𝗣𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗠𝗗, we offer a range of advanced medical solutions to improve scar appearance, tone, and texture—because early, professional intervention can make all the difference in healing and long-term skin health.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about our comprehensive approach to scar revision and skin restoration.
𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞
Nurse Jen discusses the benefits of Fraxel laser treatment specifically for sun damage on the arms, detailing how this advanced skin resurfacing procedure targets pigmentation issues such as discoloration caused by UV exposure, promotes collagen production for skin repair, and plays a role in reducing the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers by improving skin integrity.
She demonstrates the visible differences between sun-exposed skin and protected areas on the body using close-up images, and explains the typical healing timelines for various body parts, including the face, arms, and shoulders, emphasizing factors that influence recovery such as skin type and treatment intensity.
𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧
Fraxel will brighten skin, even tone, and boost collagen. Seize the moment, because fall is the best time to see the light.
By Erin Reimel @erin_reimel for @shape Shape Magazine.
As the weather cools, lasers at dermatologist offices are heating up. The main reason: This is an ideal time for a laser treatment. Right now, you’re less likely to get as much intense sun exposure, which is especially dangerous to skin post-procedure because of the skin’s temporarily weakened barrier, says Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. Another potential factor?
“When patients have more flexible work-from-home schedules, the downtime that comes with a laser treatment seems doable to more people,” Dr. Frank says. There’s one laser in particular that has earned its status as the office’s workhorse: Fraxel @fraxel_us . It’s so good at evening out tone, fading scars, shrinking pores, and plumping skin that dermatologists turn to it for most of their patients’ antiaging needs. In fact, many make sure to get an annual treatment for themselves. “It’s the only device I’ve seen in my career that can do a little bit of everything effectively,” Dr. Frank says.
“Fraxel laser, is the top request when we start to see the leaves changing. I’d tell my patients to invest in a yearly Fraxel treatment over a slew of expensive antiaging products any day.”
For more on the science, the ouch factor, and the results, read on.
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Call (212) 327-2919 to schedule an appointment at PFRANKMD!
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥.
As the seasons change, so does your skin, and fall is the ideal time to restore, resurface, and renew.
At 𝗣𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗠𝗗, we offer a full spectrum of advanced skin rejuvenation treatments to repair summer damage and reveal smoother, firmer, healthier skin:
𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘅𝗲𝗹 – A fractional laser that targets pigment, texture, and fine lines, stimulating collagen for brighter, tighter skin.
𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗮 – A next-generation non-ablative laser that tightens skin and smooths wrinkles with minimal downtime.
𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗿 – The first device to physically remove micro-portions of skin, lifting and tightening without surgery or visible scarring.
Each technology is customized for your skin type, lifestyle, and goals — helping you achieve a refreshed, naturally radiant result that lasts.
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗠𝗗 to learn which treatment is right for you.
📍 Upper East Side & West Village | 💻 Link in bio
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟎𝟏: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤?
Ellacor uses fractional microcoring technology, a first-of-its-kind, minimally invasive treatment that physically removes tiny micro-cores of skin to improve texture, firmness, and tightness. By precisely extracting thousands of microscopic skin columns, the surrounding tissue contracts and heals naturally, creating a smoother, tighter appearance without surgery or visible scarring.
Unlike traditional energy-based microneedling, Ellacor does not use heat, radiofrequency, or laser energy to stimulate collagen. Instead, it achieves actual skin removal and tightening through mechanical precision, reducing laxity and fine lines more effectively and with less downtime.
This scarless skin removal technology can be used on multiple body areas, including the face, neck, and décolletage, offering patients a powerful alternative to more invasive procedures as the demand for natural-looking, nonsurgical rejuvenation continues to grow.
To learn more, click the link in bio and call our office to schedule a consultation.
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
𝐋𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐔𝐩
We recently treated a patient with a wrist lipoma, an area that can be challenging to address using traditional surgery. Instead of leaving a large scar or risking wrist stiffness, our team performed a minimally invasive removal using ultrasound-assisted tumescent microcannula liposuction through two stitchless pinholes. This advanced technique allowed for a smooth recovery and minimal disruption to daily activity.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that form just beneath the skin. While they are not cancerous or dangerous, they can cause discomfort or aesthetic concern. Our approach focuses on removing them effectively while preserving both function and appearance.
Performed under local anesthesia, this procedure reflects our mission at PFRANKMD to combine the artistry of aesthetic medicine with the precision of modern medical technology for results that are both functional and beautiful.
To learn more about our minimally invasive techniques and how we redefine pro-aging care, click the link in bio or call our office to schedule a consultation.
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
Say goodbye to your sun damage!
This patient came in with large amounts of pigment that developed on her chest from years of unprotected sun exposure.
We were able to begin reversing the sun damage on this patient’s chest with Fraxel Laser Resurfacing.
This popular skin renewal treatment utilizes cutting-edge technology to treat any visible sun damage by stimulating collagen production deep beneath the skins surface. The penetrative laser works with your skin’s natural healing processes and does this through a dual treatment method to better promote healing that may have been hindered by prolonged exposure to the sun.
Performed with only topical anesthesia, this 15-minute procedure has a painless recovery time of just 7 days.
At PFRANKMD, we have the full line of Fraxel lasers and customized treatments for each patient to meet their exact needs. Don’t compromise with copycats. FRAXEL provides a full range of treatment options including melasma, sun damage, scars, texture, pores, fine lines, stretch marks, and crepey skin. PFRANKMD - always providing the gold standard of lasers.
Call (212) 327-2919 to schedule an appointment at PFRANKMD.
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐕𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐦 + 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐚
Stretch marks and skin laxity often develop as a result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. At PFRANKMD, we combine the Vbeam laser and Miria laser to effectively address both concerns.
Miria uses advanced non-ablative laser technology to heat the deeper layers of the skin, improving elasticity and firmness by stimulating new collagen and elastin production.
Vbeam targets redness and discoloration in stretch marks by reducing vascular inflammation and stimulating collagen remodeling for a more even skin tone.
Together, these treatments work synergistically to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and restore smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (212) 327-2919 or click the link in bio.
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Aesthetic and Longevity Healthcare
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PFRANKMD| The Most Cutting-Edge Technologies| Customized Signature Treatments| Only Licensed Healthcare Professionals
Stretch Marks Frequently Asked Questions
What makes you a candidate for laser stretch mark removal vs. Micro-needling or "scar camouflage?"
I tend to use micro-needling treatments on laser resistant stretch marks. Particularly, old white ones or people with darker skin who may not be responsive to lasers.
How quickly can you see results after stretch marks removal treatment?
No matter what we do, whether it’s microneedling, camouflage, or laser, you should see a difference after the first treatment, but it’s rare for it to take just one treatment. Typically, multiple treatments are needed.
Are there any side effects from the lasers that you use for stretch marks removal?
Yes, there’s always potential side effects for any cosmetic treatment. Side affects vary based on the severity of the stretch marks and the treatment being used.
What is recovery like for a stretch marks removal treatment?
All of the treatments generally take a few days of recovery. You will have to keep it out of the sun for about 3-5 days.
How far apart are the stretch marks removal treatment sessions?
I generally say treatments should be done monthly. We’d love to be able to stack them and get them done quicker, but it does take time to see the end result. If you want to look good in the summer I suggest you start treatments in the winter.
What is the hardest area on the body to treat for stretch marks removal?
I would say the inner thighs are the hardest and sometimes the buttocks. Surprisingly easy areas to treat that are super comfortable are the breasts, the back of the knees. Majority of patients treat their stomach and the outer thighs.
What’s the pain like for stretch marks removal treatment?
Most treatments are annoying, but tolerable. There’s no cosmetic treatment that should be torture and your doctor or provider should always properly anestezie you prior to beginning treatment.
How many sessions does it take to completely remove my stretch marks?
It’s always a minimum of 2-3 but there are patients that need 8-10. It really depends on the severity, the skin type, what device, what combos, that’s why you really have to have it mapped out by your doctor.
What if the skin is wrinkly on the abdomen with stretch marks?
This is where I really like to utilize energy delivered microneedling. It really helps the stretch marks in addition to tightening crepey skin.
Can you do anything about stretch marks on breasts once they are white?
Yes, they actually respond beautifully. Particularly with white stretch marks, they tend to take the fewest amount treatments.
Can a 15 year old get stretch marks removal treatment or do you recommend waiting?
A lot of young adults and young patients, as young as 10-11 years old, get treatment. I treat very young patients because you’re going to get the best result by catching it early when the tissue is inflamed.
Do stretch marks completely fade away from this treatment?
In the best cases, yes. I can get rid of 100% of the stretch marks. I’m sometimes shocked the results. I aim to get anywhere from a 70-90% improvement.