SCAR AND STRETCH MARK TREATMENT.
STARLUX 1540
The good results obtained for the treatment of scars and stretch marks makes Starlux the tool of choice for IML’s dermatologists.
StarLux 1540 emits the current in the shape of vertical micro columns of heat, narrow and deep with a thermal effect that initiates a natural tissue regeneration process by inducing fibroblast activity, stimulating the formation of collagen in the deep layers of the dermis without causing any superficial damage to the skin.
With a laser emission of 1540 Nm, in each impulse we obtain hundreds of micro-releases that create the thermal effect micro columns. The 1540 Nm wavelength reaches a depth of approximately 1 mm in each column, which is an advantage compared to other systems, since it attains a broader therapeutic range. The aim of treatment is to heat the old and denaturalised collagen in a controlled manner, to stimulate the neocollagenesis or formation of well structured new collagen. This treatment carries a great advantage: it is non-ablative, that is, it does not damage the corneum, causes no scabbing on the skin surface and there is no recovery period of several days that the ablative systems require.
In the histological studies performed immediately after each session, a thermal effect induced by the micro-columns of heat can de discerned in the skin and the preservation of the corneum is visible. In subsequent studies, it can be observed how the treated skin has gone through a process of tissue remodelling, an increase and better organisation both of the elastic fibres and the collagen.
Application of treatment with Starlux 1540 is simple. The laser headpiece has a refrigeration system that avoids pain while protecting the corneum. Nevertheless, on occasions, the application of local anaesthetic in the facial area is recommended, due to its sensitivity. Each session lasts less than 30 minutes. In each session, several passes are performed (3 to 4), according to the diagnosis of the precise treatment for each case. For the treatment of hypertrophic scars or keloids on the body, 4 passes can de carried out. In any case, correct case by case diagnosis of the most appropriate treatment is always necessary, since the dermis is exceptionally thick in some areas such as the back and very thin on others such as the neck, internal thigh region, inner arm area and back of the hands; therefore, treatment should consider the skin’s thickness.
During treatment, the patient will notice a slight heat sensation. After the session, a slightinflammation in the treated area will appear, subsiding after a few hours. Since the skin’s surface remains undamaged, patients can resume their daily routines immediately. It is of interest to apply a moisturising cream to avoid post-treatment tightness, as well as a high protection factor sun cream.
In general, the inflammation dissipates in a few hours, with a light reddening persisting up to a maximum of 24 to 48 hours.
An average of 4 sessions is recommended for satisfactory results. The period between each session depends on the power applied and the thickness of the scar and skin in the treated area, so the interval between sessions is anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
Results are evident after the first session in most cases, both in the treatment of scars and stretch marks, although the final effect needs time to allow the tissue to reach to expected renewal, given that complete collagen renewal requires a total of 3 to 6 months.