Unfortunately, there are no lasers that remove stretch marks. Period. Stretch marks are tears in the skin that heal just like any injury to the body – that is, with scar tissue.
Lasers work on younger stretch marks when they are still reddish in color by absorbing the pigment but the end result is still the same in the end – a wide, flat looking band of scar.
So, the only way to remove them is to cut them out and, by looking at your photo, a tummy tuck would be better anyway because it would remove your excess skin and tighten up your tummy at the same time! (Melek Kayser, MD, Detroit Plastic Surgeon)
Laser or tummy tuck for stretch marks on abdomen after childbirth?
While there are lasers that can improve the appearance of stretch marks to a degree, they will still be present, right along with the loose stretched skin, stretched abdominal wall fascia, and extra fat causing your protruding belly.
(PS: I have taught laser surgery for over 2 decades, and have several lasers in my practice for use where they really provide a benefit. This is not one)
You are a splendid candidate for tummy tuck surgery, which will REMOVE the stretch marks, not just improve them and leave them there! Properly performed tummy tuck surgery will tighten your loose skin above the umbilicus, tighten and flatten you abdominal wall, and get rid of that pouch. Yes, it’s a long scar, more cost, and some recovery, but the results are worth it, whereas laser treatment will actually benefit the laser operator more than you (though you WILL have a lighter wallet).
And, you will still need a tummy tuck. For an example of a patient who had liposuction instead of the tummy tuck that I later performed for her, click on the web reference link below. Then go see one or more ABPS-certified plastic surgeons for a tummy tuck consultation. (Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck better than laser for removal of your stretch marks
Laser treatment with a 1540 fractional erbium laser will make stretch marks smaller and less red but will not remove them. A tummy tuck properly performed should remove most of your stretch marks below the belly button. (Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Laser or tummy tuck for stretch marks
After reviewing your photo, I feel a tummy tuck would eliminate all of the stretch marks below your belly button and give you a flatter stomach. You must have gotten this tummy after having children. Having children will always cause laxity of the skin as well as splitting of the abdominal muscles, a condition know as Diastasis recti.
When performed correctly by a well trained board certified Plastic Surgeon a tummy tuck should really help to flatten the stomach and reshape your waistline. I do not know of any magic cures for stretch marks. Tummy tuck would be your best option (Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS, Honolulu Plastic Surgeon)
Would I be better off getting my stretch marks removed by lazor removal or tummy tuck?
Despite what you may hear, you will not be able to have your stretch marks “removed” by laser. Best course of action in your case may be tummy tuck surgery, once you have reached a long-term stable weight, if you are not there already. I would suggest that you seek consultation with board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and goals; hopefully, by doing so you’ll receive ethical advice.
During the consultation process make sure you also learn about the potential risks/complications associated with the procedure. A significant recovery time is also to be expected. You may also find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)