Stretch Marks
At a glanceAlso known as striae, stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly due to growth, weight gain, or pregnancy. They appear as long, narrow streaks that can be red, purple, or white, depending on their age. At Scars & Lasers, we offer advanced laser treatments and skin resurfacing techniques to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and restore smoother skin.
Stretch marks, or striae, are a common skin condition characterised by long, narrow streaks or lines that appear on the skin. They often develop when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly, leading to the tearing of the dermis. Stretch marks are most commonly seen on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts, especially after pregnancy, rapid growth, or significant weight changes. While they are harmless, they can cause concern for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. Treatment focuses on minimising their appearance with laser therapy to promote collagen production and improve skin texture.
The Science Behind It
Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity, causing the middle layer (dermis) to tear and resulting in red, purple, or white streaks on the surface. Over time, these marks may fade but rarely disappear completely. The loss of collagen and elastin fibers during this rapid stretching or shrinking process disrupts the skin’s structure, leading to visible scars. Early intervention with collagen-boosting treatments can help improve the appearance of stretch marks and encourage skin healing.
What are the best lasers for stretch marks?
The best laser options for stretch marks depend on whether we’re treating newer red/pink marks or more mature white/silver marks. VBeam® Pulse Dye Laser is typically best for reducing redness in early stretch marks, while Acclaro UltraClear and Fraxel® Dual Laser are used to improve texture and support collagen remodelling to help stretch marks blend more smoothly with surrounding skin. Often, a combination approach delivers the most natural-looking improvement over a series of sessions.
Treatment at a Glance
| Treatment Type | Number of Sessions | Procedure Time | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaro UltraClear® | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Fraxel® Dual Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Laser Assisted Drug Delivery | 3 - 5 sessions | 30 minutes | 1 - 3 days |
| Picosecond laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Vbeam® Pulse Dye Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
Frequently Asked Questions
While treatments can significantly improve their appearance, stretch marks cannot be completely removed. They can, however, become much less noticeable with the right procedures.
Yes, stretch marks often fade from red or purple to white or silver over time. However, treatments can expedite and enhance this process.
Effective treatments include laser therapy, micro-needling, and topical retinoids. The choice depends on the type, age, and severity of the stretch marks.
Laser treatments use light energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
New stretch marks are red or purple due to blood vessels being visible, and they respond better to treatments like Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL). Older, white stretch marks are harder to treat and often require fractional or ablative laser therapy to rebuild collagen.
Most patients require 4–6 sessions spaced a six weeks apart, but the number of sessions depends on the treatment type and the severity of the stretch marks.
It is important to remember that results vary by treatment type and individual. Improvement in texture and colour is usually visible after a few sessions, with optimal results appearing over several months as collagen rebuilds.
Common side effects include redness, swelling, or mild irritation, which typically resolve within a few days. Rarely, pigmentation changes or scarring may occur.
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Targeted dermal remodelling to improve stretch mark texture, tone, and structural integrity.
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