Stretch Mark Reduction

Stretch marks (striae) form when skin stretches or shrinks quickly — during pregnancy, growth spurts, weight change or muscle building — and the collagen and elastic fibres in the deeper skin break. New marks are red, pink or purple; over time they fade to white or silver lines.

Treatment can reduce their colour, depth and texture, but cannot remove them completely. Newer, red marks generally respond better than older white ones.

Which treatments are used for stretch marks?

• Fractional laser (CO2 or erbium) – stimulates collagen and elastin to reduce depth and discolouration; involves some downtime
• Microneedling with PRP – supports skin repair and texture with less downtime
• RF microneedling – combines microneedling with heat to tighten the skin and improve texture
• Chemical peels – improve pigmentation and surface texture
• Derma roller and mesotherapy – support collagen and skin hydration

What results can you expect?

• Marks become less visible — lighter, flatter and smoother — over a course of sessions
• Improvement is gradual and varies with the age, colour and depth of the marks
• Downtime ranges from a day or two of redness to several days after fractional laser

Side effects are usually temporary: redness, swelling and, after laser, a few days of crusting. Darker skin carries a higher risk of temporary pigment changes, so settings are chosen conservatively. Treatment for stretch marks from pregnancy is usually started after the baby is born.

Who should consider stretch mark treatment?

• Women with stretch marks after pregnancy
• Men and women with stretch marks from weight gain or loss
• People with stretch marks from muscle building
• Anyone who wants their stretch marks to be less noticeable