Understanding advanced laser treatment for stretch marks
Older stretch marks are atrophic — thinned, with disorganised collagen. Fractional energy creates controlled zones of injury that trigger new collagen formation, gradually thickening and smoothing the marks.
Body skin heals more slowly than facial skin, so intervals between sessions are longer and aftercare instructions stricter.
In deeper skin tones, settings are conservative because post-inflammatory pigmentation on the body can be slow to fade.
This may suit you if
- Older, white, textured stretch marks
- Marks that have not responded sufficiently to microneedling alone
- Patients able to accommodate a few days of redness after each session
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Assessment and test area
Skin tone and mark characteristics are assessed; a test area may be treated first to check response.
- 2
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic is applied over the treatment area, which takes longer for large areas.
- 3
Fractional treatment
Energy is delivered across the marks in a controlled pattern with cooling as needed.
- 4
Recovery and next session
Aftercare is explained in writing and the next session is scheduled four to six weeks later.
Aftercare
- Follow the written aftercare precisely during healing
- Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen on exposed areas
- No swimming, sauna or heavy workouts until healed
- Keep the area moisturised with the product advised
Possible side effects
- Redness, swelling and peeling during recovery
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can be slow to clear on the body
- Partial improvement only in long-standing marks
- Rarely, infection or textural change