Does Laser Work on Stretch Marks? | Results & Risks

Stretch marks sit in a strange spot: they cause no medical harm, yet they can knock how you feel in your own skin. Lotions and oils tend to promise miracles, so many people turn to laser treatment and wonder whether it actually changes those pale or red lines.

This article explains how laser works on stretch marks, what results are realistic, and how to weigh it against other options so you can talk with a dermatologist with clear questions.

Does Laser Work on Stretch Marks? How The Treatment Helps

To answer does laser work on stretch marks, it helps to know what those marks are. Stretch marks, or striae, form when the skin stretches faster than its deeper layers can adapt. Fibers in the dermis tear, then heal in a way that leaves thin, slightly sunken scars.

Fresh stretch marks, often called striae rubrae, look red, purple, or dark brown. Older ones, called striae albae, fade to pale or white lines. Because the damage sits in the deeper dermis, surface creams alone struggle to change them much.

Laser and other light devices send controlled energy into that deeper layer. Advice from the American Academy of Dermatology notes that procedures such as laser therapy can make stretch marks less noticeable, but no treatment can erase them completely.

Common Laser And Light Options For Stretch Marks

Type	How It Works	Best Match
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)	Targets blood vessels to reduce red or purple color in newer stretch marks.	Fresh red or purple marks on lighter skin tones.
Fractional CO2 Laser	Creates tiny columns of heat in the dermis to trigger strong collagen remodeling.	Deeper, older stretch marks when you can allow more downtime.
Fractional Erbium Glass Laser	Heats the dermis through narrow beams with less surface damage than classic CO2.	Texture change and fine lines with shorter healing time.
Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers	Deliver heat to the dermis while leaving most of the surface intact.	Mild to moderate marks and patients who prefer less peeling.
Picosecond Lasers	Send ultra-short pulses that can help pigment irregularity and stimulate collagen.	Brownish stretch marks or mixed pigment issues.
Nd:YAG Lasers	Reach deeper structures and can target vessels and pigment in some settings.	Selected cases, often as part of a combined plan.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)	Not a true laser, but broad light that can reduce redness and mild color change.	Early, superficial marks with color contrast.

Dermatologists often mix these tools with other procedures such as microneedling or radiofrequency. Research over recent years shows that fractional lasers in particular can bring noticeable improvement in the width, depth, and color of stretch marks, especially newer ones.

Laser For Stretch Marks Results: What To Expect

When people ask does laser work on stretch marks, they usually want to know how much better the skin will look, not just whether any change at all is possible.

How Much Improvement Is Realistic

Clinical studies and reviews report that fractional lasers and combined treatments often reduce the depth and color contrast of stretch marks by around 30 to 70 percent on average. Some patients see more change, others less, and results tend to be better for red or purple marks than for pale, old ones.

The main visible changes after a successful course of treatment include:

• Lines that look narrower and less sunken.
• Color that moves closer to the surrounding skin.
• Softer texture when you run a hand across the area.

The goal is softening and blending, not erasing. Stretch marks are a form of scar, and even strong treatments cannot return the skin fully to its original state.

Health sources such as the Mayo Clinic also describe light and laser therapies as ways to stimulate collagen and improve elasticity, while stressing that they do not promise perfect skin.

How Many Sessions You May Need

Most clinics schedule a series of sessions instead of a single visit. Many patients need three to five treatments spaced several weeks apart to see steady change, though stubborn marks or large areas can need more time.

You may see early improvement in color after one or two visits, while texture often shifts more slowly as collagen remodels over months.

How Long Results Last

Once collagen has remodeled, the new texture tends to stay stable for a long period. Stretch marks that have faded rarely spring back to their previous shape, unless there is another cycle of rapid weight change or pregnancy that stretches the skin again. Gentle skin care, sun protection, and weight stability help keep results steady.

Risks, Side Effects, And Downtime

Laser treatment for stretch marks is considered safe when a trained dermatologist chooses the right device and settings for your skin. Even so, it is still a medical procedure with short-term side effects and some rare risks.

Normal, Short-Term Reactions

Right after a session, the treated skin usually looks red and a little swollen. Some people describe a sunburn-like feeling for a day or two. With ablative fractional lasers, tiny crusts or bronzed dots can appear where the beams passed.

These effects usually settle within a few days, as long as you follow the aftercare instructions: cool compresses if advised, bland moisturiser, and strict sun protection until the skin calms.

Possible Complications

More serious problems are less common but still worth weighing before you decide. They include:

• Darkening or lightening of the treated skin, especially on medium to deep skin tones.
• Prolonged redness, swelling, or small areas of surface infection.
• Scarring if the energy is too strong or the skin is especially sensitive.
• Flare of conditions such as cold sores in the treated zone.

These risks depend heavily on the device choice, settings, and the experience of the person holding the laser. This is why many professional groups urge patients to seek care from board-certified dermatologists rather than non-medical spas for this kind of treatment.

Downtime And Daily Life

Downtime varies by device. Non-ablative fractional lasers often cause redness that lasts one to three days, while ablative fractional CO2 can mean several days of visible peeling or grid-like marks where the beams landed. Most people can work and carry out daily tasks as long as they protect the treated skin from rubbing and sunlight.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Laser Stretch Mark Treatment?

Laser does not suit all people in the same way. Skin type, age of the stretch marks, health, and expectations all matter when deciding whether to go ahead.

Fresh Versus Older Stretch Marks

Red or purple stretch marks usually respond better to treatment focused on blood vessels, such as pulsed dye lasers or certain types of IPL. These devices quiet the extra blood supply in the mark, which helps color blend into the surrounding skin. Pale, older marks can still improve with fractional lasers that stimulate collagen, but the change tends to be more about texture than color.

Skin Tone, Health, And Medications

People with deeper skin tones can still use laser for stretch marks, yet device choice and settings need extra care to limit pigment change. Certain health factors call for caution: recent isotretinoin use, a history of keloid scars, uncontrolled diabetes, or active skin infections near the area can all increase the chance of poor healing, so your dermatologist will screen for these.

Mindset And Expectations

The people who feel happiest after treatment tend to be those who accept that stretch marks will still exist but hope for softer, quieter lines that draw less attention.

Costs, Alternatives, And How To Decide

Cost, time, and personal comfort all influence whether laser treatment fits into your plan for dealing with stretch marks. Weighing laser against other options helps you see the full picture.

What Laser Sessions May Cost

Prices vary widely by country, clinic, device type, and how large an area needs treatment. Many clinics charge per session and per body area. That means a small group of stretch marks near the hips costs less than a full abdomen or both thighs.

Because most people need several sessions, it helps to ask for an estimate of the full course instead of just the price of the first visit. Cosmetic laser for stretch marks is rarely covered by insurance, so you should expect to pay out of pocket.

Laser Versus Other Stretch Mark Treatments

Treatment Type	Main Upsides	Main Limits
Laser Or Light Therapy	Targets deeper layers and can reduce both color and texture changes.	Multiple visits, higher cost, requires skilled operator.
Microneedling	Promotes collagen with tiny needles and short downtime.	May need many sessions; texture more than color change.
Radiofrequency Devices	Heat the dermis to tighten and smooth skin.	Can be costly and also needs repeat treatments.
Topical Retinoid Creams	May help new marks fade when used on stable skin.	Less effect on old marks; not safe during pregnancy.
Hyaluronic Acid Creams	Improve hydration and may give modest fading in early marks.	Results alone tend to be mild.
Self-Tanner Or Camouflage Makeup	Quick visual blend for events or photographs.	No true change in the scar itself.
No Treatment	Stretch marks often soften with time even without procedures.	Appearance may still bother you in some lights or clothing.

How To Use Professional Advice Well

Reputable dermatology organizations stress that no single method works for all people with stretch marks. A visit with a dermatologist lets you match the device and plan to your skin type, general health, and budget.

Before you commit, you can ask:

• Which type of laser or device they recommend for your stretch marks and why.
• How many sessions they expect you will need and at what spacing.
• What level of change their other patients with similar marks usually see.

So, What Can Laser Do For Stretch Marks?

Laser can make stretch marks noticeably less obvious for many people, especially when the marks are still new and the plan suits the person’s skin. The change is measured in softer, finer, and less contrasted lines rather than perfect, untouched skin.

If you are weighing laser against living with your stretch marks or using other treatments, think about how much the marks affect your daily life, how many visits you are willing to commit to, and which side effects you are comfortable accepting.