Yes, laser treatment for stretch marks can fade their color and texture, but it will not remove stretch marks completely.
How Laser Treatment For Stretch Marks Works
Laser stretch mark treatment uses concentrated light to create controlled injury in the skin so that new collagen and elastin grow and the grooves of stretch marks look smoother.
Dermatologists use different devices for red, newer stretch marks and pale, older stretch marks, adjusting the settings to match skin tone and depth of the scarred tissue.
The goal is not to erase the marks but to blend them into the surrounding skin so they draw less attention in day to day life.
Lasers fall into two broad groups: ablative devices that remove tiny columns of skin and nonablative devices that leave the surface intact while heating deeper layers.
Many modern machines fire in a fractional pattern, treating a grid of spots while leaving normal skin between them so healing cells can move in quickly and shorten downtime.
Collagen remodeling continues for three to six months after a course of laser sessions, so improvements often keep building even after the last appointment.
Common Laser Options For Stretch Marks
Clinics rarely rely on a single type of laser for each case, so it helps to see how the main options differ by target, phase of stretch marks, and typical improvement after a series of sessions.
| Laser Type | Best For | Typical Change After Several Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsed dye laser | Fresh red or purple stretch marks | Redness can fade and edges look softer |
| Fractional nonablative laser (1540 nm) | Mild to moderate marks on body and face | Texture smooths and color blends by around one to two shades |
| Fractional CO2 laser | Older white stretch marks and mixed scars | Depth and width may shrink with stronger resurfacing |
| Er:YAG fractional laser | Shallow marks where precise resurfacing is helpful | Fine lines soften and skin feels firmer |
| Intense pulsed light (IPL) | Reddish marks on lighter skin tones | Red color can drop while texture change stays mild |
| Picosecond laser | Marks with color change or pigment around them | Color mottling fades and tone looks more even |
| Radiofrequency microneedling plus laser | Textured marks with loose surrounding skin | Skin tightens and grooves can look shallower |
Medical groups such as the American Academy of Dermatology guidance on stretch marks explain that laser and light based procedures help stretch marks look less noticeable, yet no treatment can remove them fully.
Reviews of clinical studies also report that fractional lasers and pulsed systems give moderate improvement for most people instead of a perfect fix.
Does Laser for Stretch Marks Work? Old And New Marks Compared
Does laser for stretch marks work the same way on early red marks and older pale lines, or does timing change what you can expect from treatment?
Newer stretch marks still hold more blood vessels, so pulsed dye lasers or intense pulsed light can shrink the redness and slow further stretching.
Older marks have more broken elastic fibers and less pigment, so fractional lasers that reach deeper layers are used to encourage collagen remodeling and gentle resurfacing.
Across both groups, published studies suggest that a realistic target is partial fading in color and some smoothing of the texture instead of complete removal.
How Many Laser Sessions You May Need
Laser stretch mark treatment is rarely a one time visit, because collagen remodeling happens slowly and the skin needs breaks between sessions.
Many dermatology clinics plan series of three to six treatments, with gaps of four to eight weeks, then review photos and measurements before recommending any extra visits.
Some people notice change after the second or third session, while others see most progress near the end of the series.
Gains also depend on how strong each session is, how wide the marks are, and whether other methods such as retinoid cream, microdermabrasion, or microneedling are used alongside the laser work.
What Results To Expect From Laser Stretch Mark Treatment
Most research and expert sources line up around the same message, which is that laser therapy can bring moderate, visible improvement in stretch marks instead of complete removal.
Clinical trials of fractional CO2 and nonablative lasers show reductions in color contrast, better elasticity scores, and patient ratings that often land in the middle range for satisfaction.
A dermatologist will usually show before and after photos with realistic lighting and remind you that your skin type, age, and pattern of stretch marks all influence the final look.
For many people the most valued change is confidence in swimwear or fitted clothes again, even when faint lines remain under bright light.
Small studies sometimes report that doctors and patients rate improvement in stretch marks somewhere between one third and three quarters after fractional laser courses, with stronger change in color than in depth.
Results are usually better when marks are younger, when the contrast between the mark and surrounding skin is high at baseline, and when the schedule of visits is kept steady without long gaps.
Risks, Side Effects, And Recovery Time
Laser treatment for stretch marks is classed as a cosmetic medical procedure, so there are known side effects even when the person treating you is experienced and uses well studied devices.
You can expect temporary redness, warmth, and swelling after each session, which often feel similar to sunburn and settle over several hours or a few days.
Dermatology societies list possible problems such as blistering, skin darkening or lightening, infection, and in rare cases scarring, especially when settings are too strong for the skin tone treated.
People with darker skin tones need special care with laser choice and energy levels, so clinics may favor nonablative fractional lasers and careful test spots before treating a wide area.
Sun protection, gentle cleansing, and bland moisturizer help healing and help lower the chance of pigment change.
People with a history of keloid scarring, cold sores, or isotretinoin use need screening, since those factors can change how the skin reacts to laser energy.
Costs, Access, And Alternatives
Stretch mark laser treatment is almost always classed as cosmetic, so public health systems and insurance plans rarely pay for it.
Some national health bodies, such as the NHS guidance on stretch marks, state plainly that laser and light based options sit outside standard funding lists and must be paid for privately.
| Stretch Mark Situation | Typical Session Range | Expectation After Full Series |
|---|---|---|
| Small patch of new red marks after growth spurt | 3 to 4 | Redness fades and lines look closer to normal skin |
| Larger area after pregnancy with mixed red and white marks | 4 to 6 | Color blends, texture improves, marks still visible at close range |
| Older white marks on hips or thighs | 3 to 5 | Lines flatten, shadowing under certain light angles decreases |
| Stretch marks over areas with looser skin | 4 to 6 plus maintenance | Skin feels firmer and grooves less deep, ongoing top ups may help keep changes |
Prices vary widely by country, clinic, laser type, and size of the area, yet many patients pay several hundred units of local currency per session, which adds up over a multi session plan.
When cost, skin type, or personal preference rules out laser treatment, other options include prescription retinoid creams for early marks, microneedling, radiofrequency, or choosing to leave the marks alone and focusing on comfort rather than change.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Laser Stretch Mark Treatment?
Good candidates are usually in stable health, with stretch marks that have stopped spreading quickly and realistic expectations about what lasers can and cannot achieve.
Dermatologists suggest waiting until after pregnancy or major weight change, since new stretching can create fresh marks beside treated ones.
Active skin infections, open wounds, or certain medications that affect healing may rule out or delay treatment until the skin has settled.
During a pre treatment visit the specialist reviews medical history, checks your skin tone and the pattern of your stretch marks, and explains how much fading they expect in your case.
Does Laser Treatment Make Stretch Marks Worse?
Most people asking does laser for stretch marks work also worry that something could go wrong and leave the area in poorer condition than before.
With suitable devices, careful settings, and proper aftercare, serious problems are uncommon, though mild darkening or lightening of the skin can still happen.
Risks rise when unqualified providers use aggressive energy levels, skip test spots, or treat tanned or recently irritated skin without enough recovery time.
Choosing a board certified dermatologist or reputable clinic that explains the device, settings, and aftercare steps in plain language lowers the chance of regret.
Practical Tips Before Booking A Laser Session
Start by gathering photos of your stretch marks in clear light so you can track change over time and have a baseline to share during clinic visits.
At the visit, ask how many sessions they usually recommend for cases similar to yours, which type of laser they plan to use, and what kind of improvement range they see in people with your skin tone.
Request to see unedited before and after photos of previous patients, and pay attention to how the clinic explains risks, downtime, and costs, since clear communication often reflects good practice.
Between sessions, follow the skin care plan you are given and avoid tanning the treated area, because fresh UV exposure can raise the risk of pigment changes after laser exposure.
Ask for written aftercare notes and contact details in case you notice unusual swelling, oozing, or pain, and seek prompt review if anything feels severe or lasts longer than your clinic predicted.