Fraxel For Stretch Marks- Does It Work? | What To Expect

Stretch marks are lines where the dermis stretched and healed in a thinner, scar-like pattern. That’s why lotions can make skin feel nicer but still leave the lines clear in bright light. A fractional laser targets deeper tissue, so it can change how the mark reflects light and how it feels under your fingers.

This article focuses on realistic outcomes, the kind of treatment plan most people need, and the main risks you should plan for before booking.

What Fraxel means in plain terms

Fraxel is a brand name used for fractional laser resurfacing. “Fractional” means the laser treats a grid of microscopic spots, not the whole surface. Untreated skin between those spots speeds healing.

Many clinics use a non-ablative 1550 nm fractional laser for dermal texture change. Some also use a 1927 nm wavelength when surface tone irregularity is part of the complaint.

Why stretch marks react like scars

Stretch marks are called striae distensae. They often start red, pink, or purple (“striae rubra”). Over time they fade to pale or silvery (“striae alba”). Early marks still have more active color, while older marks behave more like settled scar tissue.

Fraxel laser for stretch marks with honest expectations

Fraxel can work for stretch marks if your goal is improvement, not erasing. Published reports on fractional lasers, including 1550 nm non-ablative devices, show visible change in texture and overall appearance after multiple sessions. One clinical paper on fractional laser treatment for striae published in PubMed Central reports that both non-ablative fractional lasers and fractional CO2 lasers can produce clinical improvement in texture and appearance, with results varying by device and patient.

Changes people often see

• Less shine when light hits the mark
• Smoother feel, with less of a dip or ripple
• Edges that blend better into nearby skin
• Newer red marks that calm toward a lighter tone over time

Changes Fraxel won’t deliver

• Total removal of every line
• Perfect tone match for long-standing pale marks in all lighting
• A lift for loose skin

Who tends to get the cleanest payoff

Results are shaped by your marks, your skin, and the settings used. Three factors usually matter most.

Mark age and color

Pink, red, or purple marks often respond faster because there’s still active color and early remodeling. Pale marks can respond too, but they often need more sessions for a similar level of change.

Skin tone and pigment risk

Deeper skin tones can be treated, but pigment shifts can last longer if settings are too aggressive or if you tan around treatment time. A clinician who treats your Fitzpatrick type often is a big deal. A cautious first session and spacing treatments out can lower risk.

Body area

Abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and breasts are common sites. Thicker skin can tolerate more energy. Thin zones may need gentler settings and more patience.

What a typical treatment plan looks like

Stretch marks almost never change much from a single session. Most plans use 3–6 treatments spaced about 4–6 weeks apart. Your clinician may start conservative, then adjust settings based on how you heal.

• Day 1–2: redness, warmth, mild swelling
• Day 3–7: dryness, bronzing, fine flaking
• Week 2+: skin calms; remodeling keeps going under the surface

Table 1: Stretch mark options and what each targets

Treatment type	What it can improve	Notes to know
Fraxel 1550 nm (non-ablative fractional)	Texture, shallow depth, blend in normal lighting	Series needed; downtime often mild to moderate
Fraxel 1927 nm (fractional thulium)	Surface pigment contrast and tone irregularity	May be paired with 1550 nm
Fractional CO2 (ablative fractional)	Deeper texture change for thicker, scar-like striae	More downtime; aftercare matters a lot
Pulsed dye laser (PDL)	Red and pink marks (vascular color)	Limited value for pale marks
Microneedling	Texture softening and gradual blending	Works best in a series
Radiofrequency microneedling	Texture change with controlled dermal heating	Can suit pigment-prone skin with cautious settings
Prescription retinoid (not in pregnancy)	Early marks and mild texture help	Slow change; irritation can flare if overused
Camouflage makeup or self-tan	Fast appearance change for photos and events	No structural change; can collect in grooves

Safety and side effects you should plan for

Most short-term effects are predictable: redness, swelling, and temporary darkening. Less common risks include blistering, infection, scarring, and lasting pigment shifts.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery guidance on laser therapy for stretch marks lists potential risks like pain, swelling, discoloration, bleeding, infection, scarring, and crusting.

• Show up with untanned skin and avoid self-tanner before treatment
• Use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas after treatment
• Skip scrubs, acids, and waxing until your clinician says your skin is ready
• Tell your clinician about past keloids, eczema flares, or slow healing

Stretch marks behave like a form of scarring. The American Academy of Dermatology notes on laser treatment for scars says lasers can’t remove a scar, but they can make scars less noticeable. Stretch marks fit that same expectation range.

Does Fraxel work better on new or old stretch marks

New marks tend to respond faster because there’s more active color and the tissue is still in an earlier repair phase. Old pale marks can still respond, but you’ll usually need more sessions and you may see the clearest gains in texture and shine instead of pure color match.

Table 2: Questions that sort a good clinic from a risky one

Question to ask	What you’re checking	Green-flag answer
Who will do the treatment	Training and accountability	“A clinician trained on this device treats you and checks healing.”
How many stretch mark cases like mine do you treat	Experience with your skin and mark type	“We treat these weekly and can show similar before/after photos.”
What settings will you start with	Customization and caution	“We start conservative, then adjust after we see your response.”
What downtime should I expect	Honesty about recovery	“Redness and flaking for days; avoid sun and friction.”
What is the plan if I darken after treatment	Preparation for pigment shifts	“We check early and treat pigment changes quickly.”
How will we measure progress	Reality-based tracking	“Standard photos in the same lighting at set intervals.”

Aftercare that keeps healing calm

Keep the first week simple. Gentle cleanser, bland moisturizer, and clean hands. Don’t pick flakes. Let the surface settle so the dermis can remodel without extra irritation.

• Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser
• Moisturize with fragrance-free products
• Use sunscreen on any treated area that sees daylight

How to judge results clearly

Stretch marks can look different under window light versus overhead bulbs. Track progress with the same photo setup each time: same room, same light, same distance, same pose. Compare photos at least 8–12 weeks after a session.

The Cleveland Clinic overview of stretch marks notes that laser resurfacing can stimulate new collagen and that skin can keep improving for months after treatment. That slow curve matches many fractional laser plans.

Booking checklist before you commit

Fraxel can be a good fit if your stretch marks bother you in normal lighting, you can commit to a series, and you can follow sun-avoidance and aftercare. It’s a poor fit if you want a one-and-done fix or if your main issue is loose skin instead of the lines.

Pick a clinician who treats your skin tone often, start conservative, and track progress with consistent photos. That’s the simplest way to keep risk lower and judge the payoff clearly.