Carboxy Stretch Marks Before and After: What to Know

Stretch marks are changes in the deeper skin after stretching, such as during pregnancy, growth, or weight change. Before treatment, a clinician should assess whether the marks are newer and coloured or older and pale, because their appearance and response can differ. Carboxytherapy uses controlled carbon dioxide placed into the skin; temporary swelling, redness, or a tight feeling can make the area look different immediately after a session. That early change is not the final result.

Improvement is usually assessed over a course of appointments and after the skin has settled. The aim is reduced contrast and a smoother-looking texture, not removal of every mark.

Tell the clinician about pregnancy or breastfeeding, skin infections, poor wound healing, blood-clotting problems, medicines that affect bleeding, and a history of raised scars. Follow the clinic’s instructions about bathing, shaving, creams, and sun exposure. After treatment, keep the area clean, avoid rubbing or picking, and use the recommended moisturiser and sun protection once advised. Delay treatment over irritated, broken, or infected skin.

Contact the treating clinic if redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or drainage is worsening rather than settling, or if you develop fever or spreading skin changes. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, facial swelling, faintness, or rapidly worsening pain. A new mark that is painful, bleeding, or changing for another reason deserves an assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.

Ask which type of stretch mark you have, what change is realistic, how many visits may be considered, what downtime to plan for, and which alternatives fit your skin. Discuss whether microneedling, fractional laser treatment, or RF microneedling is appropriate, and how your clinician will compare progress.