Does fractional laser treatment treat stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when skin stretches and supporting fibres change. Newer marks may be pink, red, or purple, while older marks often become lighter and slightly indented. Fractional laser creates small treatment zones that can encourage skin remodelling, so the surface may look smoother and the contrast may soften over time.

The response varies with the mark’s age, colour, depth, location, and your natural skin tone. Treatment is cosmetic and gradual; a clinician may recommend more than one visit and may choose different settings for newer and older marks. Future stretching can create additional marks even after improvement.

Book an assessment with a qualified dermatologist or laser clinician to confirm that the lines are stretch marks and to discuss realistic improvement. Mention pregnancy, recent weight or muscle change, steroid medicines, a tendency to develop dark marks, and any previous laser treatment.

Follow the preparation and aftercare plan, keep the area moisturised if advised, and protect exposed skin from ultraviolet light while it heals. Avoid scratching, waxing, or applying strong exfoliants to recently treated skin unless your clinician approves them.

Get medical advice if the marks appear suddenly with easy bruising, unusual weakness, or prolonged use of steroid medicines. After treatment, contact the clinic for severe pain, blistering, spreading redness, pus, or a colour change that is becoming more intense.

Ask whether your marks are newer or older, what change the laser is targeting, how your skin tone affects pigment risk, what recovery involves, and which alternatives may suit you.