What should you know about fractional laser for stretch marks?

Stretch marks are areas where the skin has stretched and changed its internal structure. They may be red, purple, brown, or pale, and their age and colour can influence the treatment plan. Fractional laser does not recreate untouched skin, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.

The clinician should examine the marks and check whether they are stable, changing, itchy, painful, or linked with a medicine or health condition. Treatment may be considered on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, arms, or other areas, depending on the assessment.

Do not intentionally tan the area before treatment. Share pregnancy or breastfeeding status, recent tanning, a history of dark marks after inflammation, and any products or medicines that affect healing.

Follow the aftercare plan closely. The treated area may feel hot, look red or swollen, and develop dryness or fine crusting. Keep it clean, avoid friction and picking, and use broad sun protection once the surface has healed as instructed.

Ask the clinic for review if redness spreads, discomfort intensifies, drainage develops, or the area becomes increasingly warm. Fever, marked swelling, blistering, or a rapidly changing mark needs prompt medical assessment rather than another cosmetic session.

Are these stretch marks mature or still changing, and does that alter the plan?

What result is realistic for their colour and texture?

How will you protect surrounding skin and manage pigment changes?