How long does fractional laser treatment take to work for stretch marks?

Stretch marks are areas where the skin has changed its structure, so treatment aims to soften differences in colour and texture rather than erase the area instantly. Fractional laser makes small treatment zones that trigger repair. Redness and surface dryness may come before a smoother appearance. Newer marks may look different from older, pale marks, and results vary with their age, location, depth and your skin’s healing response. The treated area can keep changing after each session.

Keep every treatment area protected from strong sun and follow the exact cleansing and moisturising instructions. Do not scratch, peel or scrub healing skin. Wear loose clothing when marks are in an area that rubs, and tell the clinician about pregnancy, active skin disease or medicines that affect healing. Use consistent photographs to track gradual change instead of judging the area day by day.

Ask the clinic to review severe or increasing pain, marked swelling, blistering, pus, spreading redness, fever or a wound that is not settling. Darkening or lightening that concerns you also deserves assessment, especially in deeper skin tones. Do not book an extra session or apply a strong product to correct a result without professional advice.

Ask how the age and colour of your stretch marks affect the plan, when comparison photographs are useful, what improvement is realistic, and how much recovery time to allow between sessions.