PDL laser for stretch marks: what to know

Stretch marks form when skin stretches and supporting tissue changes. A pulsed dye laser delivers light absorbed mainly by blood vessels, so it is more naturally suited to marks that still look red or purple than to mature pale marks. It may improve colour while leaving the change in skin texture visible. Skin tone, the age and location of the marks, medicines, and a tendency to form raised scars all affect the discussion.

Have the area examined before booking treatment, particularly if marks appeared suddenly or after using a steroid medicine. Ask what improvement is realistic, how the settings will be chosen for your skin tone, and whether a small test area is appropriate. Treatment can cause temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or changes in pigmentation. Protect treated skin from sun exposure and follow the aftercare instructions. Other approaches, including [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/), or [RF Microneedling](/treatments/laser-and-energy/rf-microneedling/), target texture differently and may be discussed.

Contact the treating clinician if pain, swelling, blistering, crusting, or colour change is worsening rather than settling. Seek medical advice for marks accompanied by easy bruising, unusual skin thinning, or other new symptoms. Delay treatment over broken, infected, or actively irritated skin until it has been assessed.

Are my marks still red enough for PDL? What result is realistic for colour and texture? What pigmentation risk applies to my skin tone? Which alternatives would address the texture?