Stretch mark laser treatment: what to expect

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks often appear after pregnancy, a growth spurt or a change in weight. They involve the deeper layer of the skin, where collagen sits.

Stretch marks can look red, pink or purple, or pale and silvery. We look at yours at the consultation.

How does the Frax 1550 treat stretch marks?

The Frax 1550 is a non-ablative fractional laser. Non-ablative means it works below the surface without removing the top layer of skin. Fractional means it treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them intact.

This prompts new collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure, and results build over three to four months.

You can read more on our Stretch marks treatment page and our Frax 1550 page.

Can older stretch marks be treated?

We treat both newer, red marks and older, silver marks.

At your consultation we'll look at your marks and tell you what we think is realistic.

What happens at the consultation?

Every treatment starts with the 30-minute one-on-one consultation. We look at the marks, ask about your skin and your health history, and check whether the Frax 1550 is a good fit.

By the end of it we'll tell you how many sessions we think you'll need and the price. Stretch mark treatment is from $200 per session, and the full list is on our prices page. You don't have to book on the day.

What does a session feel like?

We put numbing cream on the area first and give it time to work. Once the skin is numb, we treat the marks with the laser, working across the area in passes.

We go over your aftercare before you leave.

What does the skin look like afterwards?

Expect the treated skin to look pink and feel warm for a few days.

After that, the skin may feel rough or look slightly bronzed as it renews, which is normal. Most people return to normal activities quickly, and clothing usually covers the areas we treat.

How should I look after the area?

Aftercare is simple. We'll give you specific instructions at your appointment, and those come first.

In general:

• Wash gently with a mild cleanser and pat dry.
• Use a plain moisturiser to keep the skin comfortable.
• Wear SPF 30+ daily on any treated skin that's exposed, and stay out of direct sun.
• Pause retinol, exfoliating acids and vitamin C until we tell you to restart them.

How many sessions will I need?

Treatment is typically four to five sessions, about a month apart.

The number depends on how many marks you have, where they are and how long they've been there. Results build over three to four months and vary from person to person.

You can see before and after photos on our results page.

Can I have stretch mark laser during pregnancy?

No. We postpone laser treatment during pregnancy. If you're planning treatment for after your pregnancy, we're happy to talk timing through at a consultation.