Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a form of dermal scarring that occurs when the skin is stretched rapidly and the underlying collagen and elastin fibers become disrupted. This commonly happens during periods of rapid growth or hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, significant weight gain or loss, or with certain medical conditions.
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In the early stage, stretch marks (striae rubrae) often appear red, pink, or purple due to increased blood flow and inflammation. Over time, they mature into striae albae, which are lighter, thinner, and more scar-like in appearance.
At a Glance
Stretch Mark
Time
30 – 60 minutes
Results
2+ months
Risks
Most patients experience mild redness, itching and discomfort for a few days. Longer term side effects are rare
Downtime
3 – 10 days
Before
After
How does CO2 laser work for stretch marks?
COâ‚‚ laser treatments are effective for stretch marks because they work by creating controlled, microscopic columns of thermal injury in the skin. This process is known as fractional resurfacing. The laser penetrates into the dermis, where stretch marks originate, and stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response.
This leads to:
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Increased collagen production
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Remodeling of damaged elastin fibers
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Thickening of the dermis
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Improvement in skin texture and tone
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Because stretch marks are essentially a type of scar, they respond to the collagen-stimulating effects of COâ‚‚ laser in a similar way to acne scars. Over a series of treatments, the marks typically become smoother, narrower, and closer in color to the surrounding skin.
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However, complete removal is not usually possible. The goal of treatment is significant improvement in texture, depth, and visibility rather than total elimination. Multiple sessions are often required, and results tend to be better when the stretch marks are treated earlier.
What results should I expect?
What you can typically expect:
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Early stretch marks (red/pink) often respond better and faster than older white ones.
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Many patients see a 30–60% improvement in texture and appearance after a series of treatments.
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Some people notice even greater improvement with additional sessions, especially when combined with other resurfacing or collagen-stimulating therapies.
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Results continue to improve gradually over weeks to months as new collagen forms.
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It’s important to set realistic expectations. COâ‚‚ laser doesn’t erase stretch marks completely, but it can make them smoother, less noticeable, and closer in color to surrounding skin.
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Final results depend on:
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Number of sessions
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Treatment settings
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Skin type and healing response
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Age and severity of the stretch marks
Luxury Treatments
Each treatment is individually designed around you, informed by an in-depth consultation and meticulous skin analysis.
Consultant Care
Consultant Dermatologist and Laser Specialist–led care, delivered by Dr Singh and team using advanced COâ‚‚ laser technology.
National Expertise
We are dedicated to achieving outstanding clinical results, with national expertise on the latest advanced treatment protocols.