Laser Treatments For Stretch Marks – Bring Back The Bikini
Tired of stretch marks? Is there anything you can do about them?
The short answer is “absolutely”.
Stretch marks are something nobody wants.
Unfortunately, there is no non-invasive treatments available today that completely “removes” these marks.
However, with advancements in laser technology there are laser treatments for stretch marks available to greatly improve the skin’s appearance and minimize the marks to a point where they are hardly noticeable.
The information below is intended as a starting point for anyone looking at laser treatments as a means to improving self-confidence and overall well-being.
Nonetheless, this information is not intended to replace the advice or direction of a qualified medical professional. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have about laser therapy.
Laser Stretch Mark Removal FAQ
What Are The Benefits Of Laser Treatments For Stretch Marks?
It’s commonly known that stretch marks can contribute to low self esteem.
Laser procedures can help patients become more confident in their interactions with others.
Even if the stretch marks cannot be removed completely, just minimizing their appearance can improve ones self-confidence and body image.
With a healthy body image, patients who have had laser removal of stretch marks can feel confident wearing a strapless or low cut dress or even a bikini while on vacation or at the beach.
It becomes just one less thing to worry about.
What Kind Of Lasers Are Used For Treating Stretch Marks?
There are two general types of lasers for stretch mark treatments: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative Lasers
During ablative procedures, the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is essentially “stripped” away to a precise depth.
However, the skin is not burned as some believe. Ablative lasers disrupt the bonds that bind the molecules in the skin’s tissue and cause the tissue to break apart and disintegrate.
This type of injury induces a healing response that stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin resulting in smoother newer looking skin.
Because the outer layer of skin is removed, ablative procedures require more time to heal than non-ablative procedures. Some examples of ablative procedures are CO2 and Erbium laser skin resurfacing and Excimer laser therapy.
Non-ablative Lasers
Non-ablative lasers treat stretch marks by penetrating the epidermis and focusing treatment deeper in the dermal layer without causing obvious injury to the outer layer of the skin. Since the epidermis is minimally affected, there is often less pain and less time needed for healing than with ablative procedures.
Some examples of non-ablative laser treatments include the use of fractional laser therapy, pulsed dye lasers, and radio frequency therapy.
4 Leading Laser Treatments For Stretch Marks
Fractional Laser Treatments (Non-ablative)
Fractional laser therapy, or fractional photothermolysis, is the latest advancement in cosmetic laser treatments and particularly good for difficult mature white stretch marks.
These lasers create small vertical “injuries” penetrating directly into the patient’s dermis where the problem lies to promote new collagen growth.
The injuries occur on a microscopic level and are approximately the diameter of a hair shaft. This process stimulates the production of new collagen in the deeper layers of the dermis.
The damaged area of skin undergoes a healing process assisted by the surrounding healthy cells, replacing old damaged tissue with new. This fills in the depressed areas of stretch marks resulting in newer, smoother and healthier skin.
Fraxel and Affirm lasers are some common examples of fractional laser systems.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) Treatments (Non-ablative)
Pulsed dye laser treatment is a type of laser therapy where short pulses of light with low wavelength are aimed at the dermis where stretch marks originate.
The laser pulses initiate the production of elastin and collagen as these maintain the elasticity of the skin. After the initial session, results are apparent after two months.
CO2 or Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments (Ablative)
CO2 and Erbium laser treatments are the mainstay ablative procedures. Similar to microdermabrasion and chemical peels, but more precise and less painful, laser resurfacing treatments involve removing layers of the outer epidermis to a certain depth to stimulate new collagen formation and skin rejuvenation.
During the treatment, a topical or local anesthetic is used to reduce discomfort. After the procedure, treated skin will normally require 7 to 10 days to fully heal.
It’s important to note, this treatment for stretch marks is somewhat controversial. Some dermatologist feel any type of skin resurfacing technique does not treat the actual problem and may if fact, aggravate stretch marks.
Excimer Laser Treatments (Ablative)
Excimer laser treatments are a different approach than the above methods. Instead of targeting production of new collagen and elastin, the Excimer laser stimulates melanin production to darken the pigmentation of the stretch marks so they match the surrounding skin color as close as possible.
Typically, as many as 10 t0 20 treatments may be needed to get satisfactory results. This therapy does not improve skin texture and is best for light colored mature stretch marks.
Are Laser Procedures For Stretch Marks Safe?
Laser treatments use cosmetic lasers that are controlled precisely by skilled technicians. Mishaps are rare with minimal potential of unwanted injury.
Thus, the procedure is considered very safe. Patients have a very high approval rating of laser surgery for stretch marks. The recovery time for treatments is not as long as other invasive surgical procedures like tummy tucks or liposuction.
Nevertheless, laser procedures are not without risk. A laser in the hands of an unskilled technician could possibly cause some superficial damage to the treatment area. Each dermatologist or plastic surgeon should be carefully evaluated to determine the skill level of the laser technician.
Does Laser Therapy For Stretch Marks Hurt?
Most patients find the process tolerable unless they have a low threshold for pain. On a scale of one to 10, most patients rank the procedure a two or a three.
A few may rank the procedure a four in terms of pain. In most instances, patients site the process as tolerable. Unless the patient is sensitive, they should not have any difficulty with the procedure.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Minimal downtime is required for most laser treatments. Commonly, people will have the procedure done one afternoon and return to work the next day.
People with darker pigmentation may be less responsive to laser therapy. If hyperpigmentation occurs, it generally fades within a couple of days. Some patients may not be responsive to laser treatments at all.
There are few side effects to the procedure, and most people find it just mildly uncomfortable. The treated area may be red and tender following the laser treatments.
How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed, What Do They Cost?
Depending on the skin type, age, size, and severity of the stretch marks as well as the treatment method used, the number of treatments and cost can only be determined through a consultation with your doctor or stretch mark specialist.
All clinics and cosmetic centers we’ve dealt with have free stretch mark therapy consultations. In order to provide a general idea for cost and time commitment, here are some treatment and cost estimates:
Fractional laser therapy: 4 to 6 treatments, $350 to $1100 per treatment.
Pulsed dye laser treatments: 1 to 3 treatments, $400 to $1500 per treatment.
Erbium/CO2 laser skin resurfacing: 1 to 4 treatments, $500 to $900 per treatment.
Excimer laser treatments: 5 to 20 treatments, $150 to $400 per treatment.
Important To Keep In Mind…
Natural prevention of stretch marks before they appear should always be your first priority. Prevention may not always be possible, but taking healthy preventative measures can lessen the severity of stretch marks making them much easier to accept, treat or disguise.
Again, for most women and men, stretch marks are unavoidable. As mentioned previously, there is no one stretch mark treatment that is right for everybody.
Laser treatments for stretch marks is effective for most and the technology is constantly advancing.
If you’re interested in removing stretch marks, minimizing their appearance or even preventing them in the first place, inform yourself about all the different options.
See the video below for an example of a clinic providing laser stretch mark removal treatments.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to admit, the video is pretty convincing. It makes me want to tell my friend about it. She has been living with a mild case of stretch marks for 15 years, since the birth of her son. I just hope it doesn’t take too many treatments. Otherwise, it could leave you in the welfare line.
I am glad that someone thought of this treatment because I have been trying to get rid of stretch marks for quite some time now with scar cream and coco butter lotion but nothing has touched the ones on my stomach, how much does this laser treatment cost? Is there a laser you can buy for your home and you could do his on your own.
Hello Dawn,
The cost of laser treatments depends on type of laser, size of area treated, and even what part of the country you live in. For example, if you live in a metropolitan area with many laser clinics, competition will be higher and prices lower.
See the “How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed, What Do They Cost?” section above for an approximate price breakdown.
As far as a home laser for treating stretch marks: nope. Laser therapy is a medical procedure and technicians have to be certified and rightfully so.
Cale, thank you for endorsing this type of treatment for stretch marks, I have some really deep bad ones from when I was pregnant will this procedure help with those or is it mainly for the smaller ones that you get when you grow to fast or gain a little weight around the hips and thighs? I don’t want to waste the money if it isn’t going to touch them.
Hi Charla,
It’s really amazing what they can do with lasers these days. I would suggest you go for a consultation with a dermatologist or a laser clinics that specializes in stretch mark therapy. They can access your stretch marks and recommend a treatment or course of treatments for your particular case.
Consultations are no charge (or should be). In my experience, I’ve found these clinicians very up-front and honest about what results you can expect.
I have had 3 treatments so far. I believe it is the fraxel laser. So far they look great and all mine were bad. Still going for treatments but they have already improved at least 50% and I plan on going until they are gone. Prob about 4 more treatments. Mine is 350 each time for belly, whole boobs, and sides. I live in mass tho so idk. But DEF worth it just stick in it for the long run.
good luck
Hi Hayleigh,
That’s wonderful! And, the price sounds really good for such a large area. Prices are definitely coming down.
I agree wholeheartedly…worth every penny!
I have noticed that laser treatments are at an all time high in terms of usage for not just stretch marks, but all sorts of skin conditions. This is a technology that clearly has taken off and has become a great solution for many conditions. I watched an episode of The Doctors and they used a new laster procedure to get rid of an extreme skin condition on a teenager that results from acne break outs.
Hi Jo,
Lasers are very versatile. And, the more mainstream they become, the more accessible they’ll be (ie. less expensive).
Thanks for the comment…
I would like names, addresses, and phone numbers, of some of the best doctors praticing this procedure.
Thanks
Hello Cheryl,
I can’t give you a list of “best” cosmetic laser doctors, but I can help you find a list of nearby “qualified” doctors.
Go to American Academy of Dermatology “Find a Dermatologist” page. It can be found here.
Search your area by City, Zip Code, distance radius, etc. Be sure to select “Laser Procedures” from the “Specialty” drop down list and hit search.
You should get some results with names, addresses, phone numbers, and in some cases, very thorough profiles. Read through these and choose any you like for consultations.
Hope this helps…
I am wondering the same thing as one of the readers. Are there similar methods or ones that are affordable for removing warts and moles or other types of skin tags? I think there is actually a bigger market for clearing one’s skin from hanging moles or other unflattering skin tags. There should be another article written regarding the types of medical treatments available for removing skin tags and blemishes – not just stretch marks on mothers.
Thanks Steph,
For now, skin tags and moles are out of scope for this site. However, we are contemplating a “related procedures” section for the site.
Good suggestions…
To me, stretch mark removal methods seem to differ greatly in their cost and effectiveness. Many creams and procedures promise amazing results with limited evidence to support those claims. What I would be worried about is that one patient’s stretch marks may respond favorably to a treatment that has little effect on another patient. The vast variety of ointments and procedures available means that patients can pay anywhere from $5 to $8500 for stretch mark removal.
Hi Walta,
I couldn’t agree more. That’s why this site was created. We want honest feedback about the procedures and products we review so women and men can make informed choices.
I and many others want to know what actually works for the amount of money you’re willing to spend and for the severity of the stretch marks.
We have some helpful projects in the works like surveys, rating systems, and stretch mark treatment apps.
Check back soon…
I watched the video and I have to say that with the smoking the skin was doing and the line that the laser was leaving it looks very painful. How long does it take that white line to go away after a treatment? How many treatment do you have to have before the big deep stretch marks are gone for good?
Hello Robbie,
I had three treatments and had no pain whatsoever. And, I think my stretch marks were worse than the woman in the video. The stretch marks are still faintly visible, but you’d have to get very close to notice.
Well worth it…
I have a question about your laser treatments..where u stretch marks white and.mature.when u did the treatments? I have them on my biceps almost to my elbow and needing some opinion on laser treatments like is it.realy worth it..ugh they make my skin look a lil wrinkly and im only 24 please reply back i would appreciate it..thank you
Hi Valerie,
Sorry for the delayed response.
Yes, my stretch marks were on my belly and were the white variety. They were from two pregnancies 5 years previously. I had three fractional procedures over a five month period and the results were excellent and in my opinion well worth the cost. I was just tired of feeling self-conscious about them.
Ideally, they shouldn’t bother me, but they did.
I would suggest a consultation at a laser clinic in your area. It shouldn’t cost anything and they’ll access your particular case.
Stay away from any clinics that pressure you to have the procedure. A good facility will have all their certifications and qualifications in plain view and only suggest laser treatments if they will help you. There should be no pressure.
Best of luck…
I have my first consultation saturday and I hope they tell me what I would like to hear. I just want to mininize the white stretch marks and have the stretch marks.not look depressed and wrinkly I know they say to just learn to love them.but its hard to when there right infront of ur face u know…
I hope they can help you – chances are very good.
Let us know how you make out with the consult and all – I’d love to hear how it went.
Will I went in and she told.me since i was light complicted i could have good results and she did a little test patch on my skin and she told.me to call her in 3 weeks to see if theres any kind of improvement basically seeing if my skin will react. It was a little uncomfortable but hopefully things will go the way im wanting them to. She didnt charge me anything she wants to.make sure it will go will before i invest in this procedure I will inform you with any more information and I hope I can see good results like you did.
Hi Valerie,
That’s great they did a little area and didn’t charge anything. To me, that’s very professional.
For my treatments, there was no patch test, but that maybe has to do with the procedure itself, the area, and the size of the marks.
Hoping your test area shows great improvement – I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
I was intrigued to learn that Stretch marks are an actual disruption of the dermis layer of the skin. The dermal collagen fibers become disrupted and are visible through the intact epidermis. It’s true that stretch marks can form anywhere on the body; I’ve seen them on the backs of legs, but they are most often seen on the abdomen, breasts & arms. And it is not just pregnant females or overweight persons that get them. Muscular people get them, too.
My husband has them on his lower back from when he sprouted 4 inches in one summer as a teenager. He had no idea they were even there until I, the loving wife I am, pointed them out:)
Collagen remodeling? This sounds very promising. These laser treatments seem as though they are basically burning or peeling your skin to that the new layers of skin form. But laser surgery is a technology that has been around for years. So are there new advances that make this relevant news? In any case, it has got to give mothers a new hope and less worries about pregnancy. My friend has stretch marks. So I’ll tell her about this.
Hello Jen,
Stripping away layers of skin is an ablative laser procedure and has been around for a while. There is more downtime and there can be more pain involved.
The new fractional lasers are the most recent advancements. They are non-ablative (layers of skin are not removed), practically painless, and effective for white older stretch marks.
Thanks for the feedback…
M. Wilson, I am with you on the painful thing, I can’t believe doing something like this to your skin wouldn’t be painful. I mean it is a laser for crying out loud. This was a very interesting article and I appreciate the information I am seriously going to consider this no matter the cost because I hate the stretch marks more than I’m afraid of the pain.
That really isn’t as pricey as I thought it would be but it is still a little out of my range. Does health insurance cover any of this if it is prescribed by a doctor because the stretch marks are painful? I would love to have it done on my stomach because I have some that are painful but I want to lose some weight first so my six pack will show.
Hello B,
Generally, health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. However, if it’s for pain reduction, that could be another story. Check with your insurance company and doctor.
Good luck…
This procedure really appeals me. Do these people do anything else other than stretchmarks? I have some moles and cellulite that I need removed, is this possible? I have read that laser lipo is by far more safe than the surgical liposuction . In my opinion, a stretch mark laser session isn’t that pricey.
I’m shocked I never realized they could do this using LASERS. Ignorant girl, I should have known. I’ll be calling for an appointment. Summer is around the corner.
I believe I have the money and want it done badly, but I’m a little unsure about burning/evaporating portions of my skin – it kind of gives me the creeps. It seems painful:(
I’m almost convinced to take the next step though.
Hi M,
It’s really not as bad as it sounds or looks. The best thing to do to put your anxieties to rest is go for a consultation. Check out a clinic in your area, talk to the technician/doctor, even talk to some of the other patients. Consultations are free and very informative.
Wonderful information! I mentioned it to a girlfriend who is contemplating laser therapy for her thigh and belly stretchmarks. I had it done and it’s worth every penny. Enthusiastically recommended if you have the money. I wish I would have had it done years ago.
I’m definitely looking into this.