Why do stretch marks form?
Stretch marks appear when the skin is stretched relatively quickly — during pregnancy, growth spurts, weight changes or muscle gain — and the skin's supporting structure (collagen and elastin) is disrupted. They often start as reddish or purple lines (newer) and fade over time to paler, silvery marks (older). They're essentially a form of scarring in the skin — which is the key to understanding what treatment can realistically do.
Can they be completely removed?
Honestly, no — because they're a type of scar, they can't be entirely erased. What treatment can do is reduce their appearance: improving texture, softening colour, and making them less noticeable. Setting this expectation upfront matters, because any clinic promising to "remove" stretch marks completely is overpromising. Realistic goals make for satisfied results.
Does timing matter?
(newer vs older marks) Yes. Newer stretch marks (still red/purple) generally respond better to treatment than older, mature silvery ones, because the skin is still actively changing. This doesn't mean older marks can't be improved — they often can — but newer ones tend to respond more readily. If you have newer marks you'd like to address, earlier treatment may be more effective.
Which treatments can help?
Options that stimulate the skin's repair and remodelling tend to help most, personalised after assessment:
- RF microneedling / microneedling— to stimulate collagen and improve texture
- Certain laser treatments— to address colour and texture PRP alongside, to support skin repair Supportive topical care These are often combined over a course. Our stretch mark treatment page covers the approach. On darker skin, settings are kept conservative to avoid pigmentation. Individual results vary.
What results are realistic, and what about pregnancy?
Realistic results: stretch marks made noticeably less visible, with improved texture — gradually, over a course of sessions, as the skin remodels. Not complete erasure. If your marks are pregnancy-related, it's generally sensible to wait until after pregnancy (and often after breastfeeding) before starting treatments, and to check timing with your clinician. A appointment sets realistic expectations for your specific marks.