Stretch Mark Treatment
What Is It?
A stretch mark, stria in medical terms, is scar tissue that forms when the collagen and elastin fibres in the lower layer of the skin tear as it stretches quickly. The most common causes are pregnancy, rapid weight gain and loss, fast growth in adolescence and certain medications. At the moment it forms, it counts as an injury. So we assess a stretch mark as a scar.
The colour of a stretch mark shows its age, and it is what we look at most when choosing a method. New marks are pink-red or purple. Blood supply and cellular activity are still going on at this stage, so the tissue can respond better. Over time the colour fades, the tissue thins and the mark turns white and pearly. At that stage we set expectations more cautiously.
How Is It Done?
At assessment we note the colour, width, depth and extent of the marks. We ask when and why they formed. Colour, depth and age are what really decide the method. If there are marks of different ages in the same area, the plan is mixed as well.
In treatment we use microneedling and laser-based methods together with mesotherapy formulations that support repair. They all work on the same logic. We give the tissue a controlled injury. Think of fractional laser. It fires a grid of tiny dots across a square area, and while the healthy cells left between the dots work to repair those small injuries, the whole area renews. A session takes 30 minutes on average, and we apply topical anaesthetic cream beforehand. We build the plan as a series, because the tissue needs time between sessions to repair.
Who Is It For?
It suits patients with stretch marks on the abdomen and hips after pregnancy, or on the thighs, arms and around the chest after rapid weight change. We are often asked about marks from adolescence as well. Starting while the marks are still red is one of the choices that most affects the direction of the result.
We also work on white, older marks, but the expectation is different and we discuss that from the start. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection or an open wound at the site, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled chronic illness, a tendency to keloid scarring and photosensitising medication all change the plan. On tanned skin, we decide the timing at examination.
Process & Recovery
Assessment
We note the colour, width, depth and size of the area and ask how old the marks are. We plan the method and number of sessions accordingly and take photographs.
Session day
We carry out the treatment after topical anaesthetic cream. A session takes 30 minutes on average. Redness and a feeling of warmth in the area are a response we expect.
First 48 hours
Redness, mild swelling and tenderness occur. Pools, the sea, sauna and intense exercise are postponed. If crusts form, do not pick them, and keep the area out of the sun.
Repair between sessions
The tissue keeps repairing for weeks after the stimulus. That is why we do not squeeze the sessions closer together. During this period we ask you to moisturise and use sun protection.
End of series
When the series ends, we compare photographs. Improvement can continue for months, so this is where we decide on any further sessions.
Results & Duration
Change is slow with stretch marks. Tissue repair continues in the weeks after each session, so the result keeps improving even months after the series ends. What we expect is a reduction in the width and depth of the mark, and a colour that comes closer to the surrounding skin.
Marks in the red phase generally respond more visibly. In the white phase the gain is more modest and more sessions may be needed. The result varies with your healing capacity, the age of the marks and the area.
What Is Not Promised
Stretch mark treatment does not erase the mark. Once scar tissue has formed, whatever the cause, with what we know today we unfortunately cannot make it look as if it had never been there. But we can make it smaller. It does not make you lose weight, does not tighten sagging skin and does not stop new marks from forming.
In white marks the colour can come closer to the surrounding skin, but the mark itself does not tan. When you spend time in the sun, the contrast becomes noticeable again. We make no promise of a particular number of sessions or percentage of improvement, and we update the plan according to the response.
Key Benefits
- Less visible marks
- Collagen increase
- Confidence boost
“With white stretch marks we get good shrinkage, and with red-pink ones our results are even better. That is why I would like you to come while the marks are still red.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Do stretch marks go away completely?
No. A stretch mark is scar tissue, and with what we know today we cannot remove a scar completely once it has formed. Our aim is to reduce its width and depth and bring its colour closer to the surrounding skin.
What is the difference between red and white marks?
Colour shows the age of the mark. In the red phase cellular activity is still going on, so the response is more visible. In the white phase the gain is more modest and more sessions may be needed.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the colour, the depth and the size of the area. We build the plan as a series and update it according to the response.
When can treatment start after pregnancy?
We decide when to start at examination. Breastfeeding and your recovery after the birth change the plan.
Is the procedure painful?
We apply topical anaesthetic cream beforehand. You may feel warmth and stinging during treatment and some tenderness for a few days afterwards.
When will I see the result?
Gradually. Tissue repair takes weeks, so the change comes slowly too. Improvement can continue for months after the series ends.
Will my stretch marks tan?
No. Stretch mark tissue does not tan. In the sun the surrounding skin darkens, so the contrast looks more obvious.
Does it prevent new marks?
It does not. New marks are linked to rapid changes in weight and volume. On that side, what we talk about is moisturising and keeping your weight stable.