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Stretch marks are a common skin concern for people of all ages. They look like thin lines or streaks on the skin and can appear pink, purple, red, or white depending on the stage and your skin tone. While they are harmless medically, many people seek safe and effective ways to reduce their visibility. This article explains what causes stretch marks, which prevention measures help, and which stretch marks treatments Isya Aesthetics offers including non-surgical and laser-based options used at the clinic.
What are stretch marks and what causes them?
Stretch marks (striae) form when the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) stretches faster than it can repair. This creates micro-tears in the dermal collagen and elastin, and those tears become visible as lines on the surface. Common triggers include:
- Rapid weight gain or loss.
- Pregnancy (pregnancy stretch marks are especially common on the abdomen, breasts and hips).
- Adolescent growth spurts during puberty.
- Quick muscle gain (bodybuilding).
- Long-term steroid use, which can weaken collagen.
- Genetic predisposition some people are simply more prone to developing stretch marks.
Early-stage stretch marks are often red or purple; over time they usually fade to white or silver. While they may become less noticeable, deep or old marks rarely disappear completely on their own. Isya states that some in-clinic treatments can speed up fading and improve texture, but total erasure is not guaranteed.
How to prevent stretch marks
Preventing stretch marks is not always possible, especially when genetics or pregnancy are involved, but certain measures can reduce the risk or severity:
- Keep skin hydrated with moisturizers and gentle massage during periods of rapid growth (e.g., pregnancy).
- Maintain steady weight changes rather than sudden spikes or losses.
- Support collagen health with a balanced diet (protein, vitamin C, zinc) and avoid long-term steroid use unless prescribed.
- In pregnancy, use pregnancy-safe skincare products and consult a dermatologist for personalised advice. Isya’s guidance emphasises early prevention and professional consultation when needed.
How to remove stretch marks: Treatments for Stretch Marks
At Isya Aesthetics we treat stretch marks with medical-grade, non-surgical technologies that stimulate the skin’s natural repair (collagen and elastin remodelling). Treatments are chosen based on the age, depth and colour of the striae early red/purple marks respond differently from white, mature lines and are often combined for the best outcome. Isya’s doctors customise every plan following an in-clinic assessment.
1. Pixel Perfect (Fractional Resurfacing Laser) strongest resurfacing option
Pixel Perfect is a fractional ablative/resurfacing laser that creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones (microthermal zones) in the skin. These controlled injuries remove damaged epidermis and trigger deep dermal collagen remodelling.
How it works:
Fractional ablation triggers a wound-healing cascade: immediate removal of damaged tissue, followed by fibroblast activation and new collagen/elastin deposition over weeks–months. This reduces the visual depth and colour of stretch marks and improves texture.Typical plans require about 6 sessions (tailored by severity). Numbing cream is applied; session time for medium areas ≈ 30 minutes. Downtime commonly includes redness, scab formation and 1–3 weeks’ surface healing.
2. Scarless (Microneedling + Radiofrequency) collagen induction with thermal boost
Scarless combines percutaneous microneedling with bipolar radiofrequency (RF) delivered at needle tips. The mechanical micro-injuries plus thermal energy amplify collagen remodelling and dermal tightening.
How it works (science):
Microneedles create controlled channels that trigger wound healing; RF heat at depth stimulates collagen contraction and new collagen formation the combined effect reduces scar depth and improves elasticity more efficiently than microneedling alone.
Usually 4–6 sessions spaced several weeks apart (customised). Post-procedure sun avoidance and gentle aftercare are essential.
Very useful for stretch marks with dermal texture issues and when downtime needs to be moderate.
3. Atmos Plasma non-ablative plasma resurfacing for surface remodelling
Atmos Plasma delivers plasma energy (ionized gas) to the skin surface to create micro-injuries and provoke a healing response without needles.
How it works:
Plasma energy causes precise thermal micro-injury at the epidermal surface, triggering fibroblast activation and neocollagenesis in the dermis. Over subsequent weeks the skin re-textures and appears smoother.
4. Combination Treatments and Custom Protocols
We frequently combine Pixel Perfect + Scarless + topical agents or Atmos Plasma + microneedle RF to treat different skin layers together: surface resurfacing to remove damaged epidermis, microneedle RF to remodel dermis, and topical retinoids/peptides to support collagen synthesis.
This staged, multi-modal strategy increases the likelihood of meaningful improvement compared with any single treatment alone.
How to choose the right treatment
Choosing the best approach depends on several factors:
- Age and color of the stretch marks (new red/purple marks respond better than white, old marks).
- Skin type and sensitivity.
- Patient’s downtime tolerance and pain threshold.
- Desired intensity of results and budget.
Pregnancy stretch marks and after-pregnancy solutions
Pregnancy stretch marks are extremely common. Preventive care during pregnancy focuses on hydration, gentle topical care, and gradual weight gain. Postpartum, Isya’s in-clinic options (Pixel Perfect, Scarless, Atmos Plasma, Harmony) are considered for improving appearance when breastfeeding is complete and topical retinoids are no longer contraindicated.
Practical at-home steps that help (supportive care)
- Use gentle moisturizers to support skin comfort and elasticity.
- Follow a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- When cleared by your doctor, use topical actives under supervision (e.g., retinoids are not safe during pregnancy).
- Avoid harsh sun exposure after in-clinic procedures and follow the clinic’s aftercare advice.
If you seek the best clinic for stretch marks removal, look for evidence of experience, before/after photos, personalised care, and clear explanations of downtime and expected results. Isya Aesthetics provides consultations, explains session counts and side effects, and shows before/after images on its site for patient reassurance. Contact us for a free consultation to determine the best plan for your skin.
FAQs
Are laser stretch marks treatments safe for sensitive skin?
Isya offers customised settings and numbing to manage discomfort and minimize complications, but any laser or energy-based treatment must be chosen with care for sensitive skin. The clinic recommends a consultation to determine the safest option and to plan post-procedure care to protect healing skin.
Can stretch marks be removed permanently?
Complete and permanent removal is difficult to promise. In-clinic procedures can substantially reduce visibility and improve skin texture, but some residual marks often remain. Isya is transparent that improvement varies and that earlier intervention usually yields better results.
Do stretch marks ever go away on their own?
Stretch marks often fade and soften over time, becoming less visible as color changes from red/purple to pale white. However, they do not always disappear completely without treatment. Clinic procedures can significantly improve appearance and texture faster than natural fading alone. Isya explains that earlier-stage marks respond better, while older marks may show partial improvement.
Can I have treatment during or right after pregnancy?
Topical retinoids and many energy-based in-clinic treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Preventive skin-care and hydration are advised during pregnancy; clinically supervised treatment is recommended once pregnancy/breastfeeding is complete and your physician clears you.
