Medically reviewed by Dr Bhavin Garara, GMC 7155707 · Last reviewed: 26 March 2026
Stretch marks form when the skin’s dermal layer is stretched faster than its collagen and elastin can accommodate, producing micro-tears in the dermis that the body then heals as scar tissue. Common sites are the abdomen (pregnancy), thighs, breasts, hips, and shoulders (rapid growth or weight change), and back (adolescent growth spurts).
Dr Bhavin Garara’s approach is staged: catch them while they are red (most responsive), and apply collagen-rebuilding and resurfacing treatments for white established stretch marks.
Newer stretch marks where the underlying tear is still inflamed. Highly responsive to vascular laser and regenerative treatments. The window of best response is the first 6–12 months.
Older, faded stretch marks. The vascular component has resolved; the indentation and dermal thinning remain. Responsive to dermal remodelling treatments, more slowly than striae rubra.
Pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, rapid weight change, and bodybuilding-related muscle gain all stretch skin faster than it can compensate.
Family history is a significant risk factor.
Cortisol levels affect dermal collagen and elastin. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes are a major driver.
Skin elasticity varies between individuals and declines with age, affecting susceptibility.
Long-term corticosteroid use can produce stretch marks at sites of skin stretching.
At the clinics in London, Dr Garara assesses the stage (red / purple / white), location, extent, and skin type. The plan combines vascular laser for the inflammatory red component, radiofrequency microneedling for dermal rebuilding, and regenerative skin treatments for tissue support. Skin of colour requires careful conservative protocols.
Features
Vascular laser (Derma V), radiofrequency microneedling (Sylfirm X), polynucleotides and PDRN, autologous PRP / platelet-derived exosomes, and collagen biostimulators (selective).
Treatment is staged — vascular laser for striae rubra while still red, radiofrequency microneedling for striae alba, and regenerative skin support throughout.
For newer red or purple stretch marks, Derma V targets the dilated capillaries that drive the colour, accelerating fading and reducing the inflammatory component. Best used while the stretch marks are still red.
Sylfirm X delivers radiofrequency through fine needles into the dermis of the stretch mark, encouraging collagen remodelling and narrowing the indentation over a course of sessions. The clinic’s main tool for striae alba.
Polynucleotides (Rejuran®) and PDRN injected directly into the stretch mark are understood to act as a “repair signal” — supporting fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin and thickening the thinned dermis.
PRP and platelet-derived exosomes (both autologous, derived from your own platelets) can be added for tissue quality support alongside the structural treatments.
For very widespread stretch marks with accompanying skin laxity (post-pregnancy abdomen, post-weight-loss areas), diluted PLLA or CaHA biostimulator preparations swept across the area can firm the overall skin envelope.
Treatment for higher Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) requires careful device selection and conservative settings to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or, in some cases, keloid scarring. Dr Garara has particular experience in aesthetic medicine for skin of colour.
For newer red or purple stretch marks, Derma V targets the dilated capillaries that drive the colour, accelerating fading and reducing the inflammatory component. Best used while the stretch marks are still red.
Book a consultation with Dr Bhavin Garara.
Book a Consultation| Treatment | Best suited for | Typical downtime | How long results last | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vascular laser (Derma V) | Striae rubra (red / purple, new) | 1–3 days of mild redness | Long-lasting colour fading | Targets the inflammatory red component |
| Radiofrequency microneedling | Striae alba (white, established) | 2–5 days of redness or mild swelling | Long-lasting; collagen remodelling continues for months | Narrows and shallows the stretch mark |
| Polynucleotides / PDRN | Thinned dermis within the stretch mark | 1–2 days of localised bumps | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports dermal thickening |
| PRP / platelet-derived exosomes | Supporting tissue quality | 1–2 days of mild bumps | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports tissue repair |
| Collagen biostimulators | Widespread striae with overall skin laxity | 2–4 days of localised swelling | Around 12–18 months following a course | Firms the skin envelope |
Downtime and duration figures are typical averages only. Individual results vary considerably. Dr Garara will give you a more personalised picture at consultation.
Stretch-mark treatments are widely performed and generally well tolerated. Risks include post-inflammatory pigment change (particularly in skin of colour, managed by conservative settings), short-lived swelling, and rarely scarring. Skin of colour requires careful protocols.
We share this not to alarm you but because patients deserve full information. Dr Garara is happy to discuss specific risks at consultation.
Common questions about treating stretch marks.
Stretch marks connect to other body concerns. You may also want to read about:
For an overview of all the facial concerns we treat, visit our Body treatments hub.
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This page is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments require a personal consultation. Suitability, risks, and expected outcomes will be discussed with you in detail before any treatment is carried out.
