Before laser stretch mark treatment, people typically have visible stretch marks appearing as linear streaks or stripes on areas like the abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips, buttocks or arms. Newer stretch marks (striae rubrae) appear red, pink or purple, often raised and inflamed, while older stretch marks (striae albae) appear white, silver or skin-coloured, typically indented or depressed compared to surrounding skin. Common concerns include self-consciousness about the appearance of stretch marks, particularly in areas exposed during swimming or intimate situations; the texture difference between stretch marks and normal skin; significant contrast in colour between stretch marks and surrounding skin; feeling that stretch marks make the body look less attractive or aged; and frustration that topical treatments have not improved them. After laser stretch mark treatment, following completion of a recommended treatment course (typically 3 to 6 sessions or more) and allowing time for collagen remodelling to develop fully (usually assessed 3 to 6 months after the final session), most people experience noticeable improvement though rarely complete elimination. Common results include red stretch marks becoming much lighter or fading to match surrounding skin; white stretch marks blending better with normal skin through improved pigmentation; texture becoming smoother with less depression or indentation; overall visibility and contrast of stretch marks reduced significantly; skin appearing more even-toned and less obviously marked; and improved confidence about the treated areas. The degree of improvement varies considerably depending on the starting severity, with mild stretch marks often achieving 60% to 80% improvement while severe marks may show 30% to 50% improvement; the age of stretch marks, with newer red marks generally responding better than older white marks; the number of treatment sessions completed; the specific laser technology used; individual healing capacity and collagen production; and realistic expectations about improvement versus removal. Some people achieve quite significant fading and smoothing, while others experience more modest but still worthwhile changes. During the treatment process, there are several stages: immediately after each session, treated areas are red, swollen and possibly showing grid patterns from fractional lasers; within days to weeks, treated skin may peel or flake as healing occurs; gradual improvement becomes noticeable after 2 to 3 sessions as collagen builds; optimal results develop 3 to 6 months after completing the full series as collagen remodelling continues. It is crucial to understand that even with optimal treatment, stretch marks are improved rather than erased, typically remaining somewhat visible though much less noticeable than before. Complete restoration to unmarked skin is not achievable with current laser technology. Stretch marks may still be visible in certain lighting or when skin is stretched, though they should be significantly less obvious in most situations. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own patients showing typical results after complete treatment courses, across different stretch mark types and severity levels. These photos should show improvements at various stages including shortly after treatment and at final assessment months later. Most people with appropriate expectations are satisfied with the improvements achieved, finding that while stretch marks are not gone, they are substantially less noticeable and bothersome. The treatment can provide meaningful cosmetic benefit for people self-conscious about their stretch marks, though patience with the gradual process and acceptance of realistic outcomes are essential for satisfaction. Stretch mark laser treatment should be viewed as a method to significantly improve appearance rather than a way to completely remove stretch marks.
South of England
