{"id":7559,"date":"2026-09-02T11:08:44","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/?p=7559"},"modified":"2026-09-02T11:08:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:08:45","slug":"stretch-mark-treatment-before-after","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/blog\/stretch-mark-treatment-before-after","title":{"rendered":"Stretch Mark Treatment Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T121523.533-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T121523.533-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T121523.533-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T121523.533-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T121523.533.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professional stretch mark treatment can make your marks smoother, narrower and less noticeable, but you should not expect complete removal. Your results will depend on whether you have newer red or purple stretch marks or older white and silvery ones, as well as their depth, width, location and your skin type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may need several treatments before you see a meaningful change because collagen remodelling takes time. Your before-and-after photos should therefore be compared after your skin has fully healed, when you can better judge whether your stretch marks have become smoother, less noticeable and closer in colour to the surrounding skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Do Stretch Marks Look Like Before Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before treatment, your stretch marks can vary considerably in colour, width, depth and texture. Their appearance often depends on how long you have had them and how the deeper layers of your skin have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Colour:<\/strong> Newer stretch marks may appear red, pink or purple, while mature marks are often white or silvery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Width and Depth:<\/strong> Some stretch marks may be narrow and shallow, while others can appear wider or more noticeably indented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Texture:<\/strong> Mature stretch marks may feel flatter, thinner or slightly depressed compared with the surrounding skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Lighting Differences:<\/strong> Shadows and changes in lighting can make uneven or depressed stretch marks look more noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your clinician should assess the age, colour, width, depth and location of your stretch marks before recommending treatment. This assessment can help you understand which changes are realistic and make your later before-and-after comparison more meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When Should Stretch Marks Be Medically Assessed Before Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most stretch marks develop during pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth or changes in body size and do not indicate an underlying illness. However, you should consider medical assessment before cosmetic treatment if you develop unusually large or widespread stretch marks without an obvious reason, particularly if they appear alongside other unexplained changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell your clinician if you use steroid creams or tablets, as prolonged exposure to some corticosteroids can contribute to stretch marks. You should also speak to your GP if large stretch marks occur with symptoms such as easy bruising, muscle weakness, a rounded face or increased fat around your chest, abdomen, neck or shoulders, because these can occasionally occur with conditions involving excess cortisol, such as Cushing&#8217;s syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why Does the Age of Your Stretch Marks Affect Results?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The age and stage of your stretch marks can affect which treatment is most appropriate and what type of improvement you may see. Some treatments are more useful for newer red or purple stretch marks, while older white or silvery marks have more established structural changes and often require treatments focused on collagen remodelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can still improve mature stretch marks with treatments such as fractional CO\u2082 laser or microneedling. Your results may focus on making the marks smoother, narrower and less noticeable rather than removing them completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Does Meaningful Improvement Actually Look Like?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meaningful improvement does not mean your stretch marks disappear completely. You may notice that your marks become narrower, flatter, smoother or less noticeable, with less contrast against your surrounding skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may still see your stretch marks when you look closely, but successful treatment may make them less noticeable overall. Before treatment, you should discuss what improvement would be realistic for you, so you can judge your results fairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evidence Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2024 systematic review included 151 studies and 4,806 reported stretch-mark treatment outcomes. Energy-based devices accounted for 56% of the reported outcomes, followed by topical treatments at 19% and combination approaches at 12%. The authors found a wide range of treatment approaches rather than one consistently effective option, so before-and-after photographs should show what may be achievable rather than guarantee that you will obtain the same result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Changes Can Fractional CO\u2082 Laser Produce?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T122641.525-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T122641.525-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T122641.525-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T122641.525-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T122641.525.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fractional CO\u2082 laser creates controlled microscopic injuries in your skin, which stimulate healing and collagen remodelling. You may gradually see your stretch marks become narrower, smoother, flatter and less noticeable as your skin remodels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because you have untreated areas between the laser columns, your skin can recover while still receiving a strong treatment stimulus. You may experience redness, swelling or crusting during recovery, and you can still need several sessions because CO\u2082 laser can improve stretch marks but cannot guarantee complete removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Changes Can Microneedling Produce?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled injuries in your skin, stimulating healing and collagen remodelling. You may see your stretch marks become smoother, narrower and less noticeable, with a more even transition between the marks and your surrounding skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may need several sessions because your skin remodels gradually over time. If you are concerned about pigmentation, microneedling may be a useful option for you because it does not use ablative laser heat and may carry a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation than fractional CO\u2082 laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is CO\u2082 Laser Better Than Microneedling for Before-and-After Results?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CO\u2082 laser is not automatically better than microneedling for you. Both treatments can improve stretch marks, and research suggests that more than 70% of patients may benefit, with no clear overall difference in clinical improvement or satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your choice should depend on your skin, stretch marks, downtime and pigmentation risk. If you are prone to dark marks, you may prefer microneedling because CO\u2082 laser has been linked with a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Research Insight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomised controlled trials involving 166 patients found that both fractional CO\u2082 laser and microneedling produced clinical improvement in more than 70% of patients. There was no significant difference in overall clinical improvement or patient satisfaction between the treatments, but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was significantly more frequent after CO\u2082 laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Radiofrequency Microneedling Improve Stretch Marks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radiofrequency microneedling can improve your stretch marks by combining fine needles with controlled heat deeper in your skin. You may see your marks become smoother, narrower and less noticeable as your skin produces and remodels collagen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research suggests you can achieve results comparable to fractional CO\u2082 laser, while radiofrequency microneedling may have a lower risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Your results can still vary depending on your skin, stretch marks and the device settings used, so you should have your treatment tailored to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Might Before-and-After Results Look Like?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Possible visible improvement<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Important limitation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Fractional CO\u2082 laser<\/td><td>Smoother texture, reduced width and less visible mature marks<\/td><td>More recovery and higher PIH risk than microneedling in comparative evidence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Conventional microneedling<\/td><td>Smoother, narrower and less noticeable striae<\/td><td>Several sessions may be needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>RF microneedling<\/td><td>Improved texture and dermal remodelling<\/td><td>Devices and energy settings vary<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vascular laser<\/td><td>Reduced redness in newer red or purple stretch marks<\/td><td>Less relevant when marks have matured to white<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Non-ablative fractional laser<\/td><td>Gradual texture and collagen improvement<\/td><td>May require several sessions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tretinoin<\/td><td>Some improvement in selected early active stretch marks<\/td><td>Limited role for mature white marks; pregnancy restrictions apply<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Red Stretch Marks Change More Than White Stretch Marks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Red or purple stretch marks may respond more readily because you are treating them at an earlier stage. You may see improvements in both their colour and texture, while your newer marks may also fade naturally over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With older white or silvery stretch marks, you are usually targeting established changes in the skin, so treatment focuses more on collagen remodelling and texture. You can still achieve noticeable improvement, but you may need more sessions, and your results can differ depending on how old and deep your stretch marks are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Quickly Do Results Begin to Appear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T123026.600-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T123026.600-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T123026.600-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T123026.600-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Imagess-2026-09-02T123026.600.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may notice changes soon after treatment, but these are not your final results. Your skin can look red, swollen or temporarily darker, and swelling may briefly make your stretch marks appear smoother than they really are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your treatment is effective, improvement usually develops gradually as your skin heals and collagen remodelling takes place. You may start noticing smoother texture during your treatment course, but you should wait several weeks or months before comparing your before-and-after results properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Many Treatments Might You Need?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may need several treatment sessions, but there is no fixed number that will work for everyone. Your needs can depend on the treatment you choose, the age and severity of your stretch marks, the area being treated and how your skin responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may need more sessions if you have older, deeper or widespread stretch marks. Your clinician should review your progress between treatments so you can adjust your plan based on your results, rather than continuing with unnecessary or overly aggressive sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Should You Expect Immediately After Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may notice redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness immediately after treatment. If you have fractional CO\u2082 laser, you may also experience crusting or peeling, while microneedling can cause redness, sensitivity and small areas of pinpoint bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should remember that these early changes are not your final results. Your skin should gradually become calmer as it heals, so increasing pain, swelling or inflammation should be checked by your clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Clinical Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not judge your before-and-after result while your skin is still swollen, red or peeling. Early swelling can temporarily make depressed stretch marks appear smoother, so wait until the treatment reaction has settled and compare photographs at an appropriate follow-up point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Stretch Marks Temporarily Look Worse After Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, you may notice your stretch marks look more noticeable immediately after treatment because your skin is temporarily inflamed. You may see more redness, swelling, dryness or crusting, which can make the colour or texture of your marks stand out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also be aware that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can make treated skin darker for longer, particularly if you are prone to pigmentation. If you have darker or pigment-prone skin, you should discuss this risk with your clinician before treatment and understand which changes are temporary and which may need assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does Skin Tone Affect Before-and-After Results?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, your skin tone can affect how visible your stretch marks look and how your skin responds to treatment. If you have darker skin, you may notice stronger contrast between white stretch marks and your surrounding skin, while you may also have a higher risk of pigmentation after treatments that cause inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should consider your skin tone and your history of developing dark marks after acne, cuts or procedures when choosing treatment. You may be offered microneedling or non-ablative options if pigmentation is a concern, while CO\u2082 laser can still be suitable for you with carefully selected settings and aftercare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>UK Guidance Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In England, cosmetic laser regulation depends partly on how and where treatment is provided. Exclusively cosmetic laser treatment does not automatically require CQC registration, although some local councils require practitioners or premises using certain lasers to register. Regulatory status should therefore be checked separately from a practitioner&#8217;s claims about their experience or treatment results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can You Develop New Stretch Marks After Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/imagess-2-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/imagess-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/imagess-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/imagess-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/imagess-2.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some improvement in treated stretch marks may persist after your treatment course, but long-term durability can vary between treatments and individuals. Treatment also cannot prevent you from developing new stretch marks if your skin is later affected by pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth or significant changes in body size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also remember that treatment does not completely remove every mark, so some visibility may remain. Your results can stay improved over time, but you should think of treatment as reducing the appearance of your stretch marks rather than preventing new ones from forming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Creams Produce the Same Before-and-After Results?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evidence for most creams and lotions marketed for stretch marks is limited, particularly for established mature marks. Moisturisers may make your skin feel softer or more comfortable, but this should not be confused with evidence that they can substantially reduce the deeper structural changes responsible for established stretch marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Topical tretinoin has shown improvement in some studies of newer, active stretch marks, but evidence is less convincing for established mature white marks. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. If you are considering tretinoin, discuss whether it is appropriate for you with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Should You Judge Stretch Mark Before-and-After Photos?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should compare before-and-after photos taken with similar lighting, camera distance, body position and skin tension. You may notice that different lighting makes your stretch marks look deeper or more noticeable, so consistent photos give you a fairer comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also wait until your skin has fully healed before judging your results. Look at whether your marks have become narrower, smoother, lighter or less noticeable, and compare photos of stretch marks similar to yours in age, location and skin tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth vs Fact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Myth<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>A dramatic before-and-after photo proves that stretch marks were removed.<\/td><td>Lighting, angle, skin tension and temporary swelling can change how visible stretch marks look.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CO\u2082 laser always gives better before-and-after results than microneedling.<\/td><td>Pooled comparative evidence has not shown a significant overall efficacy advantage.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Microneedling cannot cause pigmentation.<\/td><td>PIH can still occur, although comparative evidence suggests lower risk than with fractional CO\u2082 laser.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Results should be judged immediately after treatment.<\/td><td>Redness and swelling can distort the early appearance, so results should be judged after healing.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Red and white stretch marks should show the same improvement.<\/td><td>Their biological stage differs, and different treatment approaches may be more appropriate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>One session should provide the final result.<\/td><td>Several sessions and additional healing time may be required.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tretinoin works equally well for mature white stretch marks.<\/td><td>Evidence is more relevant to selected early active stretch marks.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Successful treatment means you can never develop stretch marks again.<\/td><td>New stretch marks can develop later if your skin undergoes further relevant changes.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Stretch-mark treatment aims for improvement rather than complete removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Useful changes can include reduced width, smoother texture, less depression and reduced colour contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Red or purple stretch marks and mature white stretch marks may respond differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Fractional CO\u2082 laser and microneedling both produce meaningful improvement in comparative studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. A 2025 meta-analysis found no significant overall efficacy advantage for CO\u2082 laser over microneedling, but PIH was more frequent with CO\u2082 laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6. Before-and-after photographs should be taken under similar lighting, positioning, camera distance and skin tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">7. Do not judge results while swelling, redness or peeling is still present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">8. Several treatment sessions may be needed, and long-term outcomes vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">9. New stretch marks can still develop after successful treatment of existing ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. How much can stretch marks improve after treatment?<br><\/strong>You can often achieve a noticeable reduction in the appearance of stretch marks, including improvements in their width, texture, depth and colour contrast. However, you should not expect established stretch marks to disappear completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Do red stretch marks respond better than white stretch marks?<br><\/strong>Not necessarily. Newer red, pink or purple stretch marks can respond differently from mature white or silvery marks because they are at a different biological stage. Some treatments are more useful for early vascular or red marks, while mature stretch marks usually require greater focus on collagen remodelling, so the most suitable approach depends on the type of stretch mark and treatment being considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. How many treatments will you need to improve stretch marks?<br><\/strong>You may need several treatment sessions because collagen remodelling develops gradually. The number depends on your stretch-mark type, severity, skin tone, treatment used and how your skin responds between appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Can fractional CO\u2082 laser make white stretch marks less visible?<br><\/strong>Yes, fractional CO\u2082 laser can improve the appearance of mature white stretch marks by stimulating collagen remodelling. You may notice smoother, narrower and less depressed marks, although some visible lines are likely to remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Is microneedling as effective as fractional CO\u2082 laser for stretch marks?<br><\/strong>Both treatments can produce meaningful improvement. Research comparing them has found no clear overall difference in clinical improvement, although microneedling may have a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than fractional CO\u2082 laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Can stretch marks look worse immediately after treatment?<br><\/strong>Yes, you may temporarily notice more redness, swelling, sensitivity or dryness after treatment. These changes are part of the healing process and should not be confused with your final result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. When will you see the final results of stretch mark treatment?<br><\/strong>You may notice gradual changes during your treatment course, but genuine collagen remodelling takes time. Your final before-and-after comparison should ideally be made after the skin has fully recovered and enough time has passed for structural changes to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Can your skin tone affect your treatment results?<br><\/strong>Yes, your skin tone and history of post-inflammatory pigmentation can influence both treatment choice and recovery. If your skin tends to develop dark marks after inflammation, your practitioner may consider a less aggressive approach or treatments with a lower pigmentation risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Can You Develop New Stretch Marks After Treatment?<br><\/strong>Yes, you can develop new stretch marks after treatment if your skin is later affected by pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth or significant changes in body size. Previously treated stretch marks may remain improved, but treatment cannot prevent new striae from developing in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. How should you compare stretch mark before-and-after photos?<br><\/strong>You should compare photographs taken under similar lighting, camera distance, body position and skin tension. Look for changes in width, depth, texture and colour contrast rather than expecting complete disappearance, as lighting and swelling can make stretch marks appear very different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Thoughts: What Can You Expect From Stretch Mark Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stretch mark treatment can make your stretch marks look smoother, narrower and less noticeable, but you should approach your before-and-after results with realistic expectations. The changes you see will depend on whether your marks are newer or mature, your skin tone, the treatment chosen and how well your skin responds as collagen remodelling develops over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/co2-laser-stretch-marks\">If you\u2019re looking for CO2 laser treatment for stretch marks in London<\/a>, you can get in touch with our team at the London Medical &amp; Aesthetic Clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Zhu, C.K., Mija, L.A., Koulmi, K., Barankin, B. and Mukovozov, I. (2024) \u2018A systematic review on treatment outcomes of striae\u2019, <em>Dermatologic Surgery<\/em>, 50(6), pp. 546\u2013552. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38452322\/\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38452322<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Mustafa, A. et al. (2025) \u2018Evaluating CO\u2082 laser and micro-needling therapies for striae distensae: A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review\u2019, <em>Lasers in Medical Science<\/em>, 40(1), article 161. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40131559\/\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40131559<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Wu, Y. and Wang, H. (2026) \u2018Advances in the treatment of striae distensae\u2019, <em>Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology<\/em>, 25(1), article e70683. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12820439\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12820439<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Chaudhury, H., Remmert, N., Chen, H. and Tarbox, M. (2026) \u2018Advancements in treating stretch marks across all skin types: A comprehensive review of therapeutic modalities\u2019, <em>International Journal of Women\u2019s Dermatology<\/em>, 12(1), article e244. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12799299\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12799299<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. Algarra Sahuquillo, J. and Mart\u00edn-Gorgojo, A. (2026) \u2018Stretch marks: Systematic review of its therapeutic approach\u2019, <em>Actas Dermo-Sifiliogr\u00e1ficas<\/em>, 117(4), article 104553. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0001731025008294\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0001731025008294<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Professional stretch mark treatment can make your marks smoother, narrower and less noticeable, but you should not expect complete removal. Your results will depend on whether you have newer red or purple stretch marks or older white and silvery ones, as well as their depth, width, location and your skin type. You may need several&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lmaclinic.com\/lma\/blog\/stretch-mark-treatment-before-after\">Read more&#8230; <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Stretch Mark Treatment Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Stretch Mark Treatment Before and After<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what changes to expect before and after professional stretch mark treatment, including improvements in colour, texture and width, treatment timelines and 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