Indications · Stretch Marks
What helps against stretch marks?
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches faster than the underlying connective tissue can keep up. Below you can read what happens and which treatment can help.
Summary
Stretch marks (striae) occur when the skin stretches faster than the underlying connective tissue can keep up — for example during pregnancy, a growth spurt, or rapid weight changes. For fresh, red/purple stretch marks, the vascular component is treated first; for older, white stretch marks, the focus is on collagen stimulation (SQT Bio-microneedling, CO2 Laser, or Fractional RF).
“For fresh, red or purple stretch marks, the vascular component is treated first — only for older, white stretch marks is collagen stimulation the first step. The colour stage therefore determines the treatment order.”
Background
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches faster than the underlying connective tissue can keep up — for example during pregnancy, a growth spurt, or rapid weight changes. This causes the collagen and elastin structure in the dermis to tear locally, becoming visible as narrow, discoloured bands on the skin.
New stretch marks (striae rubra) are pink, red, or purple in colour — indicating an active vascular component: increased blood flow and inflammation in the area. As stretch marks age, this blood flow decreases and they fade to white or silvery-grey (striae alba), when mainly the connective tissue itself remains visible. This colour stage directly determines the approach: for fresh, red/purple stretch marks, the vascular component is treated first, before moving on to collagen stimulation.
Common causes
- Pregnancy
- Growth spurt (particularly during puberty)
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Rapid muscle growth
Treatment advice
Two stages, two approaches
The treatment of stretch marks follows the colour stage — for fresh, red/purple stretch marks, the vascular component is addressed first, before moving on to collagen stimulation.
Stage 1 — Fresh, red/purple stretch marks (active vascular phase)
Stage 2 — Older, white stretch marks (connective tissue phase)
SQT Bio-microneedling
3 million natural micro-crystals (spicules) stimulate collagen production in and around the stretch marks, without needles and without downtime. Priced per 5 ml — suitable for larger or irregular surfaces.
See treatment →CO2 Laser
Intensive resurfacing that renews the skin structure layer by layer — particularly suitable for older, more pronounced stretch marks.
See treatment →Fractional RF (Microneedling with RF)
Needles create micro-channels while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency heat energy — a more intensive effect, particularly suitable for older or deeper stretch marks. Requires 24–48h of light redness as downtime.
See treatment →For fresh stretch marks with a clear vascular component, a combination of both stages may be advised — the precise order and timing is determined during the consultation.
Also relevant
Related indications
Stretch marks sometimes occur together with other signs of reduced skin elasticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes stretch marks?＋
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches faster than the underlying connective tissue can keep up — for example during pregnancy, a growth spurt, or rapid weight changes. This causes the collagen and elastin structure in the dermis to tear locally.
Which treatment works best against stretch marks?＋
This depends on the colour stage. For fresh, red/purple stretch marks, the vascular component is treated first (e.g. with Nd:YAG). For older, white stretch marks, the focus is on collagen stimulation: SQT Bio-microneedling works well for larger areas without downtime, while CO2 Laser and Fractional RF give a more intensive effect for older or deeper stretch marks. The most suitable combination is determined during the consultation.
Can stretch marks disappear completely?＋
Treatments can demonstrably make stretch marks shallower and less visible, but complete disappearance is not always realistic. The result varies by skin type and the age of the stretch marks.
Curious what suits your skin?
Book a consultation — we’ll determine together an approach that fits your skin condition and goals.