Which Laser Treatments Are Best for Stretch Mark Removal?
Stretch marks are a normal part of life. Whether they’re from pregnancy, weight changes, growth spurts, or bodybuilding, most of us have them somewhere, and while they’re harmless, they can make people feel self-conscious about their skin. The good news? Advances in laser technology have made it possible to fade stretch marks, smooth skin texture, and in some cases, make them barely noticeable.
But with so many devices and techniques available, which laser treatments actually work best for stretch mark removal, and which ones might surprise you with extra benefits?
How Lasers Improve Stretch Marks
Stretch marks (also called striae) form when the skin stretches faster than the collagen and elastin network can adapt. This causes micro-tears in the dermis that appear red or purple at first, and then fade to white or silvery lines over time.
Laser treatments work by delivering targeted energy into the skin to:
Stimulate collagen and elastin production
Improve skin tone and texture
Break up excess pigment (in early red or purple stretch marks)
Smooth the skin’s surface for a more even appearance
The Top Laser Treatments for Stretch Mark Removal
1. Fractional CO₂ Laser
Best for: Older, white/silver stretch marks with textural changes
Fractional CO₂ lasers work by creating microscopic columns of thermal damage in the skin, prompting the body’s healing process and generating fresh collagen. Over multiple sessions, this can significantly improve skin texture and make stretch marks less visible.
Pros:
Strong collagen stimulation
Noticeable improvement in texture
Cons:
Requires some downtime (redness, peeling)
Multiple sessions usually needed
2. Fractional Erbium Laser (Er:YAG)
Best for: Patients who want gentler resurfacing with less downtime
Similar to CO₂ lasers, Erbium lasers target water in the skin to resurface and smooth. They’re a bit less aggressive, which means slightly more treatments but easier recovery.
Pros:
Faster healing compared to CO₂
Good for mild-to-moderate stretch marks
Cons:
Not as dramatic for deep marks
3. Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
Best for: Red or purple stretch marks in the early stages
PDL targets hemoglobin in blood vessels, helping to fade the redness of newer stretch marks. It doesn’t do as much for texture, but when combined with collagen-stimulating treatments, it can deliver great results.
Pros:
Excellent for color correction in fresh marks
Minimal downtime
Cons:
Doesn’t address deep skin texture changes on its own
4. Fractional Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., 1540 nm, 1550 nm)
Best for: All skin types, minimal downtime needs
These lasers penetrate deep into the dermis without removing the top layer of skin, making them a great option for collagen stimulation with little to no recovery time. Multiple treatments are typically needed.
Pros:
Safe for more skin tones
Gentle but effective collagen remodeling
Cons:
More sessions required to see full results
Where Endolift® Fits In
While Endolift® isn’t a primary stretch mark treatment, it’s worth mentioning for two reasons:
It helps with fat reduction and skin tightening: Which can improve the surrounding tissue and make stretch marks less noticeable, especially on areas like the abdomen or thighs where loose skin and fat pockets are present.
It’s known for other high-demand results: Including jawline contouring, under-chin tightening, and lower face rejuvenation, that may be of interest if you’re considering other skin treatments.
How Endolift works:
A hair-thin fiber-optic laser is inserted just under the skin, delivering energy to stimulate collagen, tighten tissue, and melt small amounts of fat if desired. It’s minimally invasive, done under local anesthesia, and has very little downtime.
For stretch mark patients who also have skin laxity from pregnancy, weight changes, or aging, Endolift can complement other laser resurfacing by tightening the area and improving overall skin quality.
Combining Treatments for Better Results
Stretch marks often require a multi-approach strategy:
Color correction (PDL or IPL) for red/purple marks
Texture improvement (Fractional CO₂, Erbium, or non-ablative fractional lasers)
Skin tightening (Endolift, radiofrequency microneedling) if laxity is a concern
By addressing both the surface and deeper structures of the skin, you can achieve smoother, more uniform results.
What to Expect During Treatment
Sessions: Most laser treatments require 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Downtime: Varies from none (non-ablative fractional) to 1–2 weeks (CO₂)
Results timeline: Gradual, collagen takes time to build, so improvements are often seen over several months
Pain level: Usually mild to moderate, with topical numbing or local anesthesia for comfort
Choosing the Right Laser for You
If you’re looking to improve stretch marks, the best laser for you depends on the age, color, and depth of your marks, as well as your skin type, lifestyle, and downtime tolerance.
New, red marks? Start with a pulsed dye laser to fade color, then move to texture-focused lasers.
Older, white marks? Fractional CO₂ or Erbium lasers will give you the biggest improvement.
Loose skin or small fat pockets in the area? Consider adding Endolift to tighten and contour while you’re at it.
Work with Our 5-Star Medical Spa in Redondo Beach
At Beauty Cult, we believe treating stretch marks is about more than improving skin, it’s about helping you feel confident in your own body. Whether you’re dealing with fresh marks, older scars, or skin laxity in the area, our team will design a customized treatment plan using the most advanced laser technologies, including Endolift, to give you smooth, radiant results.
📍 Locations: Redondo Beach & Costa Mesa
📞 Call: (310) 464-1369
