5 Treatments That Work on Stretch Marks — And How They Work

Skulpted by Kan
Nov 1
4 min read

Stretch marks (scientifically known as striae) appear when the skin undergoes rapid stretching or shrinking—during pregnancy, weight gain/loss, puberty, or muscle building.

While they aren’t harmful, many people seek treatments because they affect how the skin looks and how comfortable they feel in their bodies.

Here are five treatment options that show real promise — along with how each one works and why choosing the right one matters.

1. Topical Retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin)

How it works:

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They help invigorate the skin’s collagen production — the key structural protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity. When stretch marks are fairly new (red/purple, not yet white/silvery), retinoids can help make them less obvious by rebuilding collagen in the affected areas.

Why it helps:

By increasing collagen and promoting skin-cell renewal, the treated areas start to smooth out and blend better with surrounding skin. In other words: you won’t necessarily erase the mark entirely, but you’ll soften its appearance.

Things to note:

Works best on newer marks. Older, whitish stretch marks respond less.
Not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without doctor’s approval (retinoids can be contraindicated).
Requires consistent application over weeks/months to see meaningful change.

2. Microneedling (sometimes with Adjuncts like PRP)

How it works:

Microneedling involves using a device that creates many tiny controlled punctures in the skin. This triggers the skin’s wound-healing process, encouraging collagen and elastin production and better texture in the dermis (the deeper skin layer).

Why it helps:

For stretch marks that have a textural component (indentation or raised bands), microneedling can help “reset” the skin structure so the mark becomes less pronounced. When combined with growth-factor therapies (like PRP) the effect can be enhanced.

Things to note:

Multiple sessions are commonly required.
Slight downtime possible (redness, mild swelling).
Best results when the skin is healthy and the marks are not extremely old.

3. Laser or Light-Based Therapies

How it works:

Lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments target stretch marks via different mechanisms depending on the mark’s colour and age. Some lasers work by creating micro-injuries to stimulate collagen remodelling; others target the underlying blood-vessel or pigment component to fade redness or discolouration.

Healthline

Why it helps:

Because stretch marks are a form of scar tissue, using energy-based interventions helps the skin build new collagen and replace damaged dermal structure — resulting in smoother, less visible lines.

Things to note:

Again: older, white/“mature” stretch marks are harder to “erase” than newer red/purple ones.
Requires a skilled operator and appropriate device chosen for your skin type and mark stage.
Expect multiple sessions and realistic expectations (improvement, not total removal).

4. Radiofrequency (RF) / Ultrasound / Combination Energy Treatments

How it works:

These treatments deliver heat (via RF or ultrasound) into the dermis, stimulating fibroblasts (cells that make collagen and elastin) and encouraging skin tightening and remodelling.

Why it helps:

When stretch marks accompany loose or lax skin, these technologies can help firm the area, reduce the depth of the mark and improve texture. They don’t just address the surface but improve underlying skin support.

Things to note:

Good adjunct — often combined with microneedling or lasers for enhanced effect.
Downtime is minimal but several sessions are needed.
Cost and device-type vary; results vary with mark age, skin type, and area.

5. Surgical or Skin-Excision Options (for advanced cases)

How it works:

When stretch marks are very deep, extensive, or part of loose, excess skin (for example after massive weight loss or pregnancy), surgical options like a tummy tuck or thigh lift may remove the skin segment containing the marks.

Why it helps:

By physically removing the portion of skin containing the stretch marks, you can eliminate their presence — but this comes with the trade-off of surgical scars and higher risk, recovery time, and cost.

Things to note:

Only suitable in certain cases where excess skin is present.
Requires full surgical consultation — not a “quick fix.”
Surgical scars may be placed to be as hidden as possible, but they are still present.
Why No Treatment “Erases” Stretch Marks Completely
It’s important to set realistic expectations. Stretch marks are essentially a form of scarring — once the dermal structure has been disrupted, full reversal is rarely achievable.

What the treatments work to do is improve visibility, texture, and colour, so the marks blend better with the surrounding skin and become less noticeable.

Older stretch marks (silver/white) are more stubborn. Early intervention (when marks are red/purple) typically yields better results.
American Academy of Dermatology
How to Choose the Right Treatment at Skulpted by Kan

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Mark age & colour: Newer (red/purple) = better response. Older (white/silver) = more sessions, realistic goals.
Skin type & location: Some devices work better on certain skin tones and body areas.
Budget & downtime: More invasive technologies cost more and may need more recovery.
Goals: Are you seeking “less visible” or “completely gone”? Usually the former.
Combination approach: Often best results come from combining treatments (e.g., microneedling + laser).

At Skulpted by Kan, we’ll assess your skin, mark type, and your goals — then recommend a tailored plan combining the appropriate modalities for you.

Closing Thoughts

Stretch marks are natural, common and nothing to be ashamed of. However, if they’re causing you discomfort or affecting your confidence, know that there are effective treatments out there. While none offer guaranteed complete removal, the five methods above — when chosen and applied wisely — can lead to significantly improved appearance and skin texture.

For best outcomes: