It depends on the surface area. Small areas take 1-2 minutes, larger areas take 4-5 minutes. Because of the built in DCD of cooling of the laser, treatments are not only fast but painless.

Stratamark has the most amount of studies. This gel is readily available at most pharmacies. Used daily it can-

• Prevent stretch marks
• Treat new (pink, red-purple) stretch marks
• Treat old (white-silvery-paper like) stretch marks
• Reduce the symptoms of stretch marks (itch)
• It is safe in pregnancy.

My advice is to undertake a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 10-14 days apart for early red stretch marks. This gives the best results. I always combine the use of a medically prescribed cream called Stratamark for best results. Sometimes I also prescribe a Vitamin A cream as this can remodel collagen.

White stretch marks are a little harder to treat. Patients will require 3-5 sessions of either FRAXEL or CO2 CORE.

Following treatment of red stretch marks, the areas will be bruised for up to 5-6 days. Pain during & following the procedure is minimal. Swelling can be reduced with the application of ice. Red stretch mark vascular laser does not break skin, so healing is uneventful.

Fractional devices used for the treatment of older stretch marks are associated with a longer healing up process- up to 10 days. The lasers we employ for stretchmarks include CO2, Fraxel, LaseMD & Tixel Fractional Resurfacing. We often combine retinol creams with devices for the best results.

If you have early red, pink, or purple stretch marks, you should consider the combination treatment with anti stretch mark creams AND laser. This combination works well, and the majority of patients will have a good to excellent outcome. If possible plan for treatment– example – if you are pregnant, plan for treatments as soon as you give birth. The earlier the treatment, the better the results.

If you have old, white & papery stretch marks, you will receive a modest improvement in most cases. Older stretch marks have variable outcomes, the most important factor is your own body’s ability to produce & remodel collagen and elastin.

Yes, in early cases of stretch marks, the use of creams such as Stratamark and lasers can give better results than just lasers alone. See the relevant stretch mark creams in the skin care section for a compressive review.

In summary, silicone based topicals can be effective, in combination with vitamin A based creams. Bio-Oil has no efficacy but can moisturise the skin. Combining topicals with procedures gives the best results.

Simple- the earlier we treat stretch marks the better the result. Over 80% of women will have stretch marks post delivery. If you consult myself (or our senior clinicians @cutis_dermatology) during the end stages of pregnancy, we can start the laser sessions within 10 days of giving birth. This includes laser to your C-Scar should you undertake a Caesarean Section. We also combine laser with stretch mark creams (safe in breast feeding, and in pregnancy.)

Red, pink, purple stretch marks can be improved markedly with the combination of laser & topicals.

Vascular laser for early red stretch marks

• Small area (2 hand sizes) from $190 per session
• Large area (greater than above) from $290
• Discounts apply for packages- enquire during your consultation

Fraxel, LaseMD, Tixel, CO2 CORE for old stretch marks

• Pricing: variable depending on device & area. Book an obligation free assessment with my clinical team @cliniccutis

Call Cutis Dermatology to make a booking. The consultation process involves identifying the type of stretch marks you have. We will then formulate a treatment plan using lasers, creams such as Stratamark & Vitamin A. In most cases you can start on a stretch mark laser program the day of the consultation. All stretch mark treatments are done by my clinical staff at Cutis.