The Er:YAG laser in the Fotona platform is one of the most effective methods for treating stretch marks — both fresh, red ones and long-standing, pearly-white ones. Fractional micro-injuries surrounded by healthy skin stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin.
The Er:YAG laser in the Fotona laser platform is one of the most advanced and effective methods for treating stretch marks — both fresh, red ones and long-standing, pearly-white ones. The treatment involves fractionally "creating micro-zones in" the skin with the laser beam to create several dozen micro-injuries in each stretch mark. These injuries, which reach the dermis and are surrounded by healthy skin, heal quickly, with a low risk of complications, generating healthy collagen and elastin structures at the site of the stretch mark. At Velvet Skin Clinic, we perform the treatment with two handpieces: the R11 (manual full-spot heating) and the digital F-Runner scanner (precise fractional delivery).
Stretch marks are linear bands of thinned skin that form at the level of the dermis as a result of impaired fibroblast function. They appear mainly on the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, breasts and arms. In the inflammatory phase they are raised and reddish-purple, while in the atrophic phase they become flat or depressed and pearly white. The Er:YAG beam (2940 nm) works through the synergy of two effects: thermal (tightening and shortening the scar-like collagen fibres) and ablative (vaporising the epidermis, acting like a laser peel — smoothing and brightening the skin tone). As a result, stretch marks narrow, shorten and lighten, while skin firmness, tone and texture improve across the whole area.
Laser stretch mark removal is part of our Fotona laser therapy portfolio. In total, we have performed 9,671 treatments on Fotona platforms.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30 June 2026.
Several dozen micro-injuries in each stretch mark, surrounded by healthy skin — fast healing and new collagen.
Heating tightens and shortens the scar-like collagen fibres — the stretch mark narrows and shortens.
Vaporising the epidermis works like a laser peel — smoothing and brightening the tone of the whole area.
We perform the treatment with the R11 handpiece (full spot) and the digital F-Runner scanner (fractional, including multi-pulse). For comfort, the skin is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device.
It works a little differently depending on the case — below we describe exactly what it does here.
Not sure which indication matches your situation? See all indications or ask us during a consultation.
Treating stretch marks (striae distensae) with fractional Er:YAG lasers is the subject of clinical research. The studies below concern fractional laser technology — the mechanism shared by laser stretch mark removal.
A prospective pilot study evaluated a multi-fractional Er:YAG laser (with an SMA module) for treating stretch marks in 20 patients — with improved skin appearance after a course of treatments.
PubMed →The study compared an ablative fractional Er:YAG laser with a 585 nm pulsed dye laser for treating stretch marks, documenting the effect of fractional Er:YAG.
PubMed →A comparative study evaluated the effectiveness of lasers (long-pulsed Nd:YAG vs. fractional CO2) for treating stretch marks — confirming improvement in skin structure and tone.
PubMed Central →The cited studies relate to fractional laser technology in general, not to a specific device brand. The number of sessions is determined by the specialist; results depend on the age and type of stretch marks.
The treatment does not require any prior preparation. It begins with a detailed review of your medical history and screening for contraindications. The skin is then cleansed and disinfected, after which the treatment is performed. The skin is cooled with the Cryo6 cooling device, which minimises discomfort. On the day of the treatment, the skin is red and swollen — this subsides within 1–2 days. Fine micro-crusts then appear, healing over the following 7 days.
The specialist assesses the stretch marks and rules out contraindications.
Preparing the treatment area.
R11 (full spot) and F-Runner fractional delivery with skin cooling.
Micro-crusts heal in about 7 days; collagen remodelling continues for weeks.
Collagen remodelling is a slow, multi-stage process, so a full course of therapy requires a series of sessions. After the treatment, the skin needs protection and gentle care.
For at least 4 weeks, avoid tanning the treated area; use a high UVA+UVB sunscreen.
For 5 days, skip the sauna, intense exercise and anything that dilates blood vessels.
Use gentle cleansers and soothing creams; avoid exfoliants, soap and alcohol-based toners.
Let the micro-crusts fall off on their own — this lowers the risk of discolouration.
A full course of therapy usually means 3–6 sessions every 4–6 weeks; results build up over time.
This content is for informational and educational purposes. Detailed recommendations are provided by the specialist; results and healing vary by individual.
Authentic photos from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).


The price depends on the size of the area. Because collagen remodelling is a multi-stage process, a full course of therapy usually includes 3–6 sessions every 4–6 weeks. Therapy continues until a satisfactory result is achieved. We determine the plan and pricing during the consultation.
Fractional Er:YAG and Nd:YAG therapy for post-traumatic, surgical and post-acne scars.
See moreFractional Er:YAG rejuvenation and skin texture smoothing.
See moreAblative exfoliation of the epidermis — smoother, brighter skin.
See more“I had a laser eyelid lift treatment done and I’m very happy with it!!” (translated from Polish)
Beata Majewska · 2025Google review“I no longer feel self-conscious about it — my post-acne scars — and I highly recommend it.” (translated from Polish)
Lena Jagodziński · 2024Google review“I am very happy with the results of my stretch mark removal treatment. I recommend it.” (translated from Polish)
Aneta Kramarz · 2025Google reviewEach case is assessed individually by the specialist during the consultation. Alongside temporary contraindications (recent tanning, retinoids, antibiotics, cold sores), the following absolute contraindications apply:
The laser significantly narrows, shortens and lightens stretch marks, and improves skin structure and firmness, but the result depends on the age and type of the stretch marks. Fresh, red stretch marks usually respond better than long-standing white ones. The specialist sets a realistic treatment goal during the consultation.
Yes. The Er:YAG laser treats both fresh red and long-standing pearly-white stretch marks. Long-standing stretch marks usually require more sessions, and the result builds up as collagen remodels over the following weeks.
Because collagen remodelling is a slow, multi-stage process, a full course of therapy usually includes 3–6 sessions every 4–6 weeks. Therapy continues until a satisfactory result is achieved — it can be stopped or extended at any stage.
We most often treat stretch marks on the abdomen (post-pregnancy), thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms. The area and treatment parameters are chosen individually during the consultation.
Discomfort is minimised with Cryo6 cooling. After the treatment, the skin is red and swollen for 1–2 days, after which micro-crusts appear and heal within about 7 days. During this time, the skin should be protected, and the crusts should not be picked at.
The price starts from 300 zł and depends on the size of the area. We determine the exact price during the consultation. You’ll find the full price list on our pricing page.
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by qualified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skincare treatments. After the consultation, we match the method and specialist to your skin and goal.








00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30
The publications underpinning this treatment — with PMID identifiers and an assessment of the strength of evidence.