01 — Concern · Body and figure

Stretch marks

Stretch marks after pregnancy, after a growth spurt or after intensive training will not fade on their own, but they can be clearly softened and evened out. At your consultation we will assess whether they are fresh (red) or older (white) — that determines the method and how quickly results appear. We will match the therapy to your skin.

Consultation — Mokotów Consultation — City Centre Book a consultation →

4 technologieslaser, microneedling RF, microneedling, CO₂

Red and whitea different phase, a different plan

2 clinicsCity Centre · Mokotów

Consultationwith a skin assessment

02 — What it is

Stretch marks — what they really are

Stretch marks (striae distensae) are linear scars that form deep in the skin when it is stretched rapidly — in pregnancy, during puberty, with rapid weight gain or loss, during intensive training or under the influence of hormones. Collagen and elastin fibres are broken and remodelled, accompanied by inflammation.

Because these are intradermal scars, we speak honestly about their clear softening and evening out, and not about their complete disappearance. We work on remodelling the skin: with a fractional laser, microneedling radiofrequency, microneedling and carboxytherapy. We match the method to whether the stretch marks are fresh and red or mature and white.

See the details

Why the phase of a stretch mark matters most

Fresh, red stretch marks (striae rubrae) still have a blood supply and are inflamed — they respond to treatment best, so it is worth not putting it off. White, mature stretch marks (striae albae) require genuine collagen remodelling, so we turn to a fractional laser or Vivace microneedling RF. We establish this distinction at your consultation, and it determines the plan and how quickly results appear.

03 — Velvet Skin Clinic in numbers

Experience in working with stretch marks

5 404stretch mark treatments performed

8 173clients have trusted Velvet Skin Clinic

75% of clients return for further treatments

2clinics in central Warsaw

We have several technologies that work on stretch marks — which lets us match the method to the phase and the area, and not the other way round.

Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as at 30.06.2026 (total stretch mark treatments performed; client numbers and return rates — data for the whole clinic).

04 — Causes

Where stretch marks come from

Rapid stretching of the skin

Pregnancy, a growth spurt, rapid weight gain or fast muscle growth exceed the elasticity of the skin.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, puberty) and steroids weaken the collagen structure, making stretch marks easier to form.

Predisposition

A tendency to stretch marks can be inherited — in some people the skin tears more easily despite preventive care.

05 — Recognition

Identify your type of stretch marks

Red / purple (fresh)

Striae rubrae — vascular, inflamed, young. They respond to treatment best; the earlier the better.

White (mature)

Striae albae — pale, atrophic, older. Harder work; they require collagen remodelling and patience.

Mixed / extensive

Different phases in one area (the abdomen after pregnancy, for example) — these need a plan that combines methods.

We assess the phase and extent of the stretch marks at your consultation — that determines the choice of technology, the intensity and the number of treatments.

06 — Consultation

Want to soften your stretch marks? Book a consultation — we will assess their phase and choose a method suited to your skin.

Book a consultation

07 — How we can help you

A quick comparison

Method	Works best on	Result	Course
Fotona fractional laser	white and mixed stretch marks	remodelling, softening, texture	a course
Vivace microneedling RF	deeper, mature stretch marks	neocollagenesis, tightening of the base	a course
Dermapen 4	fresher, shallower stretch marks	collagen stimulation, structure	a course
Carboxytherapy	microcirculation support	nourishment, remodelling	a course

Unsure which to choose? Book a consultation

09 — Why it works

What the research says about treating stretch marks

The methods we use are supported in the literature. Below are publications on laser and energy-based treatment of stretch marks.

Fractional laser

Striae

Fractional laser for stretch marks

A study of laser treatment of stretch marks showed an improvement in their appearance and in skin texture after a course of treatments.

Meningaud J-P. et al., 2018 · PubMed →

Method comparison

Er:YAG

A comparison of laser methods

A paper comparing laser methods (Er:YAG vs dye laser) in stretch marks points to the effectiveness of fractional resurfacing.

Gauglitz G.G. et al., 2014 · PubMed →

Review

Striae distensae

Mechanisms and treatment of stretch marks

A review of the pathogenesis and treatment methods for striae distensae sets out the effectiveness of the available therapies.

Hendawy et al., 2022 (PMC) · PubMed →

Informational and educational material — it does not replace a consultation. Stretch marks are scars; results are individual and depend on their phase and the area.

10 — How it works in practice

Stretch mark therapy step by step

Once we have assessed the phase and extent of the stretch marks, we plan a course — often combining several technologies. After treatment the skin may be pink; the result builds gradually and calls for patience, especially with white stretch marks.

Your consultation and assessment

Identifying the phase (red/white), the areas and the goal.

The course plan

Choosing the technologies, the number of treatments and the intervals.

The treatments

Remodelling the skin — laser, microneedling RF, microneedling.

Results and maintenance

Softening and evening out; top-up sessions if needed.

11 — Support and prevention

How to support the result and protect your skin

Skin after stretch mark treatments needs support — it improves the result and protects against irritation.

Sun protection

Fresh stretch marks and skin after treatment need SPF 50 — the sun deepens pigmentation.

Moisturising

Regular oiling and moisturising supports the skin’s recovery and elasticity.

No irritation

After treatment skip the sauna, the swimming pool and intensive training for as long as your specialist advises.

Prevention

With a planned pregnancy or changes in weight — moisturising and a gradual pace limit new stretch marks.

Patience and consistency

Results on stretch marks build over a course — keeping to the intervals decides the outcome.

Informational and educational material. Detailed recommendations are given by your specialist; results are individual.

12 — Related concerns and therapies

They trusted us

★★★★★

“I have been for my first laser stretch mark removal appointment and I am very pleased!” (translated from Polish)

Marta P. · 2025review from Google

★★★★★

“At this clinic a course of treatments got rid of my stretch marks. The result was a very pleasant surprise; I recommend it.” (translated from Polish)

Blanka B. · 2024review from Google

★★★★★

“Five treatments were quite enough to get rid of the stretch marks on my stomach after pregnancy. Encouraged by that, I am now considering a body-contouring treatment.” (translated from Polish)

Wercia G. · 2023review from Google

14 — Safety

When to take extra care

Stretch mark treatments are always preceded by a medical history. The main contraindications and situations calling for caution:

pregnancy and breastfeeding

a tan and sunbed use immediately before/after

a tendency to keloid scarring

active skin inflammation and infections

clotting disorders

uncontrolled chronic conditions

Stretch marks are scars — we work honestly on softening and evening them out, without promising complete removal.

15 — Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions about stretch marks

Does the laser remove stretch marks completely?

Honestly: no. Stretch marks are intradermal scars, so they do not vanish without trace. They can, however, be clearly softened, their colour evened out and the skin texture improved with a course of treatments — most of all in people who start early.

Do the treatments work on white, long-standing stretch marks?

Yes, although it is harder and slower than with fresh ones. White stretch marks require collagen remodelling — they respond best to a fractional laser and microneedling RF over a longer course. The result is gradual.

Is it better to start while the stretch marks are still red?

Yes. Fresh, red stretch marks still have a blood supply and respond to treatment best, so it is worth not putting it off. If they are already white — we can still help, the plan is simply longer.

Which areas can be treated for stretch marks?

Most often the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, breasts and arms. The choice of technology depends on the area and the phase of the stretch marks — we settle that at your consultation.

What does the treatment feel like, and does it need recovery time?

Comfort depends on the method. After a laser or microneedling RF the skin may be pink and slightly swollen for a few days. We use anaesthetic where it is needed and give you aftercare instructions.

How much do stretch mark treatments cost?

The price depends on the technology, the size of the area and the length of the course. We provide a quote at your consultation, and full rates are available in the price list.

16 — Who performs the treatments

Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists

Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skin care treatments. After a consultation we match the method and the specialist to your skin and your goal.