What Are Stretch Marks (Striae)?
Stretch marks (striae) are line-shaped marks that form when the skin is stretched in a short time and the collagen and elastic fibers in the lower layer are damaged. The main causes are pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, fast growth in adolescence, intense muscle building and long-term corticosteroid use; genetic predisposition also plays an important role.
Newly formed stretch marks are pink, red or purple (striae rubra). Over time the color fades and they take on a white, pearly look (striae alba). Early-stage red stretch marks usually respond to treatment better than white ones.
Stretch marks are most often seen on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts and arms. Although they are harmless medically, they can affect how comfortable a person feels. For prominent, rapidly increasing, purple and wide stretch marks, it is recommended to look into whether there is a hormonal cause.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People who developed stretch marks on the abdomen, hips or breasts after pregnancy
- People with stretch marks related to weight change
- People with stretch marks that formed during adolescence
- People with newly formed red or purple stretch marks
- People who have finished breastfeeding and have realistic expectations
For stretch marks that appear during pregnancy, it is recommended to begin treatment after breastfeeding has ended. In the meantime, moisturizing the skin and avoiding sudden weight changes may be supportive.
Which Methods Are Used?
- Dermapen (microneedling): It stimulates collagen production in the stretch mark area and supports tissue quality.
- Gold needle: It adds radiofrequency energy to microneedling to target deeper layers.
- PRP: Applied together with microneedling, it may support the repair process.
- Laser treatments: In selected cases they act as a complement for color and texture.
- Topical treatments: Creams containing retinoids may be considered, especially for new stretch marks (they are not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding).
In stretch mark treatment as well, a plan that combines several methods is usually followed. For red stretch marks, color is the main target; for white ones, texture and depth are the priority.
What to Keep in Mind Afterward
- The treated area should not be irritated by tight clothing for a few days.
- Saunas, steam baths, pools and intense exercise should be avoided in the first days.
- The area should be moisturized regularly and protected if it is exposed to the sun.
- Thin scabs that form should not be picked off.
- Avoiding sudden weight changes may help reduce the formation of new stretch marks.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Redness, mild swelling, sensitivity and pinpoint bleeding marks are common; they usually resolve within a few days. Rarely, infection or temporary color change may develop.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, needle-based and energy-based procedures for stretch marks and retinoid creams are not used. The procedure is not performed, or is postponed, in the presence of active infection, a tendency to keloid scarring, use of blood-thinning medication and uncontrolled chronic illness.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
In stretch mark treatment, Dr. Fulya Koç clarifies expectations at the very start: stretch marks are not expected to disappear completely, but the aim is for them to become less noticeable in color, depth and texture. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help early for new stretch marks and favors methods that support the skin’s own repair capacity.
Lifestyle elements such as balanced nutrition, adequate water intake and regular exercise are also included in the plan to support the overall health of the skin during treatment.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
White stretch marks can also be treated, but the response is more limited than with red ones and more sessions may be needed. The aim is to improve the texture and depth of the stretch mark so that it is less noticeable.
Needle-based, laser and retinoid-containing treatments are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In this period, supporting the skin with moisturizing is preferred, and treatment is planned for after breastfeeding.
Usually 4–6 sessions are planned, 4–6 weeks apart. The age, color, width and location of the stretch marks affect the number of sessions.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
