Stretchmarks & Scars
Stretchmarks and scars are among the most persistent skin concerns, but they are far from untreatable. With the right combination of clinical treatments, significant improvement in their colour, texture, and overall visibility is achievable for most patients.
About Stretchmarks & Scars
Stretchmarks develop when the skin is stretched rapidly beyond its elastic capacity, causing the collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis to tear. They commonly occur during pregnancy, periods of rapid growth, significant weight changes, or muscle building. New stretchmarks appear red, pink, or purple as the skin is actively inflamed. Over time they fade to a lighter, silvery-white colour as the vascularity diminishes.
Scars form as part of the skin's healing response to injury, surgery, acne, or inflammation. The type of scar depends on how the wound heals: atrophic scars involve a loss of tissue and appear as indentations, hypertrophic and keloid scars involve excess collagen production and appear raised, and post-inflammatory marks leave flat discolouration after the wound has healed.
Both stretchmarks and scars respond to treatments that stimulate collagen remodelling, improve vascular activity, and resurface the skin. The most effective approach depends on the type, age, and location of the concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not completely, but their appearance can be significantly improved. Stretchmarks are a structural change in the dermis and cannot be fully erased, but treatments that stimulate collagen remodelling and improve the colour and texture of the affected skin can make them considerably less visible.
No. Older scars can still be improved with the right treatment, though they may require more sessions and the degree of improvement is sometimes more modest than with newer scars. We will assess your scar and give you a realistic expectation of what is achievable at your consultation.
Yes, though the treatment approach needs to be matched carefully to your skin tone. We assess each patient individually and will always recommend the safest and most effective approach for your specific skin at your consultation.
Both are raised scars caused by excess collagen production during healing, but they behave differently. A hypertrophic scar remains within the boundaries of the original wound and may flatten over time, while a keloid extends beyond the wound boundary. They require different approaches.
