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Stretch Mark Treatment

Physician-led evaluation and personalized treatment planning

Stretch marks are common skin changes that may develop following pregnancy, puberty, growth, weight changes or other changes in the skin. They can vary in color, width, depth, age and location.

At Mooi, stretch mark treatment begins with an individualized consultation with your provider. She will evaluate your skin, medical history, previous procedures, treatment area and aesthetic goals before determining whether a laser, radiofrequency microneedling or another aesthetic option may be appropriate.

Not every type of stretch mark responds in the same way, and no procedure can guarantee complete removal.

What is stretch mark treatment?

Stretch marks, also called striae, are linear marks that form within the skin. They may initially appear red, pink, purple or darker than the surrounding skin and can become lighter or more silvery over time.

The appearance of stretch marks may be influenced by pregnancy, puberty, growth, changes in weight or muscle mass, hormonal factors, genetics, individual skin characteristics, and certain medications or medical conditions. Stretch marks are generally not harmful, but some patients choose to have them evaluated because of their appearance or texture.

Why patients consider stretch mark treatment

Physician-led skin evaluation
Personalized treatment planning
Access to laser and radiofrequency technologies
Evaluation of newer and older stretch marks
Non-surgical, in-office procedure options
Individualized aftercare and follow-up
A discussion of the limitations and alternatives associated with each option

The appropriate treatment depends on the characteristics of the stretch marks, the area being evaluated, the patient’s medical history and your provider’s clinical judgment.

Types of stretch marks that may be evaluated

Red stretch marks

White stretch marks

Pregnancy stretch marks

Weight-change stretch marks

Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or arms

The color and age of a stretch mark can influence which technology may be considered. Not every device or procedure is appropriate for every type of stretch mark.

Stretch mark treatment options at Mooi

Depending on your evaluation, your provider may discuss one of the following technologies.

Icon® 1540 Fractional Laser

The Icon 1540 fractional non-ablative laser handpiece delivers laser energy in a fractional pattern across the selected treatment area. The 1540 fractional non-ablative laser handpiece is FDA-cleared for skin resurfacing and the treatment of striae, also known as stretch marks, as well as certain scars and other specifically listed uses.

Your provider will determine whether the Icon 1540 is appropriate based on the color, age, depth and location of your stretch marks, along with your skin characteristics and medical history.

Potenza® RF Microneedling

Potenza combines microneedles with radiofrequency energy delivered at clinician-selected depths and settings. It may be discussed as a separate option for selected patients following an individualized evaluation.

Potenza is FDA-cleared for dermatologic and general surgical procedures involving electrocoagulation and hemostasis. Its use for cosmetic treatment of stretch marks is outside that specific cleared indication and is considered off-label.

Your provider will explain the regulatory status, potential risks, limitations and available alternatives before recommending an off-label procedure.l

Another skin-resurfacing procedure may be discussed if your provider determines that the Icon laser or Potenza RF microneedling is not appropriate for your skin or treatment area. Scheduling a consultation does not guarantee that a particular device or procedure will be recommended.

Before Treatment

Your appointment begins with an evaluation of the treatment area. Your provider will review the proposed procedure, relevant risks, limitations, alternatives and expected aftercare.

The skin will be cleansed, and topical numbing may be used when appropriate. Preparation varies according to the device and treatment area selected.

During Treatment

During an Icon 1540 procedure, the handpiece delivers fractional laser energy to the selected area. Patients may experience warmth, prickling or snapping sensations. During Potenza RF microneedling, the handpiece places microneedle electrodes at clinician-selected depths while delivering radiofrequency energy. Patients may experience warmth, pressure or a prickling sensation. Appointment length depends on the size and location of the treatment area and the technology selected.

After Treatment

Temporary redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, sensitivity or visible treatment markings may occur. Recovery varies according to the device, procedure settings, treatment area and individual response. Mooi will provide individualized skincare, activity and sun-exposure instructions following your procedure. Contact Mooi if you experience an unexpected reaction or have concerns during recovery.

Follow-Up and Treatment Planning

There is no standard number of stretch mark procedures appropriate for every patient. Recommendations depend on the type and location of the stretch marks, your skin characteristics, the technology and settings selected, your response to the initial procedure and your aesthetic goals.

During follow-up, your provider may evaluate the treated area, address questions or concerns and determine whether another procedure, continued monitoring or a different aesthetic option should be considered.

The number of sessions, degree of visible change and duration of any aesthetic result vary. Stretch marks cannot be guaranteed to disappear completely, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Cost of the treatment

Starting at $900 per session.

Frequently asked questions

Can stretch marks be completely removed?

No procedure can guarantee complete removal of stretch marks. Their appearance and response to a procedure vary according to their color, age, depth and location, as well as the patient’s skin characteristics and individual response. Dr. Botha will explain the limitations of the available options during your consultation.

How many treatments will I need?

There is no standard number appropriate for every patient. The number and timing of appointments depend on the treatment area, type of stretch marks, technology selected, procedure settings and individual response. Dr. Botha will make follow-up recommendations after evaluating the treated area.

Is stretch mark treatment painful?

Sensations vary according to the device, settings and treatment area. Patients may experience warmth, pressure, prickling or snapping sensations. Topical numbing may be used when appropriate. Dr. Botha or a member of Mooi’s clinical team will explain what to expect before treatment.

Is laser or RF microneedling better for stretch marks?

Neither option is automatically better for every patient. The appropriate procedure depends on the appearance and location of the stretch marks, skin characteristics, medical history, previous procedures and relevant risks. The Icon 1540 and Potenza also have different FDA-cleared indications. Dr. Botha will explain these differences during your consultation.

What is the downtime?

Recovery varies according to the device, procedure settings, treatment area and individual response. Temporary redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness or visible treatment markings may occur. You will receive individualized aftercare instructions based on the procedure performed.

Important information

The Icon 1540 fractional non-ablative laser handpiece is FDA-cleared for skin resurfacing and the treatment of striae, also known as stretch marks.

Potenza is FDA-cleared for dermatologic and general surgical procedures involving electrocoagulation and hemostasis. Its use for the cosmetic treatment of stretch marks is off-label and is not included in the device’s specific FDA-cleared indication.

The FDA has reported serious complications with certain uses of RF microneedling devices for dermatologic and aesthetic procedures. Treatments at Mooi are offered following individualized evaluation, patient screening, informed consent and Your provider’s clinical judgment.

Individual experiences vary, and no specific degree of change or duration of an aesthetic result is guaranteed. This information is educational only. Discuss the potential benefits, risks, limitations and available alternatives with your provider before proceeding.