Stretch Marks and Skin Integrity
Stretch marks can leave lasting changes in your skin’s texture and strength, often affecting confidence long after they first appear.
No obligation • Complimentary follow-up included • 3 Melbourne locations
Your skin tells a story, but you get to choose which chapter people read
Stretch marks have a way of making small decisions for you. The way they’ve quietly edited how you live. The swimsuit you put back on the rack. The way you reach for the sarong before anyone else is looking. Maybe the bedroom lights go off a little sooner than they used to.
And the frustrating part? These marks showed up because your body did something. It grew, changed, carried life, pushed through something hard. They’re not a flaw. They’re a record. But knowing that doesn’t make you any more comfortable, and no amount of “love your body” messaging fixes the fact that you’d simply rather not have them.
The good news is that there’s a real difference between what you can buy off a shelf and what’s possible when you work with the right clinic and the right technology. Stretch marks aren’t something you just have to accept, and if you’ve been told otherwise, it’s worth getting a proper picture of what modern skin treatments can actually do for you.
Why stretch marks form the way they do
01
Atrophic Stretch Marks
Rapid stretching breaks down the dermis. When skin expands faster than it can produce new collagen and elastin, the underlying support structure tears. What’s left are those characteristic lines, which start wider and more pronounced before gradually narrowing and fading over time.
Most common on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
Occur deep in the dermal layer, not at the surface
Cannot be smoothed with topical products alone
02
Early-Stage Stretch Marks (Striae Rubrae)
New marks are active and far more treatable. Fresh stretch marks appear red, pink, or purple because the blood vessels beneath are still visible through the thinned skin. At this stage, the tissue is still responding, which means intervention now delivers significantly better results than waiting.
Colour indicates recent formation
Skin is still in an active remodelling phase
Earlier treatment means better outcomes
03
Mature Stretch Marks (Striae Albae)
Older marks have lost pigment and volume. Over time, stretch marks lose their colour as blood vessels recede, leaving pale, slightly indented lines. The skin here has less collagen, less elastin, and less pigmentation than the surrounding tissue, which is why they catch the light differently and remain visible for years.
Silvery or white in appearance
Texture is flat to slightly depressed
Require treatments that stimulate new collagen at depth
04
Skin Structure
The damage goes deeper than you can see. Stretch marks are a structural injury, not a surface condition. The tearing happens in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibres live. By the time a stretch mark is visible on the outside, the real damage has already occurred well beneath the surface, beyond where any cream or oil could ever reach.
Stretch marks are a dermal injury, not a surface one
Effective treatment must stimulate remodelling at depth
The cause and stage of your marks will guide the right treatment approach
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The science behind treating stretch marks
The research below was conducted entirely independently. Our clinic had no role in any of the studies discussed and no affiliation with the institutions where the work was carried out. Findings are shared here for educational purposes only.
Microneedling combined with regenerative therapy shows consistent results
According to a 2025 randomised comparative study published in Springer, microneedling combined with platelet-rich fibrin demonstrated significant clinical improvement in abdominal stretch marks across 30 patients. The study compared microneedling with PRF against microneedling with PRP over three monthly sessions, with both treatments producing meaningful results. PRF produced superior outcomes and higher patient satisfaction, and was noted as simpler and more cost-effective to produce as it requires no biochemical additives.
The authors noted this as initial evidence of efficacy and safety, and further research continues to build on these findings.
Radiofrequency microneedling demonstrates significant clinical improvement
Published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2024, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the available evidence on microneedling technology for stretch marks across multiple controlled studies. Patient satisfaction with microneedling was notably higher than both laser and non-laser treatments, and the analysis found lower rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to alternative modalities, an important consideration for patients with varied skin tones.
The review followed PRISMA guidelines and drew from eleven eligible studies, including six randomised controlled trials. The authors noted this as initial evidence of efficacy and safety, and further research continues to build on these findings.
Picosecond laser technology is attracting attention in stretch mark research
The role of picosecond lasers in treating a range of skin conditions, including stretch marks, was explored in a 2025 comprehensive review published in Applied Sciences. The review highlights that the ultra-short pulse duration of picosecond technology targets dermal tissue while stimulating new collagen growth, with a favourable safety profile across varying skin types. Clinical findings referenced within the review reported moderate to significant improvement in stretch mark appearance in up to 90% of participants.
Research in this area is ongoing, and outcomes remain dependent on individual factors including skin type, mark maturity, and treatment history.
Not sure what's causing your stretch marks?
A consultation takes the guesswork out. We’ll assess your anatomy and walk you through your options — honestly and without pressure.
Anatomy-led assessment before any recommendation
Your plan is based on your anatomy, not trends
Complimentary follow-up and 24/7 aftercare access
Client Reviews
What our clients say
Treatment Pathways by Concern
Stretch marks are not a single condition with a single solution. Where they are on the body, how long you have had them, and what stage they are at all influence how they respond to treatment.
Here is how different types are typically approached.
| CONCERN | CONSULTATION MAY EXPLORE | ALTERNATIVES |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh red marks | Picosecond Laser, Microneedling with PRF | IPL therapy, topical retinoids |
| Mature white marks | Morpheus8, Fotona Laser, Microneedling with Exosomes | Chemical peels, topical peptide creams |
| Pregnancy marks | Morpheus8, Microneedling with PRF | Chemical peels, topical tretinoin |
| Rapid growth marks | Picosecond Laser, Microneedling with Exosomes | Microneedling with PRP, topical retinoids |
| Thinning skin marks | PRF Therapy, Morpheus8 | Microneedling with Exosomes, collagen-stimulating topicals |
| Dark stretch marks | Picosecond Laser, Chemical Peels | Topical vitamin C, azelaic acid |
A range of treatment options may be explored during consultation to address stretch mark concerns, depending on individual assessment, skin type, and suitability.
Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling
Fractional radiofrequency technology delivered via microneedles that may be explored for concerns such as mature and deep stretch marks where dermal remodelling and collagen stimulation are the primary goals
Picosecond Laser Therapy
Ultra-short pulse laser technology that may be explored to support dermal remodelling, pigment concerns, and improved skin texture in both early and mature stretch marks
Microneedling with Exosomes
Combines collagen induction therapy with exosome application that may be explored to support skin regeneration and textural improvement in stretch mark-affected areas
PRF Therapy
Utilising the body’s own growth factors, this may be explored to support tissue repair and collagen remodelling as a standalone or combined approach to stretch mark treatment
Chemical Peels
Controlled exfoliation that may be explored for concerns such as surface pigmentation, skin texture, and early-stage stretch marks where superficial remodelling is beneficial
Fotona Laser
Versatile laser technology that may be explored for stretch mark treatment across varying skin types, supporting collagen neogenesis and dermal repair at depth
Stretch marks respond differently depending on how long they have been there, where they sit on the body, and how your skin has changed over time. Two people with what looks like the same concern can require entirely different approaches, which is why the consultation is not a formality. It is where the actual thinking happens.
Your Journey: Before, During & Aftercare
If you’re worried about preparation, discomfort, or what you can and can’t do afterwards, you’re asking the right questions.
Before Your Visit
- ☐A list of current medications and supplements
- ☐Details of previous cosmetic treatments
- ☐Known allergies or skin sensitivities
- ☐Your main concern areas
- ☐Upcoming events or travel
First time? Book a consultation without committing.
During Your Assessment
Your medical professional will examine the type, maturity, and distribution of your stretch marks, as well as your skin tone, tissue quality, and any previous treatments you have had. They will explain what is happening beneath the surface and discuss which approaches may be appropriate for your specific situation.
No obligation to proceed.
Aftercare & Support
✓ A personalised care plan specific to your concern
✓ 24/7 real person aftercare support
✓ A follow-up review to check progress
✓ Access to our team at Camberwell, Brighton, or Moonee Ponds
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Why Melbourne Patients Trust Luxe Lips
- ✓Consultation-first approach — assessment before any recommendation
- ✓Doctor-supported clinical team with extensive training
- ✓Conservative-first philosophy. We recommend less, not more
- ✓24/7 real person aftercare support
- ✓Complimentary follow-up with every treatment
- ✓Three convenient Melbourne locations
- ✓Transparent, no-pressure consultations
Explore Related Conditions
Skin Laxity & Sagging
Restoring firmness and structural support to the skin
Body Contouring
Addresses changes in skin texture and contour
Skin Pigmentation
Helps manage uneven tone and discolouration
Skin Rejuvenation
Supporting overall skin quality, texture, and resilience
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Your Next Step Is a Conversation, Not a Commitment.
Pick the clinic closest to you and book a time that works. We’ll sit down, listen to your concerns, and help you figure out the right path forward.
No obligation to proceed • Personalised assessment on the day
A $100 deposit is required to secure an initial appointment. Full amount is completely redeemable or refundable if you decide not to go ahead with the treatment.
Trusted by 1,700+ patients across Melbourne • 20,000+ treatments performed • 24/7 real person care
Frequently Asked Questions about Stretch Marks
We know this can all be confusing, and that’s okay. FAQs are a great place to start before you book.
Are stretch marks more common in women than men?
Stretch marks affect both men and women, though they are statistically more prevalent in women. Hormonal differences play a role in how the skin responds to rapid stretching, with oestrogen thought to influence skin elasticity and collagen behaviour. Common triggers in women include pregnancy, puberty, and weight fluctuation.
Men are not exempt, particularly during periods of rapid muscle gain or growth spurts in adolescence. Skin type, genetics, and lifestyle factors influence susceptibility regardless of gender.
A consultation with a qualified medical professional is required before any treatment options can be discussed or recommended for your concerns.
Do stretch marks get worse if left untreated?
Stretch marks do not worsen in a medical sense if left untreated, but they do change over time. Fresh red or purple marks will typically fade to white or silver as the skin matures, becoming more permanent in appearance and generally less responsive to treatment.
Early intervention tends to produce better outcomes simply because the tissue is still in an active remodelling phase. Waiting does not close the door on treatment, but it does change what is possible.
Regardless of when you decide to act, a mandatory consultation with a medical professional must occur before any treatment can be considered or commenced.
Can stretch marks be permanently removed?
No treatment can guarantee the complete permanent removal of stretch marks. What clinical treatment may do is reduce their visibility, improve skin texture, and in some cases make them difficult to detect. Results vary depending on skin type, mark maturity, body location, and the treatment approach used.
Managing expectations is an important part of any conversation about stretch marks. Improvement may be a realistic goal for some people, and for many, that improvement is worth the investment.
A thorough consultation with a medical professional is a legal requirement before any treatment can be recommended or undertaken.
Can you get stretch marks without gaining weight?
Yes. Weight gain is one cause but far from the only one. Stretch marks can develop during puberty as the body grows rapidly, during pregnancy, through muscle gain from training, or as a side effect of certain medications including corticosteroids. Genetics also play a significant role, meaning some people are simply more predisposed to developing them regardless of lifestyle.
The common thread is rapid change in the skin’s surface area outpacing the dermis’s ability to keep up.
Before any treatment can be explored or recommended, a consultation with a medical professional is mandatory.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
There is no universal answer, as the number of sessions varies depending on the treatment modality, the type and maturity of your stretch marks, their location on the body, and how your skin responds. Most treatments involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin adequate time to adjust between appointments.
Any perceived results are typically progressive rather than immediate, with improvement building across the course of treatment rather than appearing after a single session.
Treatment selection is always determined by a medical professional following a mandatory consultation and individual assessment.
Can stretch marks be treated on all skin types?
Most modern treatments used for stretch marks can be adapted to suit a range of skin types, including darker skin tones. That said, certain treatments carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones, which is why treatment selection and settings are carefully considered during assessment.
A thorough skin assessment before any treatment begins is not optional. It is what ensures the right approach is chosen for your skin specifically, rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
What is the difference between laser and microneedling for stretch marks?
Laser therapy is designed to work by delivering targeted light energy to the treatment area, stimulating collagen production and addressing pigmentation concerns within the stretch mark. Picosecond laser technology, in particular, works through ultra-short pulses that helps promote dermal remodelling with minimal surface disruption.
Microneedling is designed to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural repair response, and can be combined with regenerative therapies such as PRF or exosomes to further support tissue repair. Both approaches target the dermis, but through different mechanisms.
Which approach is right for you can only be determined by a qualified medical professional following a mandatory individual assessment and consultation.
Can new and old stretch marks be treated the same way?
Not always. Fresh stretch marks, those still in the red or purple stage, are in an active phase where the tissue is still responding, which makes them generally more receptive to certain treatments. Mature white or silver marks have undergone significant structural change and typically require approaches that stimulate deeper dermal remodelling.
Treating both in the same way without accounting for their stage can affect outcomes. A tailored approach based on the maturity and characteristics of your specific stretch marks is always preferable.
A mandatory consultation with a qualified professional is required before any treatment plans can be designed or recommended for your specific concerns.
How much does stretch mark treatment cost in Melbourne?
Stretch mark treatment costs vary depending on the treatment modality, the area of the body being treated, the number of sessions required, and the extent of the concern being addressed. There is no single fixed price because no two presentations are the same.
As a general reference point, abdominal Morpheus8 treatments run in the $1,200 range for a one-hour session. Other modalities and treatment areas can differ significantly.
Exact costs can only be confirmed following a mandatory consultation and individualised treatment plan prepared by a qualified medical professional.
What happens at a stretch mark consultation?
Your consultation is a thorough assessment of your stretch marks, skin type, treatment history, and overall skin health. Your professional will examine the type, maturity, and distribution of your marks and discuss what may be contributing to their appearance. From there, treatment options appropriate to your situation will be explained clearly.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what a realistic outcome may look like before making any decisions.
A mandatory consultation with a qualified professional is the required first step before any treatment can be discussed, planned, or commenced.
Do I need a referral to book a consultation for stretch marks?
No referral is required to book a consultation at the clinic. Stretch mark treatments are elective cosmetic procedures and can be accessed directly without needing to see a GP first.
That said, if you have an underlying medical condition that may be contributing to your stretch marks, or if you are currently taking medications such as corticosteroids, it is worth mentioning this at the time of booking so your professional can take it into account during assessment.
A consultation with a qualified professional is mandatory before any treatment can be considered, regardless of the concern being addressed.
How do I know which treatment is right for me before committing?
You will not be expected to make that decision on your own. The consultation exists precisely to take that guesswork away. Your professional will assess your stretch marks, discuss your goals, explain which treatment options may be appropriate and why, and give you a clear picture of what each involves in terms of process, sessions, and realistic outcomes.
No treatment will be recommended without a proper individual assessment, and there is no obligation to proceed on the day.
A mandatory consultation with a qualified medical professional is the only way to determine what is right for your skin, and it is required before any treatment can proceed.
3 accessible clinic locations across Melbourne
Camberwell
1172 Toorak Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124
+61 477 441 340
Moonee Ponds
32 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
+61 477 441 340
Brighton
173 Martin St, Brighton VIC 3186
+61 477 441 340
