Concerns

Stretch Marks

Improve the texture and visibility of selected stretch marks with a personalised, consultation-led treatment plan at our Notting Hill clinic.

What it is

Linear scars caused by changes within the dermis as skin stretches or grows. Newer marks may be red, purple or brown; mature marks are often pale or silvery.

Common causes

Pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth, weight change, muscle gain, genetics and prolonged use of some steroid medicines.

Who it affects

Stretch marks are very common and can affect every gender and skin tone. Appearance, colour and tendency vary between individuals.

How we manage it

Assessment of colour, maturity and skin tone, followed by selected SkinPen microneedling, laser treatment or supportive skincare when appropriate.

Understanding Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, also called striae, develop when the middle layer of skin is altered during sustained or rapid stretching. Early striae rubrae may look pink, red, purple or darker brown depending on skin tone and can occasionally itch. With time they usually become flatter, paler and less noticeable, forming mature striae albae.

Common sites include the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, back and shoulders. Stretch marks are harmless and treatment is optional. No cream, laser or needling procedure can guarantee their removal. Sudden extensive marks without an obvious cause, particularly alongside easy bruising, muscle weakness or prolonged steroid use, should be discussed with a GP.

How We Treat Stretch Marks

Your plan is based on whether marks are new or mature, their colour, width, texture, location, skin tone, sensitivity, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medicines, healing history and previous treatment. Results are gradual and usually partial.

SkinPen Microneedling

Medical microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen remodelling and may improve the texture and visibility of selected mature stretch marks over a course of treatment. It will not remove them completely and is not suitable over infected, inflamed or unhealed skin, or for everyone with a keloid tendency.

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Medical Skincare & Support

Moisturising can improve comfort and the temporary appearance of dryness, but evidence that oils or creams prevent or remove stretch marks is limited. Selected clinician-directed ingredients may be discussed for newer marks, but retinoids are not suitable during pregnancy and require appropriate medical advice.

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Pregnancy, Steroid Use & Medical Referral

Procedural treatment is generally postponed during pregnancy and may also be deferred while breastfeeding, depending on the treatment. If stretch marks appear suddenly, are unusually wide or widespread, or occur with other symptoms or prolonged corticosteroid use, we may recommend GP assessment before cosmetic treatment.

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Why Asthetik for Stretch Marks

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Doctor-Led

A structured assessment considers mark maturity, colour, location, skin tone, medical history, medicines and healing tendency before treatment is recommended.

Safety & Ethics

We set realistic expectations and do not promise removal. Treatment is postponed, declined or referred when pregnancy, unexplained symptoms or risk outweigh likely benefit.

Personalised Care

Newer coloured marks and mature pale marks can respond differently. Recommendations are matched to the individual skin and treatment goal.

Experience

Established clinical experience, careful treatment selection and transparent advice from consultation through aftercare.

Results

Results depend on the age, colour and width of the stretch marks, skin tone, treatment and individual response. Texture or colour may improve gradually over a course, but marks will not usually disappear completely. Mature pale stretch marks can be less responsive than newer marks.

Pricing

Stretch-mark treatment is personalised, so cost depends on the treatment area, procedure selected and number of sessions advised.

Indicative price From £350
Your consultation includes Assessment of your concerns and skin history, discussion of suitable options, expected outcomes, risks, aftercare and a personalised plan.

Frequently asked questions

No. Stretch marks are a form of dermal scarring and no treatment can guarantee complete removal. The aim is to improve colour, texture and overall visibility. They also commonly fade naturally over time.

Newer red, purple or brown marks may offer more treatment targets because colour and vascular activity are still present. Mature pale marks can still improve in texture, but they are often less responsive. Assessment determines the most realistic approach.

Microneedling may improve selected stretch marks by stimulating collagen remodelling, but results vary and usually require a course. It cannot replace lost elastin or make marks disappear, and it is not suitable for every skin condition or healing history.

Cosmetic procedures are generally postponed during pregnancy. Treatment while breastfeeding depends on the procedure, products and individual circumstances. Retinoid creams must not be used during pregnancy. We recommend assessment once hormones and body changes have stabilised.

See a GP if stretch marks appear suddenly without an obvious cause, are unusually wide or extensive, or occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness or other health changes. Also seek advice before altering prescribed steroid medicines; do not stop them abruptly without medical guidance.

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