Stretch marks are one of the most common aesthetic skin concerns - they affect both women and men. They form when the skin is stretched rapidly: during pregnancy, in puberty, with rapid changes in body weight or with intensive muscle gain [1]. At MM Clinic in Wrocław we reduce them with a fractional CO2 laser, which stimulates the skin to remodel. Below we explain what the treatment involves, who it is suitable for, how much it costs and what you can realistically expect.
How does laser stretch mark treatment work?
The treatment is based on fractional photothermolysis. The laser emits precise microbeams of light, creating controlled micro-injuries in the dermis. In response, the body starts the healing process and increases the production of collagen and elastin - stretch marks become shallower, narrower and less visible, and the skin regains a more even structure [1][2]. The fractional laser also stimulates repigmentation of white stretch marks (striae albae) [1].
Indications: fresh (red) and old (white) stretch marks - abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, arms, back.
Pain: 3/10 - we apply an anaesthetic cream before the treatment.
Recovery: redness and peeling, usually 3-7 days.
Location: Wrocław - Krzyki/Ołtaszyn, ul. Strachowskiego 32.
Price: from 100 PLN (single stretch mark); full price list below.
Series: usually 3-6 treatments every 4-6 weeks.
The treatment step by step
- Medical consultation - assessment of the type, age and extent of the stretch marks and selection of the laser parameters.
- Skin preparation - cleansing and disinfection of the area.
- Local anaesthesia - anaesthetic cream, usually 30-60 minutes before the treatment.
- Laser treatment - precise passes with the fractional laser; you may feel burning or pricking.
- Cooling and soothing the skin - cooling and soothing products immediately after the treatment.
- Aftercare recommendations - skin care instructions.
- Series plan - usually 3-6 treatments every 4-6 weeks.
A single treatment usually takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
Laser stretch mark treatment - prices
| Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Single stretch mark | from 100 PLN |
| Hips | from 400 PLN |
| Breasts | from 400 PLN |
| Arms | from 400 PLN |
| Abdomen | from 500 PLN |
| Back | from 500 PLN |
| Thighs | from 500 PLN |
Prices are set individually depending on the size and number of lesions. Current rates: price list.
Indications
» fresh (red, striae rubrae) and old (white, striae albae) stretch marks
» stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, arms and back
» post-partum stretch marks
» stretch marks after intensive training or a change in body weight
Results and number of treatments
The best results are achieved after a series of 3-6 treatments every 4-6 weeks. Results appear gradually as new collagen is produced - up to 3-6 months after the series. You can expect:
- shallower and narrower stretch marks,
- improved skin texture and firmness,
- a more even skin tone (repigmentation of white stretch marks) [1].
Why have the treatment at MM Clinic?
- Assessment and treatment by a doctor - the type of stretch marks and your skin tone are assessed by Michał Marciniak, MD, who also selects the parameters.
- Individual parameters - tailored to the age of the stretch marks and your skin type, for effectiveness while maintaining safety.
- Full information - realistic expectations and a skin care plan instead of promises of a guaranteed result.
Safety and possible side effects
Laser therapy for stretch marks is a recognised method, but - like any treatment - it may be associated with possible, temporary symptoms [1][3]:
- redness and swelling, usually resolving within 3-7 days,
- dryness and peeling of the skin,
- mild burning or itching,
- less often - post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, more often in people with darker skin tones.
Important: in studies, the fractional CO2 laser and fractional microneedle radiofrequency are comparably effective, but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed more often after the CO2 laser [3]. That is why, for darker skin tones, we select the parameters with particular care, and we always match the method to the patient. The final assessment of eligibility is made by a doctor.
Aftercare recommendations
- moisturise your skin intensively with regenerating products,
- avoid the sun and use high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+) for at least 4-6 weeks,
- avoid the sauna, swimming pool and intensive exercise for 5-7 days,
- do not use peels or retinoids for at least 2 weeks,
- do not pick at the peeling epidermis.
Contraindications
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- active skin infections or inflammation (e.g. cold sores in the treatment area),
- oral retinoids (isotretinoin) - an interval is required (usually at least 6 months),
- a tendency to hypertrophic scars and keloids,
- a fresh tan or planned intensive tanning,
- cancer, uncontrolled autoimmune diseases,
- questionable skin lesions in the treatment area - these must be assessed first.
Comparison of stretch mark treatment methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Number of treatments | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 laser | high (especially fresh stretch marks) | 3–6 | 3-7 days |
| Microneedle RF | comparable to CO2, lower risk of hyperpigmentation [3] | 4–8 | 2-5 days |
| Microneedling | moderate | 6–10 | 1-3 days |
| Topical retinoids | limited, mainly fresh [2] | daily, for months | none |
The choice of method always depends on the type of stretch marks, skin tone and the doctor's assessment.
Frequently asked questions
A single stretch mark costs from 100 PLN, and body areas from 400-500 PLN (hips, breasts, arms from 400 PLN; abdomen, back, thighs from 500 PLN). Prices are set individually depending on the size of the area; we give the final quote at the consultation.
The treatment can be felt, but thanks to the anaesthetic cream most patients tolerate it well. A burning sensation may persist for a few hours after the treatment.
A series of 3-6 treatments every 4-6 weeks is usually recommended. The first results are visible after a few weeks, and the full results - as the collagen remodels - up to 3-6 months after the series.
No. Stretch marks are skin scars and rarely disappear completely. The aim of the treatment is to clearly reduce their visibility and to improve the structure and tone of the skin. The result is individual.
No. The treatment is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The MM Clinic approach
We begin every therapy with a consultation and an assessment of the stretch marks and skin tone - only then do we set the parameters and the series plan. Safety and realistic expectations are our priority. Treatments are performed by Michał Marciniak, MD, an aesthetic medicine specialist.
Would you like to reduce your stretch marks effectively? We will assess them and select a safe treatment plan.
Book an appointment · phone +48 731 731 335
Aesthetic medicine specialist. 10 years of experience, over 8,000 botulinum toxin and filler treatments. Member of the Polish Society of Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine.
MM Clinic, ul. Strachowskiego 32, 52-210 Wrocław · phone +48 731 731 335
Profile: znanylekarz.pl/michal-marciniak
Read also:
Laser scar treatment
Microneedle radiofrequency
All laser treatments
Sources
- Mikes BA, Oakley AM, Patel BC. Striae Distensae. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; updated 19.05.2025. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005
- Forbat E, Al-Niaimi F. Treatment of striae distensae: An evidence-based approach. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2019;21(1):49–57. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29451986
- Sobhi RM, Mohamed IS, El Sharkawy DA, Abd El Wahab MAEF. Comparative study between the efficacy of fractional micro-needle radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of striae distensae. Lasers Med Sci. 2019;34(7):1295–1304. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31044363