Stretch Mark Consultation

Service Description

What are stretch marks? Stretch marks, or striae, are lines caused by changes within the skin’s supporting collagen and elastin. They commonly develop with growth, pregnancy, weight change or hormonal factors. Newer red or purple marks and older pale marks may respond differently. Treatment aims to improve their appearance and texture; it cannot remove them completely. What happens at the consultation? Your clinician will assess the location, colour, age and depth of the marks, skin type, medical history, medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, tendency to pigment or scar, previous treatment and expectations. Unusual, rapidly developing or medically unexplained marks may require GP or specialist assessment. Possible treatment options Existing Esteem Life pathways include Alma Hybrid CO₂/1570 nm treatment, Harmony SupErb 2940 nm Er:YAG resurfacing and microneedling. The most appropriate option depends on the type of stretch mark, skin type and acceptable recovery. A combination or no procedure may be recommended. How treatments work Fractional laser and microneedling create controlled areas of injury intended to support gradual collagen remodelling. Ablative CO₂ and Er:YAG treatments resurface selected skin layers, while microneedling creates mechanical microchannels. Treatment intensity affects both potential improvement and recovery. Recovery and course Redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, dryness, pinpoint bleeding, crusting or peeling may occur depending on the selected procedure. Darkening or lightening of the treated area can occur. The number and interval of sessions must be personalised; improvement cannot be promised within a fixed 3–6-session course. Risks and limitations Risks include pain, prolonged redness, infection, cold-sore reactivation, burns, pigment change, textural change and scarring. Results may be modest or absent, particularly with mature pale stretch marks, and recurrence or new marks can develop with future skin stretching. Aftercare Procedure-specific instructions will be provided if treatment proceeds. These commonly include gentle skincare, daily broad-spectrum SPF, avoiding picking, tanning, excessive heat and strong active products while healing. Contact the clinic for increasing pain, blistering, spreading redness, discharge or an unexpected reaction. Book a consultation This Glasgow consultation costs £99. It provides an individual assessment and explanation of suitable options, expected recovery, risks and likely costs before you decide whether to proceed.