Originally published March 30, 2010. Updated October 7, 2026, to reflect current guidance on laser therapy, microneedling and surgical treatment options for stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. They commonly appear after pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight changes or periods of fast muscle growth.
Newer stretch marks may look red, pink, purple or darker than the surrounding skin. Over time, they usually fade and become less noticeable.
If stretch marks continue to bother you, professional treatments may improve their color or texture. However, you need to keep realistic expectations in mind: no treatment can reliably remove stretch marks completely.
Can Stretch Marks Be Removed Surgically?
In most cases, stretch marks are treated with cosmetic dermatology procedures rather than surgery.
Options may include:
- Laser or light therapy
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Chemical peels
A tummy tuck is the main surgical procedure that can physically remove some stretch marks, but only when they’re on skin that is being removed as part of the operation.
Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks
Laser and light treatments can make some stretch marks less noticeable by stimulating collagen production or targeting redness and pigmentation.
Different types of lasers may be used depending on:
- How old the stretch marks are
- Their color
- Your skin tone
- The depth and texture of the marks
Laser treatment doesn’t simply destroy the stretch mark so perfect new skin grows in its place. Instead, it encourages changes in the skin that can improve texture and coloration over time.
Several treatment sessions may be required.
Temporary redness and swelling are common after treatment and generally improve within hours or days.
Does Laser Treatment Completely Remove Stretch Marks?
Usually, no.
Laser treatment may make stretch marks much less noticeable, especially when the treatment is chosen appropriately for the type of mark and skin tone.
But both the American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic emphasize that stretch marks are permanent scars and that available treatments generally improve rather than eliminate them.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Microneedling uses a device containing very small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
This stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production, which may help improve the texture of stretch marks.
Mayo Clinic notes that microneedling may carry a lower risk of changes in skin pigmentation than laser therapy, making it a first-line option for people with darker skin tones.
Multiple treatments are often needed before noticeable improvement develops.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive resurfacing treatment that removes or refines the outermost layer of skin.
It is less aggressive than traditional surgical dermabrasion and may help make stretch marks somewhat less noticeable.
The American Academy of Dermatology includes microdermabrasion among the procedures dermatologists may use for stretch marks, although it cannot remove them completely.
Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency treatments use controlled energy to heat deeper skin layers and stimulate collagen production.
Dermatologists may use them alone or combine them with other treatments, such as microneedling or laser therapy.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dermatologists sometimes combine procedures to achieve better cosmetic improvement.
Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the one surgical procedure that may physically remove some abdominal stretch marks.
During a tummy tuck, a plastic surgeon removes excess abdominal skin and may also tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
If stretch marks are located on the skin that is removed—typically below the belly button—those marks will be removed along with that skin.
However, a tummy tuck cannot remove all abdominal stretch marks.
Marks located above the belly button or outside the area of skin being removed will usually remain, although tightening the surrounding skin may sometimes make them less noticeable.
Should You Get a Tummy Tuck Just for Stretch Marks?
A tummy tuck is major surgery and generally should not be viewed as a simple stretch-mark treatment.
It may be considered when someone also wants to address:
- Significant loose abdominal skin
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Changes after pregnancy
- Excess skin after major weight loss
A tummy tuck requires anesthesia, incisions and a substantial recovery period, and it leaves a permanent surgical scar.
If stretch marks are your only concern, less invasive dermatologic treatments are generally more appropriate to discuss first.
Which Stretch Mark Treatment Works Best?
No single treatment consistently works best for everyone.
Mayo Clinic notes that available treatments have not been shown to be consistently more successful than one another.
The best approach depends on:
- How long you’ve had the stretch marks
- Their color and depth
- Your skin tone
- Where the marks are located
- Your budget
- How much improvement you expect
- How much downtime you’re comfortable with
A dermatologist can evaluate the stretch marks and recommend an appropriate treatment or combination of treatments.
What About New Stretch Marks?
Newer stretch marks may respond better to treatment than older ones.
Prescription tretinoin can sometimes improve stretch marks that are only a few months old by encouraging collagen production. Hyaluronic acid may also make newer marks less noticeable.
Do not use retinoids such as tretinoin during pregnancy without medical guidance.
The Bottom Line
Stretch marks cannot usually be removed completely, but professional treatments can make them less noticeable.
Laser therapy, microneedling, microdermabrasion and radiofrequency treatments may improve their color or texture. A tummy tuck can physically remove some stretch marks, but only when they’re located on skin removed during the procedure.
If stretch marks bother you, a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you understand which treatments are appropriate and what kind of improvement you can realistically expect.
