Stretch Mark Removal Laser Treatment: Why Red Turns White | [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon]

It's not uncommon for distinct, torn-like stripes to appear on the abdomen, chest, or thighs after sudden weight gain, pregnancy, or rapid growth spurts. These are stretch marks. The most common question we hear is almost always the same: "They're red now, but will they turn white and become permanent over time?" To answer directly, starting management and treatment during the red stage is reported to be the time to intervene before they become fixed as white.

Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches excessively in a short period, causing the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis to break. Initially, they appear red or purplish due to visible blood vessels, and over time, they tend to turn white.

If the skin is thin and translucent, they may appear bluish, and rarely, they are reported to look black or gray. The difference in color is due to the combined effect of the depth of the stretch mark, skin thickness, and the condition of blood vessels in that area.

This is why we approach red stretch marks and white stretch marks differently depending on the symptoms.

This is the most frequently asked question. The timing of color change varies greatly from person to person.

Typically, the reddish tint fades and turns white around 6 months. For some people, they may settle into a white color relatively quickly. The stages can be summarized as follows:

In the clinic, we observe that those who visit early during the red stage tend to have a smoother subsequent course.

We also receive many questions about commercial stretch mark creams.

Most stretch mark creams do not contain special ingredients but rather work by increasing the moisturizing power of the affected area. Their nature is strongly preventive, so you can maintain a similar effect with general moisturizers without necessarily buying dedicated creams.

Here are some helpful tips for home care:

• Gradually control weight to avoid rapid changes
• Consistently apply moisturizer to areas prone to stretching
• Start management early during periods when stretching is expected, such as pregnancy or growth spurts
• Avoid strong massages or peels based on self-diagnosis

If you have any questions, you can easily ask them through the Stretch Mark Management and Treatment Consultation channel.

Vitamin A ointment has been medically verified and can provide some therapeutic effects along with prevention. However, its removal effect on existing stretch marks is reported to be very minimal.

If the condition is very bothersome, it is more realistic to start with Stretch Mark Treatment laser. Also, it's good to note in advance that this ointment is classified as a specialized prescription drug and is difficult to obtain without a prescription.

Stretch marks that appear after childbirth are characterized by their large size and wide area, indicating a severe condition. The collagen in the surrounding tissue has often already undergone denaturation, making complete recovery difficult with conventional treatments alone.

In such cases, combining basic treatment with high-frequency treatments like Thermage FLX to regenerate denatured collagen can be helpful.

In the early red stage, there is a relatively high possibility of restoring the condition closer to its original state with management such as diet.

However, if they have already progressed to white or the shape has significantly widened, losing weight might cause the area to sink and become more prominent, so caution is needed.

Starting treatment while they are still red can help reduce them from becoming permanently fixed as white. Depending on management, there is a possibility of recovery close to the previous state, but the effect may decrease if weight gain or growth continues during management.

Stretch mark laser treatment induces the regeneration of denatured dermis, and changes are reported to be experienced even with a single treatment. Repeated treatments can accumulate regenerative stimulation, potentially leading to greater improvement. However, results may vary individually.

If red stretch marks start to bother you, the period before they settle into a white color is reported to be relatively easier to treat. If you are curious about your current stage, we recommend checking it through Consult My Stretch Mark Stage and Treatment Direction with photos.

In this article, we have summarized the causes of stretch marks, their color stages, and the direction of management and treatment. Accurate diagnosis and treatment plans vary depending on skin condition, so please consult with medical staff for detailed information.

Supervised by: Dermatologist Dr. Lee Sang-joo, Chief Director. He is the Chief Director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon and has long specialized in pigment and scar treatments. First published 2024-12-12 · Last reviewed July 23, 2026

This article is for general information on stretch marks, and recovery patterns and results may vary from person to person. For detailed information, please consult with a dermatologist.