Stretch marks at a glance
- The concern: streak-like cracks in the skin – at first reddish or purplish (fresh stretch marks), later whitish and shallowly indented (older stretch marks)
- Most common causes: rapid stretching of the skin (growth, pregnancy, weight changes, intensive training), hormonal influences and a genetic predisposition
- Treatments at ESTERA: PRP, mesotherapy, microneedling – individually or in combination; treatment started earlier gives better results
- Important: stretch marks are scars of the dermis: their visibility can be significantly softened with a course of treatments, but not completely erased
- Price: view our price list
What are stretch marks and why do they form?
Stretch marks are, in essence, scars of the dermis: when the skin is stretched quickly and strongly, the collagen and elastin fibres in the middle layer of the skin tear, and streak-like cracks appear on the surface. The most common triggers are rapid growth in puberty, pregnancy, larger changes in body weight and intensive growth of muscle mass, along with a genetic predisposition and hormonal influences.
They most often appear on the abdomen, thighs, glutes, breasts and upper arms – the areas that stretch the most.
Fresh and older stretch marks: why does the difference matter?
Fresh stretch marks (striae rubrae) are reddish or purplish because active blood vessels and an inflammatory process are still present in them – at this stage the skin responds best to treatments. Over time they turn into older stretch marks (striae albae): whitish, thin and shallowly indented lines in which the process has settled, so they are more resistant and require more treatments.
That is why the advice is simple: treat stretch marks as early as possible, while they are still fresh.
Which treatments help?
- PRP treatment – your own growth factors stimulate the renewal of the damaged dermis; the method is particularly valued for stretch marks and scars;
- Mesotherapy – cocktails for revitalising and firming the skin of problem zones, such as the thighs;
- Microneedling – controlled collagen stimulation at the depth where the fibres were torn.
What does a treatment plan look like?
At the examination we assess the age, depth and extent of the stretch marks and your skin type. A plan usually involves a course of treatments a few weeks apart, often with a combination of methods – for example microneedling and PRP. The realistic goal is a significant softening of their visibility: narrowing, evening out, and bringing the colour of the stretch marks closer to the surrounding skin.
Frequently asked questions about stretch marks
Can stretch marks disappear completely?
No – stretch marks are scars of the dermis and cannot be completely erased. It is possible to significantly soften their visibility, especially if treatment is started while they are fresh.
What is the best treatment for stretch marks?
There is no single best one: PRP, mesotherapy and microneedling are most often combined, in a course tailored to the age and depth of the stretch marks. Fresh stretch marks respond considerably better than older ones.
How many treatments do I need?
Usually a course of several treatments a few weeks apart, with check-ups at which progress is tracked and the plan adjusted as needed.
Do stretch mark treatments hurt?
Mesotherapy, PRP and microneedling are injectable or micro-puncture treatments that are performed with a topical anaesthetic cream when needed; the discomfort is mild and temporary.
Book an examination at the ESTERA Clinic in Vračar – the earlier stretch marks are treated, the better the results.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
Treatment price list View the prices of our treatments Call us Book your treatment