Stretch Mark Removal
in Torrance
RF microneedling, Morpheus8, fractional CO2, Erbium laser, and keloid injections for the abdomen, thighs, chest, and surgical scars. Matched to your mark type, skin tone, and body area.
Stretch marks form when skin stretches or heals faster than new collagen can organize, leaving bands of disrupted tissue that creams and oils cannot reach. Device-based treatments work differently. RF microneedling, fractional lasers, and Morpheus8 create controlled repair signals in the dermis, triggering new collagen and elastin formation that gradually improves texture, color, and tone from within. At Skin Works, we match your treatment to your mark type, skin tone, and body area so progress builds from visit to visit.
What Type of Stretch Mark Do You Have?
The right treatment depends on the stage and type of your marks. Early marks respond differently than mature ones, and surgical scars require a different approach entirely. Understanding your starting point helps us design the most effective plan.
Striae rubra, new, inflamed, often slightly raised or tender
These appear pink, red, or purple and are still in the active inflammatory phase. The skin is producing disorganized collagen and the marks may feel slightly tender. This is the most responsive stage for treatment because the repair process is already active. Devices simply redirect and amplify it.
They commonly develop on the abdomen during or after pregnancy, on the inner thighs during growth spurts, on the upper arms and shoulders during rapid muscle gain, and on the hips during hormonal changes.
Best first line: RF Microneedling or Morpheus8 + optional PRPStriae alba, older, pale, slightly depressed
These have completed the inflammatory phase and now appear pale, silvery, or white. The tissue feels thinned and slightly indented compared to surrounding skin. Pigment-producing cells have retreated from the area, which is why the marks look lighter. These require more aggressive resurfacing to create new repair activity.
Common areas include the outer thighs, hips, buttocks, chest, and lower abdomen. Older marks that developed years or decades ago most often present this way.
Best first line: Fractional CO2 or Fractional Erbium laserC-section lines, tummy tuck scars, liposuction entry points
Surgical scars are structurally different from stretch marks. They can appear raised, thickened, discolored, or tethered to underlying tissue. C-section and tummy tuck lines often have both color and texture irregularities. Liposuction entry points can look dark or puckered. Keloid or hypertrophic scars require flattening before resurfacing.
Treatment plans are staged: flatten raised tissue first with keloid injections if needed, then resurface color and texture with fractional CO2, then address stiffness with RF microneedling. Surgeon clearance is required before treating surgical scars.
Best first line: Fractional CO2, or Keloid Injections if raised
A provider assesses mark type, skin tone, and body area before recommending a treatment plan.
Match Your Concern to the Right Treatment
Use this as a starting point. Your provider will assess your skin type, mark age, and area before finalizing a plan.
| Your Concern | Best First Line | Good Add-Ons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early red or purple stretch marks | RF Microneedling or Morpheus8 | PRP for faster tone balance | Great for abdomen after pregnancy and inner thighs |
| Mature white marks with shallow grooves | Fractional CO2 or Fractional Erbium | RF Microneedling between laser visits | Outer thighs, hips, chest, and buttocks |
| C-section or tummy tuck scar | Fractional CO2 to blend color and edges | RF Microneedling for thickness and pliability | Start after surgeon clearance; mature scars respond well |
| Raised or keloid scar | Keloid injections to flatten first | Fractional laser once flattening begins | Series improves height and color match |
| Mixed red and white marks, large area | Morpheus8 for remodeling and texture | CO2 or Erbium laser for surface | Layered series approach works best |
| Darker skin tones with stretch marks | RF Microneedling or Morpheus8 first | Fractional Erbium once skin is assessed | We tune settings for Fitzpatrick IV to VI safely |
Treatment Plans by Body Area
Each body area has different skin thickness, laxity, and mark patterns. Tap an area to see the recommended approach.
Begin with RF Microneedling or Morpheus8 for collagen remodeling and improved firmness. Add PRP when you want faster recovery and enhanced glow. For mature white lines on the lower abdomen, layer Fractional CO2 or Erbium in the series, typically alternating visits. Most abdominal programs run 3 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
For wide coverage areas we start with Fractional Erbium or Fractional CO2 to smooth texture, then maintain with RF sessions between laser visits. Outer thigh marks are often mature and white, so laser resurfacing is the primary driver of improvement. A series of 3 sessions typically produces the most consistent result.
Inner thigh marks often show color imbalance first, the marks appear darker or redder than surrounding skin. RF Microneedling with PRP is effective here because it addresses both color and texture simultaneously. For persistent white marks, we add Fractional Erbium. The inner thigh is thinner skin, so we adjust settings accordingly.
Chest skin is thinner and more delicate, so we favor Fractional Erbium or gentle Fractional CO2 with conservative settings. A short series of 2 to 3 sessions improves fine texture while keeping recovery simple, typically 3 to 5 days of mild flaking. RF Microneedling at shallow depth can be added for additional remodeling.
We blend the scar border with Fractional CO2, which softens color and edge irregularities. RF Microneedling is then used to address stiffness and thickness along the line. If the scar rises or thickens, we flatten it with keloid injections before resurfacing. Surgeon clearance and a healed incision, typically at least 6 to 12 months post-surgery, are required before starting treatment.
Small entry-point circles can appear dark, puckered, or depressed. Fractional laser blends the color difference between the spot and surrounding skin, while RF Microneedling improves thickness and pliability so the spot integrates more naturally. These typically respond well in 2 to 3 sessions.
RF microneedling delivers controlled heat beneath the skin to trigger new collagen production.
Treatments We Use for Stretch Mark Removal
Each device addresses a different layer of the skin and a different type of mark. Your provider selects the combination that fits your specific concern, skin tone, and tolerance for downtime.
Morpheus8
Advanced fractional RF microneedling up to 4mm deep. Best for early red marks and body areas needing firmness and deep collagen remodeling.
Potenza RF Microneedling
Premium RF microneedling platform with multiple tip and energy mode options. Versatile for both stretch marks and surgical scar remodeling.
RF Microneedling
Microchannels plus controlled RF heat to fill shallow grooves and even tone. Excellent for early red marks and all skin tones.
Dermapen4 Microneedling
Standard microneedling with precision depth control. Entry-level collagen stimulation for early marks, sensitive areas, and patients wanting minimal downtime.
Fractional CO2 Laser
Resurfaces texture and blends color in mature marks and surgery lines. Tuned by density and depth for each body area and skin tone.
Erbium and Fractional Erbium
Water-targeted laser energy with efficient recovery. Full-field or fractional based on downtime goals. Gentler than CO2 for thinner skin areas.
PRP Add-On
Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood applied after RF or laser. Supports tissue repair and enhances collagen production speed and quality.
Keloid Injections
Steroid-based injections that flatten raised scars before resurfacing. Once height reduces, fractional laser improves color and surface texture.
Outer thigh stretch marks are often wide and mature, responding best to laser resurfacing paired with maintenance RF sessions.
Before & After
Individual results vary based on mark type, age, depth, skin tone, and number of sessions. Results develop progressively over the treatment series and continue to improve for months afterward.
Before, During, and After Treatment
Free Consultation
Before your first sessionYour provider assesses mark type, age, skin tone, and body area. We build a custom plan including device selection, series length, and realistic outcome expectations. Photos are taken at baseline for progress tracking.
Preparation
Before each sessionArrive with clean skin. Pause tanning and self-tanners at least 2 weeks before. Stop active ingredients like retinoids if advised. Your provider will give specific pre-care instructions based on your treatment type.
Treatment Session
30 to 60 minutes per sessionTopical anesthetic is applied before RF and laser treatments. RF microneedling feels warm with light pressure. Fractional laser creates quick snaps with brief heat. Most patients tolerate sessions comfortably throughout.
Recovery
1 to 7 days depending on treatmentRF microneedling: expect pinkness and mild swelling for 1 to 2 days. Fractional laser: light flaking and redness for 3 to 7 days. Use gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer, and SPF daily. We provide a simple aftercare plan so recovery stays smooth.
Series and Results
3 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeksColor typically fades first, then texture levels out. Collagen continues remodeling for months between sessions, so results keep improving even when you are not actively treating. Most plans include 3 to 5 sessions for optimal improvement.
Treatment Options and Pricing
Final plan and pricing are confirmed after your provider assessment. Ask about series and package pricing. Price match available. Tap any treatment below to see full details.
Not sure which microneedling tier is right for you? This table shows how the four devices compare across the factors that matter most for stretch mark treatment.
| Device | Depth | RF Energy | Best For | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermapen4 | Up to 2.5mm | None | Early red marks, sensitive areas, entry-level collagen stimulation | 1 to 2 days |
| RF Microneedling | Up to 3mm | Yes | Early to mixed-stage marks, all skin tones, broader collagen remodeling | 2 to 3 days |
| Potenza RF | Up to 3.5mm | Yes, multiple modes | Early to mature marks, versatile tip selection, surgical scar remodeling | 2 to 4 days |
| Morpheus8 | Up to 4mm | Yes, subdermal | Early marks, deep remodeling, areas needing firmness alongside texture | 2 to 4 days |
Laser treatments are best for mature white marks and surgical scars. Here is how the three laser options compare.
| Laser | Best For | Downtime | Skin Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 | Thick mature marks, surgery scars, maximum resurfacing | 5 to 7 days | Fitzpatrick I to IV with care |
| Erbium | Mature marks, mixed-stage, efficient recovery | 3 to 5 days | Fitzpatrick I to IV |
| Fractional Erbium | Wide-field body areas, manageable downtime | 2 to 4 days | Fitzpatrick I to V with care |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser stretch mark removal actually work?
Yes, with realistic expectations. Laser and RF treatments cannot erase stretch marks completely, but they produce meaningful improvements in texture, color, and skin quality. Most patients see marks blend significantly with surrounding skin so they are hard to notice in daily life. Results are progressive. Each session builds on the last, and collagen continues remodeling for months after treatment.
What is the difference between Erbium and Fractional Erbium?
Full-field Erbium treats the entire surface of the treatment area in one pass, producing faster improvement but more downtime. Fractional Erbium creates microscopic treatment zones in a grid pattern, leaving untreated tissue between zones. This preserves surrounding skin, speeds healing, and makes it practical to treat larger body areas without extended recovery. Your provider will recommend the right approach based on your mark type, area size, and downtime tolerance.
What is the difference between RF microneedling and standard microneedling?
Standard microneedling creates microchannels in the skin that trigger a healing response and collagen production. RF microneedling does everything standard microneedling does, but also delivers radiofrequency heat directly into the dermis through the needle tips at the moment of penetration. This dual stimulus, mechanical and thermal, produces more significant collagen remodeling, especially for deeper concerns like stretch marks and skin laxity.
How much does stretch mark removal cost?
Pricing depends on treatment type, body area size, and number of sessions. Single sessions range from $750 for RF microneedling on a smaller area to $2,200 or more for Morpheus8 on a large body zone. We offer price matching and flexible payment plans through Cherry, Klarna, Affirm, and CareCredit. Your free consultation includes an exact quote for your plan.
Does Morpheus8 remove stretch marks?
Morpheus8 is one of the most effective tools we have for stretch marks, particularly early red and purple marks. Its advanced RF microneedling reaches up to 4mm deep, triggering deeper collagen remodeling than standard treatments. It is especially effective on the abdomen, thighs, and arms. Mature white marks typically respond better to fractional laser, but Morpheus8 can be layered in a combined series for comprehensive improvement.
Does a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and may eliminate stretch marks located on the excised skin below the navel. However, marks above the navel or outside the excised area typically remain. If you have stretch marks following a tummy tuck, laser and RF treatments can address those remaining marks after your surgeon clears you for treatment, usually at least 6 to 12 months post-surgery.
Does stretch mark removal hurt?
Topical anesthetic is applied before every RF and laser session, making treatment tolerable for most patients. RF microneedling feels like warmth and mild pressure during pulses. Fractional laser creates brief snapping sensations with heat. Keloid injections may produce a pinching sensation at the injection site. Comfort varies by individual and treatment area, and your provider adjusts the approach based on your feedback.
Can I treat stretch marks while breastfeeding?
Many RF-based plans are possible during breastfeeding with provider approval. We avoid certain topicals and adjust settings to ensure safety. Laser treatments are typically deferred until breastfeeding is complete. Your consultation will confirm timing and any restrictions based on your specific situation.
Are stretch mark treatments safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, when parameters are properly adjusted. RF-based treatments like Morpheus8 and RF microneedling are color-blind and safe across all skin tones. For laser treatments, we adjust energy, pulse width, density, and spacing for your Fitzpatrick type. For deeper skin tones, we typically start with RF-based plans and introduce fractional laser once the skin has shown how it responds. Our providers are experienced treating Fitzpatrick IV through VI patients safely.
Serving the South Bay
Visit us at 2573 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B in Rolling Hills Plaza, Torrance. Easy freeway access and free parking on site. Mon to Sat: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM · Sun: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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Complimentary Consultations Available
Ready to Start Your
Stretch Mark Journey? Your free consultation maps a treatment plan to your mark type, skin tone, and body area. No obligation, no pressure.
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Medical Disclaimer: All treatments are performed by licensed providers after an in-person evaluation confirming clinical appropriateness. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Surgical scar treatments require clearance from your operating surgeon.
Financing: Payment plans are provided by third-party lenders and subject to their approval processes and terms.
Skin Works Medical Spa, Rolling Hills Plaza, 2573 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B, Torrance, CA 90505, (844) 759-6757