Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae distensae, are discolored scars found on the skin. They are caused by shearing forces or tearing of the deeper skin layers and are generally permanent. Depending on one’s skin type and the age of the scar, they can appear brown, white, or red. Stretch marks often begin red, lead to brown, and subsequently lose pigmentation totally. Depending on their severity, they can develop textural abnormalities that appear like cigarette paper.
Stretch marks generally result from rapid stretching of the skin. This is typically associated with pregnancy, rapid growth spurts, weight gain, muscle building, severe hormonal fluctuations and/or abuse of drugs, such as topical or oral steroids that weaken the skin.
Common areas for developing stretch marks are the abdomen, the breasts, inner upper arms, thighs, hips and buttocks. They pose no health threat but are cosmetically unappealing.
Stretch Marks
Treatment Options for Stretch Marks
To date, topical therapy has proven to be ineffective, despite the availability and marketing of products. Currently, we offer four primary treatments used for stretch marks at our offices in New York City.
Fraxel Treatment for Stretch Marks
More recently, non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing, or Fraxel Restore, improves white or brown stretch marks without risk to the skin. This laser treatment smooths out the texture of stretch marks. In only 4-5 treatments, dramatic improvement can be made; a personalized treatment plan can be discussed with your provider at your stretch mark treatment consultation.
Energy-Delivered Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Energy-delivered microneedling is an effective method of tightening the skin and smoothing away stretch marks. At our office, we provide state-of-the-art VirtueRF, Vivace, and Morpheus8 RF microneedling.
These treatment modalities combine microneedling with application of radiofrequency energy for enhanced results. The tiny microneedles create microinjuries in the skin tissues, stimulating new collagen and elastin protein production. RF energy boosts this process, restoring skin health and structure over time. This makes stretch marks gradually fade.
Vbeam Treatment for Stretch Marks
When stretch marks are red and relatively new, the VBeam pulsed-dye laser can reduce the redness, improve the texture, and slow down the scar’s progression in its tracks. The energy from this laser locks onto broken capillaries to restore natural skin color. At the same time, it encourages collagen protein production to heal and strengthen the skin.
How Much Does Stretch Mark Removal Cost?
The cost of stretch mark removal is dependent upon several factors. The exact treatment modality chosen can impact the overall price, as can the number of treatment sessions required to achieve optimal results.
Begin treating your stretch marks to improve your skin’s texture, increase your confidence, and stimulate collagen and your body’s natural healing process. Schedule your consultation online or contact our dermatology office in New York City at (212) 327‑2919 to get your questions answered.
SOCIAL MEDIA
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐂-𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫 👇
The biggest mistake I see? Waiting too long.
Scars heal best when they’re treated early. Addressing a C-section scar in the initial healing phase helps reduce inflammation, prevent excess scar tissue, and minimize how visible the scar becomes long-term.
Here, I’m using pulsed dye laser therapy to target a C-section scar while it’s still red and inflamed. This treatment calms excess blood vessels in the scar, helping reduce redness and lower the risk of keloid or hypertrophic scar formation.
In most cases, treatment can begin six to eight weeks after delivery, once your OB/GYN gives clearance. In select cases, it may start as early as four weeks. Timing matters. A red, active scar is far more responsive to treatment than a scar that’s been left to mature unchecked.
As I say, “The sooner you clean up your room, the less dirty it gets over time, and the less work you have to do to remove it.”
Treatments are typically performed monthly until the scar is flat, calm, and barely noticeable.
For more information on scar treatment options and to find the right technology for your skin, call (212) 327-2919 to schedule a consultation.
After pregnancy, many women notice stretch marks as the skin stretches and tears to accommodate rapid change.
While the body does begin to repair itself naturally, stretch marks don’t always fade completely on their own.
Laser treatments can safely and effectively accelerate the healing process, improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity by stimulating collagen and skin regeneration.
As early as one month postpartum, or once your OB/GYN gives approval, laser therapy can be started. The sooner treatment begins, the better the results and often the fewer sessions needed.
Every body and every pregnancy is different, achieving optimal results may require a customized combination of advanced laser technologies tailored specifically to your skin.
If you’re ready to feel confident in your skin again and support your body’s recovery with expert care, call (212) 327-2919 to schedule a consultation and learn which stretch mark treatment is right for you.
Fraxel is one of the most advanced laser technologies for treating stretch marks—both new, red marks and older, faded ones.
✨ How it works: Fraxel creates microscopic columns of controlled injury in the skin, stimulating collagen production and encouraging the skin to remodel itself. This improves both the color and the texture of stretch marks, making them less visible over time.
📅 On average, it takes 3–6 treatments for noticeable improvement, though the exact number depends on the depth, age, and type of stretch mark. Consistency is key—stretch marks that are older or deeper often require more sessions.
📊 Results shown here are after 5 Fraxel treatments. Each patient is unique, and the best outcomes often come from a customized plan that may combine Fraxel with other cutting-edge technologies available at PFRANKMD.
At PFRANKMD, our team takes a science-backed approach to create personalized solutions that deliver long-term beauty and confidence.
✨ Ready to treat your stretch marks? Click the link in bio or call (212) 327-2919 to schedule your consultation.
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐕𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐦 + 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐚
Stretch marks and skin laxity often develop as a result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. At PFRANKMD, we combine the Vbeam laser and Miria laser to effectively address both concerns.
Miria uses advanced non-ablative laser technology to heat the deeper layers of the skin, improving elasticity and firmness by stimulating new collagen and elastin production.
Vbeam targets redness and discoloration in stretch marks by reducing vascular inflammation and stimulating collagen remodeling for a more even skin tone.
Together, these treatments work synergistically to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and restore smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (212) 327-2919 or click the link in bio.
𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 | 𝟐𝟒 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞
Our patient shares her experience just 24 hours after her first Ellacor micro-coring treatment, highlighting how comfortable the procedure felt and why she chose Ellacor to tighten and sculpt her face with minimal downtime.
Erin, 45, describes the treatment as virtually painless, noting only a mild sunburn-like sensation 24 hours after the treatment. Her goal was natural-looking tightening and improved facial contour without surgery. At just one day post-procedure, she already felt confident about her decision and impressed by how manageable the recovery has been.
Planning for an event? While Ellacor has significantly less downtime than traditional surgical options, optimal results develop gradually as the skin rebuilds collagen and elastin. For best results, we recommend starting Ellacor at least 8–12 weeks before a major event, allowing time for healing, collagen stimulation, and refinement of results.
Some patients may benefit from a series of treatments depending on their skin goals and timeline.
Ellacor is ideal for patients seeking meaningful skin tightening with natural results. Call (212) 327-2919 or click the link in bio to schedule a consultation.
Forget salmon sperm, forget PDGF, forget exosomes, forget PRF for skin rejuvenation until hard data and the test of time prove otherwise. These treatments are largely experimental, unpredictable, and trend driven, lacking the proven regenerative foundation of fat.
Micro and nanofat stand apart as true regenerative tools, leveraging your body’s own fat and its rich concentration of stem cells and growth factors to improve skin quality, texture, tone, and structural integrity. By working with native tissue biology rather than foreign materials, this approach delivers natural, long-term rejuvenation and meaningful collagen remodeling under local anesthesia.
Featured in “Ozempic Body: Solutions for Sagging Skin” written by @ingridanneschmidt for @hollywoodreporter
The article explores how rapid weight loss from GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can lead to accelerated facial aging — including sagging skin, hollow cheeks, and a more gaunt appearance. When weight drops quickly, fat volume in the face diminishes, skin loses elasticity, and collagen and elastin production slow down, leaving patients looking older than before.
One of the newer solutions highlighted is Ellacor fractional micro‑coring technology. This minimally invasive procedure uses hollow needles to remove thousands of micro‑cores of skin in a precise, grid‑like pattern while delivering controlled heat. As the skin heals, it tightens and contracts naturally — improving skin laxity, fine lines, and crepiness without the downtime or scarring associated with surgery. For many experiencing “Ozempic Face,” Ellacor can be combined with other treatments like fillers or collagen stimulators to both restore lost volume and firm loose skin.
“I see it every day in my office. A 50‑year‑old patient will come in, suddenly super‑skinny and needing filler for the first time. I ask, ‘How long have you been on Ozempic?’ and I’m right 100 % of the time.” – Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank
By understanding how medications affect skin and facial structure — and knowing that treatments like Ellacor exist — patients can take a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy, natural, and youthful look after weight loss.
𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲
When considering laser treatments for scars following various surgical procedures like facelifts, liposuction, and breast augmentation, it’s important to understand the timing for initiation. Patients can start laser treatments as early as 2 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
This timing is contingent upon several factors, including the complete closure of the surgical wound and the removal of stitches. Once these conditions are met, laser therapy can be beneficial in minimizing the appearance of scars and enhancing the overall healing process. Early intervention with laser treatments can promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of abnormal scarring, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes. It’s essential to consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to tailor a post-operative care plan that includes the appropriate timing and type of laser treatment based on individual healing and skin types.
Schedule a consultation to determine if your scars can be improved with scar therapy treatments.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥
My colleague @drdavidrosenberg told me a great analogy how facelift surgery is like refurbishing an old car—replacing parts and restructuring—but the true appreciation comes from the detailing work. I talk about how aesthetic dermatology, including lasers, injectable touch-ups, scar treatments, and removal of broken capillaries, completes what plastic surgeons start.
🎧 Click the link in bio to listen to the full episode of S3E10 of The Pro-Aging Podcast
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲: 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭’𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
In this episode, I discuss the growing trend of over-marketing facial plastic surgery to younger patients and the misconceptions surrounding so-called preventative procedures. I explain why surgical intervention in the early 40s can sometimes lead to suboptimal outcomes, including the need for unnecessary repeat surgeries over time.
I also break down the importance of skin health, collagen preservation, and non-surgical strategies as a first-line approach, emphasizing pro-aging, thoughtful care rather than rushing into invasive procedures before they are truly indicated.
🎧 Listen to the full S3E10 of The Pro-Aging Podcast to hear the complete episode, where I break down the biggest shifts in aesthetics in 2025 and share what I believe is coming next in 2026.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬
Annie, our Director of Operations and Creative Director at PFRANKMD, shares one of the ways our team supports skin health between in-office treatments.
This professional-grade at-home LED mask was selected by our providers with sensitive skin in mind and designed to deliver consistent, clinically studied light therapy without irritation or downtime. With multiple customizable light settings, it helps target concerns like breakouts, pigmentation, uneven texture, and early signs of aging.
Red, blue, and near-infrared wavelengths work together to support collagen production, calm inflammation, improve clarity, and enhance overall radiance. The flexible silicone design contours comfortably to the face, ensuring even light coverage in just 10 minutes per session.
Safe, gentle, and suitable for all skin types, the Lumiera PFRANKMD LED Mask brings spa-quality technology into your daily routine, supporting long-term skin health as part of a comprehensive, pro-aging approach to care.
Tap the link in our bio learn more or ask our team if this at-home LED treatment is right for you.
𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐋𝐢𝐩𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬
MicroLipo is about precision. It allows us to selectively remove stubborn fat while preserving natural contours and proportions of the arm.
In these cases, the results are not about aggressive fat removal or chasing an overly thin look. The goal is balance and refinement.
By combining MicroLipo with surgical microneedling, we are able to address both shape and skin quality. Fat is carefully sculpted, while microneedling stimulates collagen to improve texture, firmness, and overall smoothness.
The outcome is arms that look more defined, smoother, and naturally proportionate to the body.
To learn if MicroLipo to the arms is right for you, schedule a consultation at the link in bio.
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Stretch Marks Frequently Asked Questions
What makes you a candidate for laser stretch mark removal vs. Micro-needling or "scar camouflage?"
I tend to use micro-needling treatments on laser resistant stretch marks. Particularly, old white ones or people with darker skin who may not be responsive to lasers.
How quickly can you see results after stretch marks removal treatment?
No matter what we do, whether it’s microneedling, camouflage, or laser, you should see a difference after the first treatment, but it’s rare for it to take just one treatment. Typically, multiple treatments are needed.
Are there any side effects from the lasers that you use for stretch marks removal?
Yes, there’s always potential side effects for any cosmetic treatment. Side affects vary based on the severity of the stretch marks and the treatment being used.
What is recovery like for a stretch marks removal treatment?
All of the treatments generally take a few days of recovery. You will have to keep it out of the sun for about 3-5 days.
How far apart are the stretch marks removal treatment sessions?
I generally say treatments should be done monthly. We’d love to be able to stack them and get them done quicker, but it does take time to see the end result. If you want to look good in the summer I suggest you start treatments in the winter.
What is the hardest area on the body to treat for stretch marks removal?
I would say the inner thighs are the hardest and sometimes the buttocks. Surprisingly easy areas to treat that are super comfortable are the breasts, the back of the knees. Majority of patients treat their stomach and the outer thighs.
What’s the pain like for stretch marks removal treatment?
Most treatments are annoying, but tolerable. There’s no cosmetic treatment that should be torture and your doctor or provider should always properly anestezie you prior to beginning treatment.
How many sessions does it take to completely remove my stretch marks?
It’s always a minimum of 2-3 but there are patients that need 8-10. It really depends on the severity, the skin type, what device, what combos, that’s why you really have to have it mapped out by your doctor.
What if the skin is wrinkly on the abdomen with stretch marks?
This is where I really like to utilize energy delivered microneedling. It really helps the stretch marks in addition to tightening crepey skin.
Can you do anything about stretch marks on breasts once they are white?
Yes, they actually respond beautifully. Particularly with white stretch marks, they tend to take the fewest amount treatments.
Can a 15 year old get stretch marks removal treatment or do you recommend waiting?
A lot of young adults and young patients, as young as 10-11 years old, get treatment. I treat very young patients because you’re going to get the best result by catching it early when the tissue is inflamed.
Do stretch marks completely fade away from this treatment?
In the best cases, yes. I can get rid of 100% of the stretch marks. I’m sometimes shocked the results. I aim to get anywhere from a 70-90% improvement.