Hair Removal

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal Over Stretch Marks?

What to Know About Treating Areas with Stretch Marks Safely and Effectively

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to get laser hair removal over stretch marks, the answer is yes—absolutely. The medical-grade lasers used for hair removal at LaserAway are designed to target pigment in hair follicles, not the texture or tone of the skin itself.

That means your stretch marks won’t be affected. In fact, laser hair removal can make the skin in those areas look smoother overall, since it reduces the appearance of dark or coarse hair that might highlight skin irregularities.

So, whether your stretch marks are newer and slightly pink, or older and lighter, laser hair removal remains a safe and effective treatment—as long as it’s performed by licensed medical professionals using the right technology and settings for your skin type.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal uses pulses of light energy to target and disable active hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. The light is absorbed by pigment (melanin) in the hair shaft, converting to heat that safely damages the follicle and prevents future growth.

Because the laser is drawn to pigment in the hair—not in the skin—the surrounding tissue, including stretch marks, remains unaffected. Stretch marks are simply areas of skin that have changed in elasticity and tone, not pigment concentration, so they don’t interfere with the laser’s precision.

LaserAway’s technology is designed for this exact kind of accuracy—delivering light energy only where it’s needed, for smooth, long-lasting results across all skin tones.

Why It’s Safe: The Role of Advanced Laser Technology

Safety comes down to two things: the device being used and the expertise of the person operating it. At LaserAway, both are held to the highest standard.

LaserAway exclusively uses the Cynosure Apogee Elite® system, which combines two distinct wavelengths to treat all skin tones safely and effectively:

  • The Alexandrite (755 nm) for lighter to medium skin tones
  • The Nd:YAG (1064 nm) for deeper skin tones

This dual-wavelength technology ensures precise targeting of hair follicles while keeping the surface skin—stretch marks included—completely protected.

LaserAway’s clinicians use The LaserSafe Solution, a proprietary safety protocol developed alongside Cynosure, to maintain consistent safety across every session. The system automatically defaults to the most conservative wavelength (Nd:YAG) after short periods of inactivity and minimizes the risk of incorrect wavelength use.

In other words, every treatment begins at the safest possible setting—giving you confidence that your skin, stretch marks and all, are in expert hands.

The SmoothIQ Method: Personalized Precision

Laser hair removal isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that includes patients with stretch marks. At LaserAway, treatments are guided by the SmoothIQ Method, a framework that customizes your treatment plan based on five comprehensive considerations:

  1. Genetics: Your natural hair and skin characteristics influence how your body responds to laser energy.
  2. Skin Tone: Our clinicians select the safest and most effective wavelength based on your Fitzpatrick type.
  3. Hair Density: Different areas (and even areas with stretch marks) may have varying hair thickness.
  4. Hormones: Changes in hormones can affect regrowth patterns and treatment outcomes.
  5. Lifestyle: We design treatment schedules that align with your skin goals, lifestyle, and skincare routine.

By factoring in these five dimensions, the SmoothIQ Method ensures your laser hair removal treatment is precise, safe, and personalized—even over areas where the skin has changed texture or tone, like stretch marks.

What You Can Expect During Treatment

Whether or not you have stretch marks, the laser hair removal experience at LaserAway follows the same seamless, medically guided process.

Before your first treatment, you’ll receive a free consultation to assess your skin, hair type, and treatment goals. At your first session, one of our licensed clinicians will evaluate your skin and hair in real time, ensuring the settings align perfectly with your SmoothIQ profile.

Here’s how a typical session works:

  1. Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed, and your clinician confirms you’ve followed pre-treatment instructions (including shaving and avoiding sun exposure).
  2. Laser Application: The laser is moved methodically across the skin, emitting controlled bursts of light that target active hair follicles.
  3. Cooling Comfort: A built-in dynamic cooling device releases a gentle cryogen mist between pulses, minimizing discomfort.
  4. Aftercare: Your clinician applies a soothing serum and provides post-care guidelines to optimize results.

The process is fast, safe, and virtually painless, with no downtime—so you can return to your day immediately.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

Preparation is key to a successful treatment, especially if you’re targeting areas with stretch marks. According to Dr. Will Kirby, sun protection and proper shaving are essential:

“Sun avoidance and shaving the area prior to arriving at the clinic will definitely make for an efficient treatment experience. Also, because we time treatments in accordance with the growing cycle of your hair, keeping all scheduled appointments is an imperative part of a successful treatment experience.”

He adds:

“We ask that you avoid the sun two weeks before the treatment… It’s also important that you shave about 12 hours before you come in.”

These small steps help ensure your skin is calm and free of irritation before your session, allowing the laser to work at peak efficiency.

Stretch Marks and Skin Sensitivity: What to Keep in Mind

While laser hair removal is completely safe over stretch marks, there are a few nuances worth understanding:

  • Stretch marks don’t absorb laser energy. Since they contain less pigment, the laser bypasses them without causing damage.
  • Texture may feel different. The laser glides smoothly over the skin, but you may notice a subtle difference in sensation between normal skin and stretch-marked areas.
  • Post-care matters. Keeping the area moisturized and protected from the sun will support healthy healing and maintain the appearance of both your skin and stretch marks.

If your stretch marks are newer (red or pink), your clinician may adjust the energy settings slightly to keep skin as calm and comfortable as possible—but you can still safely receive treatment.

How Long Results Last

Laser hair removal offers long-lasting reduction—typically 10–15% permanent hair reduction per session—with consistent improvement over multiple visits.

Because stretch marks don’t affect how hair grows or how follicles respond to light energy, your results in those areas will be just as effective as anywhere else on your body.

Regular maintenance and adherence to your clinician’s recommended schedule (typically every 4–6 weeks) ensure you stay on track toward smoother, more even skin.

Beyond Hair Removal: The Skin Confidence Effect

For many patients, treating areas with stretch marks isn’t just about reducing hair—it’s about enhancing overall skin confidence. When unwanted hair is reduced, stretch marks often become less noticeable simply because there’s less contrast and texture variation.

Laser hair removal also helps minimize ingrown hairs and irritation, common issues that can make stretch marks more visible. The result is skin that not only looks smoother, but feels smoother—without waxing, shaving, or stubble.

Why Choose LaserAway

At LaserAway, safety and personalization come first. Our treatments are performed exclusively by licensed medical professionals using FDA-cleared laser systems designed for all skin tones and types.

Our combination of medical expertise, advanced Cynosure technology, and proprietary safety protocols—the LaserSafe Solution and SmoothIQ Method—ensures that every treatment is both safe and effective, even over areas with stretch marks.

With millions of treatments performed, LaserAway is the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology—and the trusted choice for patients who want results backed by science.

The Takeaway: Smooth Skin, Safely

You absolutely can get laser hair removal over stretch marks. The lasers used at LaserAway are precise enough to target only the hair follicle, leaving surrounding skin—including stretch marks—completely unaffected.

When combined with expert clinicians, advanced safety technology, and a personalized treatment plan, laser hair removal becomes more than a convenience—it’s a confidence-boosting experience that helps every patient feel their best in their skin.

Because at LaserAway, smooth isn’t just how you look—it’s how you feel. Ready to learn more? Book your free consultation today and discover how LaserAway makes laser hair removal safe, effective, and seamless—even over stretch marks.

References

  1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.
  2. “Nd:YAG Technology for Laser Hair Removal: What’s New?,” Dermatological Reviews, July 26, 2024.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal Over Stretch Marks?
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