Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a form of scars that appear as lines across the skin in a different hue to one’s natural skin tone. Due to growth spurts, muscle gain, pregnancy, and weight gain, the skin stretches which results in these marks.
Laser stretch mark removal is a cosmetic treatment that uses laser-based energy to regenerate the skin. The laser resurfaces the skin in order to break up the scar tissue and stimulate the production of collagen, thus improving the appearance of stretch marks. There are a range of cosmetic treatments for stretch mark removal, the most common of which is a CO2 laser which usually costs between £700-900 per session.
How Much Does Stretch Mark Removal Cost in the UK?
The stretch mark removal cost in the UK varies depending on the size and nature of the stretch marks. For example, older and deeper stretch marks may require a combination of cosmetic treatments with either the Enerjet 2.0 or Morpheus8 treatments being used alongside a CO2 laser.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the most appropriate course of treatment for you during a consultation with your surgeon. In general, prices range between £700 to £990 per treatment.
What’s Included in the Price?
The price of laser stretch mark removal is inclusive of everything from surgeon’s fees, nurses’ fees, pain management, to one follow-up visit.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
As mentioned, you will have the opportunity to discuss a bespoke solution for treating your stretch marks which will be based on the size and severity of the scar. In general, most patients require one to three laser treatment sessions in order to significantly improve the appearance of their stretch marks.
How Long Do Results Last?
The improvement of stretch marks delivered by the CO2 laser and other treatments is permanent. The laser energy permanently breaks down the scar tissue and replaces it with new healthy skin tissue by stimulating the production of collagen.
Additional Laser Stretch Mark Removal Costs
In addition to a CO2 laser, you may also be advised to undergo additional cosmetic treatments such as Morpheus8 and Enerjet 2.0 for optimal results. Any such additional cosmetic treatments will be priced separately.
If required, you can schedule follow-up visits through your chosen clinic at an additional cost.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Stretch Mark Removal?
Stretch marks are a purely aesthetic concern, and do not affect your physical health in any way. Therefore, laser treatments for stretch mark removal are not covered by medical insurance.
Is Laser Stretch Mark Removal Worth It?
Many patients consider CO2 laser treatments to be a worthwhile cosmetic procedure as they considerably improve the appearance of stretch marks which are notoriously difficult to treat. Furthermore, the cosmetic treatment also has the following advantages:
- Laser treatments are generally painless as they are performed under a local anaesthetic.
- Laser treatments are minimally invasive, with a downtime of around 5 days or less.
- In contrast to a surgical procedure, laser treatments are less traumatic, cheaper, and do not leave behind scars.
If you’re interested in laser stretch mark removal, schedule a consultation with one of our recommended specialists to further discuss the cost of your cosmetic procedure.