Scarring & Stretch Marks
Scars and stretch marks are signs of the skin repairing itself after injury or rapid stretching. How they respond to treatment depends on their type and age.
Scars form when the skin repairs a deeper injury such as acne or surgery, and stretch marks form when skin stretches faster than it can adapt. Skin needling and fractionated RF may help support smoother skin texture over a course of treatments. Heather Holbrook assesses the type and age of your scars or stretch marks first, because some types are not suited to these treatments. Individual results vary.
Reviewed by Heather Holbrook, Dermal Clinician, 35 years' experience. Last reviewed October 2026.
Understanding scars and stretch marks
When an injury reaches the deeper layer of the skin, the body repairs it with new collagen. This repair collagen is laid down differently from the original, so the scar looks and feels different from the skin around it. Scars keep changing for 12 to 18 months as they mature.
Stretch marks, known clinically as striae, form when the collagen and elastin fibres in the deeper skin are stretched faster than they can adapt. Pregnancy, growth spurts, rapid changes in body weight and muscle growth are common triggers.
Signs to be aware of
Types of scarring
Scars differ in how they formed and how deep they sit, and the type decides which approach may suit.
Atrophic scars
Sunken scars that sit below the skin surface, such as those left by acne or chickenpox.
Surgical and injury scars
Flat scars from surgery or an accident. Once fully healed, some may be suitable for treatment to support softer texture.
Raised and keloid scars
Thick scars that sit above the skin or spread beyond the original wound. These need a medical assessment, and needling-based treatments are generally not suitable.
Stretch marks
New stretch marks are often red or purple and still have an active blood supply. Older ones fade to silvery white.
Newer red or purple stretch marks and scars that are still maturing may respond better than older silvery or white ones.
Treatment is not started until a wound has fully healed. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Heather will advise on timing.
How we can support you
Heather assesses each scar or stretch mark alongside your skin type before recommending a plan. Collagen remodelling takes time, so changes build gradually over a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart.
She will outline a likely plan and the costs at your consultation.
Collagen support
Skin NeedlingFine needles create controlled micro-channels designed to prompt the skin's natural repair response and support collagen production. Often used for acne scarring and stretch marks, and may be combined with Advanced Growth Factor Therapy.
Device treatment
Fractionated RFFine pins deliver radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin, intended to support collagen remodelling and smoother texture. May suit deeper or more established scarring.
At-home care
Sun ProtectionNew and healing scars can darken with sun exposure. Daily SPF 50+ on the area helps protect it while it matures.
Frequently asked questions
Can scars and stretch marks be removed completely?
No treatment can remove scars or stretch marks completely. Skin needling and fractionated RF may help support smoother texture and make them less noticeable over a course of treatments. Individual results vary.
How old does a scar need to be before treatment?
The wound must be fully healed and closed. Surgical scars are usually left for several months before treatment, and your surgeon or GP can confirm when the area is ready. Heather will check the scar at your consultation.
Are red stretch marks easier to treat than white ones?
Newer red or purple stretch marks still have an active blood supply and may respond better than older silvery-white ones. Older stretch marks can still be treated, although changes are usually more gradual.
Is skin needling suitable for keloid scars?
Generally no. People who form keloid or raised scars are usually not suited to needling-based treatments, because the injury to the skin may trigger more scarring. Let Heather know if you have a history of keloid scarring, and see your GP for an assessment of any raised scar.
Talk to us about scarring
Book online, or call us on 0403 292 292 if you would like to talk it through first.
Book a ConsultationPerformed by Heather Holbrook, Dermal Clinician, at our Largs Bay clinic.