Fade the lines: stretch mark treatment in Massapequa
Lines on your stomach, hips, thighs, breasts or arms from pregnancy, a growth spurt, weight changes or building muscle. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island soften the color and texture of stretch marks with collagen-building treatments, and they tend to respond best when they're still new.
Also known as striae, stretch lines, postpartum stretch marks and tiger stripes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What stretch marks are
Scars in the skin's support layer.
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches faster than it can adapt, tearing the collagen and elastin in the deeper layer. They're a type of scar. At first they look pink, red or purple and may feel slightly raised. Over months to years they fade to pale, silvery lines that often sit slightly below the surface.
Stretch marks can't be erased completely, but they can be improved. New, colored marks usually respond faster because there's still active blood flow and healing in the area. Older white marks can still soften with collagen-building treatments, though progress is more gradual.
New (red or purple)
Recent marks with visible color, which respond best to treatment.
Mature (white or silver)
Older, faded marks that are harder to change but can still soften in texture.
Indented
Marks that feel slightly sunken, where collagen building helps the most.
If loose skin came with your stretch marks, see loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy. For dimpled texture, see cellulite.
What causes it
Fast stretching, plus hormones and genetics.
Stretch marks appear when skin stretches quickly, and some people are more prone to them than others.
- Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
- Growth spurts during the teen years.
- Rapid weight gain or loss, including with weight-loss medications.
- Building muscle quickly, often on the shoulders, chest and thighs.
- Genetics, since stretch marks tend to run in families.
- Steroid medications, including long-term steroid creams or tablets, which thin the skin.
Stretch mark treatments at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will choose treatments based on how new your stretch marks are and your skin tone.
-
Microneedling
Creates tiny channels in the skin that trigger new collagen and elastin, gradually softening the texture and color of stretch marks.
-
Laser Resurfacing
Laser energy resurfaces the skin and drives deeper collagen remodeling, helping blend stretch marks into the surrounding skin.
-
Tribella
Combines nano-fractional resurfacing and radiofrequency with light-based treatment, which can help with the redness of new marks and the texture of older ones.
Also used alongside these
- Microneedling with Salmon DNA or PRPAdds healing-focused boosters to microneedling for stubborn marks.
- Body ContouringFirms surrounding skin when stretch marks come with looseness.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to softer-looking marks.
Consultation
We look at your stretch marks' color, texture and location, check your skin tone, and ask about pregnancy or nursing plans.
Your plan
Your provider recommends a treatment series and explains realistic results for new versus older marks.
Treatment series
Sessions are usually spaced about a month apart so collagen can rebuild.
Ongoing improvement
Collagen keeps remodeling for months, so marks continue to soften after your last session.
Caring for stretch marks at home
Support the skin while it heals.
- Moisturize daily, especially during pregnancy and growth spurts. It keeps skin supple, even if it can't prevent every mark.
- Protect marks from the sun, which can make them more visible against tanned skin.
- Ask about a retinoid for newer marks if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Treat marks early. Red and purple marks respond better than older white ones.
- Gain or lose weight gradually where you can, giving skin time to adapt.
When to check with your doctor
Most stretch marks are harmless, but a few patterns aren't.
See your doctor if you notice:
- Wide, dark purple stretch marks appearing quickly, especially with weight gain around the middle and a rounder face, which can signal a hormone condition
- Stretch marks that appeared while using steroid creams or tablets
- Stretch marks with unusually stretchy skin or very flexible joints
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, many stretch mark treatments should wait. We'll plan timing with you. Every Skin Space consultation includes a review of your health history.
Common questions
Can stretch marks be removed completely?
Not completely, but treatment can make them noticeably softer, flatter and closer to your natural skin color.
Do new stretch marks respond better?
Yes. Red or purple marks still have active blood flow and healing, so they usually respond faster than older white marks.
Can I treat stretch marks while pregnant?
Most treatments should wait until after pregnancy and, for some, after breastfeeding. Moisturizing during pregnancy is safe and helps keep skin comfortable.
Do creams get rid of stretch marks?
Creams can keep skin moisturized and may help new marks slightly, but professional treatments make a bigger difference for most people.
Are stretch mark treatments safe for darker skin?
Microneedling is suitable for most skin tones. Some laser treatments need careful settings or may not be suitable, so your provider will assess first.
Where can I get stretch marks treated near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation so we can see your stretch marks in person.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
