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Soften stretch marks and scars, from within.
Our Helix CO2 fractional laser resurfaces the skin and rebuilds collagen in the deeper layers where stretch marks and scars actually form. The result is smoother texture, more even color, and firmer skin across the treated area.
A free in-person consultation is required before treatment. Not local? Ask us about a virtual consultation.
Resurfacing and collagen remodeling in one treatment
Stretch marks and many scars are not just a surface concern. They form when collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin are damaged or torn, which is why creams and topical products cannot meaningfully change them.
The Helix CO2 fractional laser works at that depth. It delivers controlled columns of energy that resurface the skin surface while triggering the body to lay down fresh collagen and elastin below, remodeling the damaged tissue from within. With each treatment the texture smooths, the color blends toward the surrounding skin, and the area firms.
This is a body treatment. Stretch marks develop where skin stretches rapidly, most often on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, buttocks, and upper arms, and the same laser treats scars in these and other body areas.
Two wavelengths, two depths
The Helix platform pairs an ablative surface wavelength with an optional deeper non-ablative wavelength, so we can treat both the surface texture and the deeper structure of stretch marks and scars in the same session.
Resurfaces the surface
The ablative CO2 wavelength vaporizes microscopic columns of damaged skin at the surface, which is what improves the texture, the glossy or indented feel, and the color of mature stretch marks and scars.
Remodels the depth
The optional deeper wavelength reaches further into the dermis without ablating it, stimulating collagen and elastin where the structural damage lives. We dial it in based on your skin and the severity of the area.
Your treatment, step by step
A typical session runs 30 to 60 minutes after numbing, depending on the size of the area.
Numbing
We apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area and give it time to take full effect, so you are comfortable throughout the session.
Customized laser passes
The Helix CO2 is passed across the area with energy and density settings tailored to your skin and the severity of your stretch marks or scars. You may feel warmth and a snapping sensation.
Optional PDGF and aftercare
We can apply a platelet-derived growth factor serum directly after treatment to support healing, then send you home with clear aftercare instructions for the recovery window.
The plan, in brief
Most people want more than one, and more treatments tend to mean better results. You decide how far to go.
If you choose another treatment, we time it to your healing. Body skin needs time to recover before treating again.
After numbing, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Improvement, not erasure. Most people see meaningful smoothing and color blending, building with each treatment.
One at a time, and you decide how far to go
Everyone asks how many treatments they will need, and the honest answer is that no one can predict it. We wish we had a crystal ball. What we can tell you is that most people want more than one, and that the more treatments you do, the better the result tends to be. Some people are happy after a single treatment, and others choose to keep building.
That is why we treat one session at a time rather than asking you to commit to a set number up front. You see how your skin responds, and you decide whether to keep going. Each treatment stimulates a fresh round of collagen, and the improvement compounds as that new collagen matures over the following months.
A note on spacing. If you choose another treatment, we wait until the skin has fully recovered and early collagen remodeling is underway, generally around 6 to 8 weeks for body skin, before treating again. Treating too soon stacks inflammation on healing tissue and can work against the result, so we time each treatment to your healing rather than a fixed calendar.
What healing really looks like
This is a body treatment, and body skin heals more slowly than the face. We want you to plan for a real recovery window so there are no surprises.
Red and possible swelling
The treated area looks and feels like a mild to moderate sunburn, with redness, possible swelling, and a sandpaper texture.
Flaking, then fading redness
Dryness and flaking as the surface heals. Redness is expected through about day 14 and can linger, fading gradually as time goes on.
Pink, then remodeling
Pink can last up to two months, depending on the treatment, the location, and how your skin responds. This is normal and is a sign your skin is rebuilding.
Plan for this. Loose clothing, limited friction on the area, diligent sun protection, and a slower return to workouts during the early window. Strict sun avoidance and following your aftercare instructions matter, because healing skin exposed to the sun can darken or discolor, which works against your result.
How to prepare, and how to care for your skin
Before your treatment
- Avoid fresh sun exposure and self-tanner on the area in the days before treatment. A sunburn or very recent intense sun exposure means we will reschedule, since reactive skin raises the risk of pigment changes. A normal seasonal tan is usually fine, and we will confirm at your visit.
- Stop retinoid products (Retin A, tretinoin, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, and similar) and hydroquinone on the area a few days before treatment, as directed at your consultation.
- Tell us about any photosensitizing medications, anticoagulants, or a history of cold sores, keloid scarring, or pigment problems in the area.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of lotions, oils, and self-tanner on the treatment area.
- If you have a history of cold sores and we are treating near that area, we may recommend antiviral medication beforehand.
After your treatment
- Keep the area clean and moisturized exactly as instructed, and do not pick or scratch as the skin flakes and heals.
- Protect the area from the sun completely while it heals, then keep using SPF 30 or greater. Sun exposure on healing skin is the main cause of pigment changes.
- Wear loose clothing and limit friction on the area during the early healing window.
- Pause workouts, swimming, hot tubs, and heavy sweating until we clear you to return.
- Expect redness through about day 14, fading gradually, then pink that can last up to two months. This is normal. Contact us right away if you notice signs of infection, blistering, or anything that concerns you.
Is this treatment right for you?
A consultation is the honest way to know. We assess the stage, depth, and color of your stretch marks or scars, along with your skin tone, since deeper tones can carry a higher risk of pigment changes with any resurfacing laser. If the CO2 laser is not the right fit for you, we will tell you.
A good candidate if you
- Have stretch marks or scars you want to soften, whether they are still red or have faded to white
- Want meaningful improvement without surgery and have realistic expectations
- Can plan around the recovery window for a body treatment
- Are in generally good health with no active skin issues in the area
- Understand that most people want more than one treatment, and that more treatments tend to mean better results
Not suitable if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Recently used isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Take photosensitizing medication or anticoagulants
- Have a compromised immune system
- Have an active skin infection, lesion, recent sunburn, or very recent intense sun exposure in the treatment area
Stretch mark and scar removal pricing
Pricing is per session and depends on the size of the treatment area. We will recommend the right plan for your goals at your free consultation.
| Treatment Area | Per Session |
|---|---|
| Scar / Stretch Marks (small) | $900 |
| Scar / Stretch Marks (medium) | $1,250 |
| Scar / Stretch Marks (large) | $1,700 |
PDGF add-on
Platelet-derived growth factor serum applied directly after treatment for faster healing and enhanced results. Recommended but optional.
Love Your Skin members
Members receive 10% off treatment. Ask us about the membership at your consultation, or view the details online.
What CO2 resurfacing can do
Notice the smoother texture and the way the marks blend toward the surrounding skin. Results build with each treatment, and individual outcomes vary based on the stage, depth, and color of your stretch marks and the number of treatments you choose to do.
Stretch mark improvement after CO2 fractional laser treatment. Individual results vary.
Stretch mark and scar removal FAQ
No treatment erases stretch marks completely, and we will always be honest with you about that. Stretch marks are a permanent change to the skin’s structure. What the CO2 laser does well is soften them, blending the color toward the surrounding skin and smoothing the texture so they are much less noticeable. Most people see noticeable improvement, building with each treatment they do.
Everyone asks this, and the honest answer is that no one can predict it. We wish we had a crystal ball. Most people want more than one treatment, and the more you do, the better the result tends to be, but some people are happy after one. We prefer to treat one session at a time, see how your skin responds, and let you decide whether to keep going, with no commitment to a set number. If you do choose another treatment, we space them about 6 to 8 weeks apart, timed to your healing, because body skin needs time to recover before treating again.
Body skin is thicker than facial skin, has fewer of the structures that drive fast healing, and is stretched and moved constantly throughout the day. Treatment areas like the abdomen and thighs are also large. Redness is expected through about day 14 and can linger, fading gradually over time, and pink can last up to two months depending on the treatment, the location, and how your skin responds. This is normal and is actually a sign of a strong collagen response.
We apply a topical numbing cream before treatment and let it take full effect, so you are comfortable during the session. You may feel warmth and a snapping sensation. Afterward the area feels like a mild to moderate sunburn, typically for a few hours up to 24 hours post treatment, which is normal and expected.
Yes. Mature white or silver stretch marks respond well to CO2 resurfacing, since their textured or glossy surface is exactly what the laser smooths, and they improve in texture and blend better with the surrounding skin. Newer red or purple marks respond well too, often slightly better, so either stage is worth treating. Like all stretch marks, they rarely disappear completely.
CO2 resurfacing can be used on many skin tones, but deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of temporary pigment changes (darkening or lightening) with any resurfacing laser. We assess your skin tone carefully at your consultation and tailor the treatment accordingly, and we will tell you honestly if the CO2 laser is not the right choice for you.
You will notice some change as the surface heals in the first few weeks, but the real improvement develops gradually as new collagen forms over the months following each treatment. Results keep building with each treatment you do and for months after your most recent one.
Your provider matters with CO2
CO2 is a powerful laser, and the result depends heavily on the hands running it. At Renew MedSpa, your treatment is performed on the Helix platform with settings customized to your skin, your stretch marks or scars, and your tolerance for downtime.
Customized settings
Energy, density, and depth are tailored to your skin and the area, never a one-size-fits-all pass.
Honest expectations
We tell you what is realistic for your skin, including when a treatment is not the right fit, before you book.
Flexible downtime
We can adjust intensity for a gentler recovery or a stronger result, planned around your life.
Book your free consultation
A free in-person consultation is required before treatment, so we can assess your skin, explain a realistic recovery timeline, and build a treatment plan around your goals. If you are not local, ask us about a virtual consultation.
2121 Cliff Drive, Suite 115, Eagan, MN 55122 | Call or text 952-212-1268
