Stretch marks are linear scars of the skin, caused by rapid stretching of the dermis. They appear in pregnancy, adolescence, rapid weight gain or loss, bodybuilding or under certain corticosteroid treatments. They cannot be made to disappear completely, but their colour, texture and relief can be improved, especially when they are recent. In Marrakech, Dr Sara Zahid, a dermatologist in Guéliz, first examines your stretch marks, then offers suitable treatments: Fotona laser, Dermapen and skin quality protocols, with an honestly announced number of sessions.
A fine scar of the skin, appearing when the fibres of the dermis (collagen, elastin) tear under too rapid a stretch. It is first red or purplish, slightly raised and sometimes itchy, then becomes white, pearly and more depressed over time. It mainly affects the belly, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms and lower back.
Several factors add up: family predisposition, hormones (pregnancy, puberty), the speed of weight gain or loss, rapid growth, intense bodybuilding and prolonged use of corticosteroids (strong creams or tablets). Numerous, wide stretch marks or ones appearing with no obvious cause, especially in a teenager or young adult, warrant a consultation to look for a cause to treat.
Gradual weight gain, good hydration and gentle massage help the skin adapt, but personal predisposition plays a major role: no cream reliably prevents them from appearing, and promises that sound too good should be treated with caution. During pregnancy, the skin is supported; corrective treatments are done after delivery.
Recent stretch marks, red or purplish, are still rich in small vessels: they generally respond better and faster, with lasers targeting redness, treatments that stimulate the skin and, outside pregnancy and breastfeeding, retinoid products on prescription. Old stretch marks, white and pearly, are harder: we seek to improve relief and texture with treatments that stimulate collagen, over several sessions.
Depending on the examination: the fractional Er:YAG laser of the Fotona SP Dynamis Nx Line platform, to remodel texture and relief; the Nd:YAG, for stretch marks that are still red; Dermapen (microneedling), which stimulates the skin through micro-punctures; PRP as a complement; and, for certain laxity of the belly, arms or thighs, a firming protocol. Treatments are chosen and combined according to colour, age, area and skin type.
Several sessions are generally needed, a few weeks apart, to improve colour, suppleness and relief gradually; the exact number is announced after the examination. Improvement is partial: a stretch mark does not fade completely, and the result varies with its age, the area and your skin. Comparison photos before and during sessions allow progress to be followed.
On olive or dark skin, any inflammatory treatment (laser, microneedling) can leave a brown mark if settings or preparation are not suitable. Dr Zahid is trained in dark skin types: individualised settings, skin preparation, choice of season, strict sun protection. Marrakech's sun means sessions are best planned in autumn and winter.
During pregnancy, the clinic performs neither laser nor Dermapen: we limit ourselves to supporting the skin (hydration, gradual weight gain). After delivery, and taking breastfeeding into account, a gradual programme is defined, stretch marks that are still red generally responding better. The markers are detailed on the dermatology and pregnancy page.
After a session, the skin is red and tender for a few days, sometimes with slight peeling. Avoid sun and tanning before and after, moisturise and apply sun protection. Treatments are postponed in case of pregnancy, tanned or damaged skin, recent isotretinoin treatment or a tendency to keloid scars, which is assessed at the consultation.
At the Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, in Guéliz, with Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist, by appointment, in French, English or Arabic. A consultation precedes any treatment; a detailed quote is given before any procedure, with no single displayed price.
No: their colour, texture and relief can be improved, but not erased completely. The result depends on their age, the area and the skin.
As early as possible: recent stretch marks, still red or purplish, generally respond better than old ones, white and pearly.
The clinic uses the Fotona SP Dynamis Nx Line platform: the fractional Er:YAG laser for texture and relief, the Nd:YAG for stretch marks that are still red. The choice is made at the examination.
The sensation is described as tingling or warmth, with built-in cooling. An anaesthetic cream can be applied depending on the area and treatment.
Several sessions, a few weeks apart. The exact number is announced after the examination and adjusted according to the skin's response.
Yes, with suitable settings and skin preparation, to limit the risk of a brown mark after treatment. Dr Sara Zahid is trained in dark skin types.
No cream erases them. Hydration and certain prescription products can help on recent stretch marks, outside pregnancy and breastfeeding.
No: corrective treatments (laser, Dermapen) are postponed until after delivery. During pregnancy, the skin is supported with hydration.
The timing depends on the treatment, breastfeeding and your health; it is defined at the consultation, with a gradual programme.
Yes. Growth, bodybuilding or weight-related stretch marks are treated by the same principles, after an examination that looks for a cause if needed.
The price is given by the clinic after the consultation, as it depends on the area, surface and number of sessions. A detailed quote is given before any procedure; there is no single displayed price.
At the Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, in Guéliz, with Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist, by appointment, in French, English or Arabic.
Select your condition: the appointment form fills in automatically.
Explore the clinic's complementary expertise or contact us to determine the most suitable care.
