Stretch Marks Treatment & Removal in Toronto & Markham
Microneedling + Fractional Laser Synergy Protocol · Stage-Based Management for Red & White Stretch Marks · Fitzpatrick III–V Asian Skin Protocol · Led by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP
Quick Answer
Stretch marks removal in Toronto helps your skin rebuild the collagen that tore when it stretched too fast. For stretch mark treatment in Toronto, our Markham clinic first checks if your marks are red (newer) or white (older). Most people need 3 to 8 sessions, 5 to 6 weeks apart. With treatment, marks become lighter, flatter and smoother, so they blend in better with the skin around them.
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Stretch Marks Before and After: Dr. Xu's Real Case
Real clients treated by Dr. Dan Xu and our team at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham. Every client signed a Media Release Form. Photos are unretouched clinical records; results vary between patients with skin type and aftercare, and are not guaranteed.
01Dense White Striae Fainter And Flatter
- Concern
- Before treatment the skin close-up shows dense white striae, indented and leaving the surface uneven.
- Outcome
- After treatment the striae are clearly fainter and flatter, and the skin surface more even.
- Maintenance
- Continued moisturising; review as per the treatment schedule to maintain.
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All before & after photos for Stretch marks / Striae Distensae ›
Why choose ID Cosmetic Clinic for stretch mark treatment?
For stretch mark removal in Toronto, ID Cosmetic Clinic checks whether your marks are red or white before choosing any device, and builds your plan around your skin type.
- ✓ A red or white stage check for every patient, with VISIA imaging, a Wood’s lamp and a touch test
- ✓ A required test spot, 4 weeks of skin prep and a planned pause if PIH (dark marks) appears
- ✓ Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP, personally conducts every consultation and develops every treatment plan
- ✓ Dr. Dan Xu and our team perform each treatment
Our experience and certifications
- ✓ Clinical experience: 8 Years of specialty practice + 5,000 clients · 80,000 treatment areas + specializing in Asian skin care and facial contour
- ✓ Specialist skills: Sylfirm X / Genius RF Advanced certification · Trained in Korean and Japanese postpartum skin restoration protocols
- ✓ Credentials & recognition: M.D. + CCFP + CPSO · Allergan North America Trainer · Published Author
- ✓ Transparency: All cases on this page are shared with written Media Release Form authorization · Clinical records available
What are stretch marks, and how are they different from scars?
Stretch marks are thin lines of scarred skin, most common on the belly, hips, thighs and breasts. They start pink or red-purple and turn silver-white and sunken after about a year. They form when your skin stretches too fast and the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, the deeper layer of skin, tear. Doctors call them striae distensae, or striae gravidarum after pregnancy.
Stretch marks are not pigment spots, ordinary scars or loose skin. Laser brightening only changes the surface color, so it cannot fill the dents, and its results do not last. Treatment needs to rebuild the dermis instead. Creams and oils keep your skin soft and may help new marks a little, but they cannot repair the torn layer deep in the skin. Our guide to common stretch mark treatment mistakes explains why.
Why do red and white stretch marks need different treatment?
Red stretch marks (striae rubrae) are up to about 12 months old and still have active blood vessels and fibroblasts (collagen-making cells), so this is the optimal time to treat. In white stretch marks (striae albae), the collagen has collapsed, so they need microneedling and laser to rebuild it.
Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?
Not 100%, but they can improve a lot, and the change lasts: treated marks do not go back to how they were. Red, newer marks respond best and often fade the most. White, older marks become flatter and closer to your skin color. Dr. Xu will tell you what result to expect at your consultation.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks have more than one cause. Most come from fast stretching, hormone changes and your genes working together. That is why two people can gain the same weight and only one gets stretch marks. Knowing your cause helps Dr. Xu plan the right treatment and tell you whether new marks may still appear. For more background, read our stretch marks guide.
1. Skin stretching too fast
Pregnancy, growth spurts in puberty, fast muscle gain and quick weight changes can stretch the skin past its limit. The collagen and elastin fibers then tear and form stretch marks. In pregnancy, they often appear in the last few months, when the belly grows fastest. The faster your body changes, the higher the risk.
2. Hormone changes
High cortisol (a stress hormone) in pregnancy slows the cells that make collagen. Not every pregnant woman gets stretch marks, but those who gain weight quickly are at significantly higher risk. Your doctor or midwife can tell you a healthy, steady weight gain for your pregnancy.
3. Your genes
Stretch marks often run in families. If your mother or sisters have stretch marks, you are 2–3 times more likely to get them. Your genes decide how much natural stretch your skin has. You cannot change this cause, so if stretch marks run in your family, early care in pregnancy matters more.
4. Long-term steroid medicines
Strong corticosteroids (steroid medicines), taken as tablets or used as creams on large areas for a long time, can thin the skin and slow collagen growth. These stretch marks usually appear in the underarms and groin. Treatment starts only after the steroid is stopped, with your prescribing doctor’s advice.
5. Hormone and connective tissue disorders
Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol) and Marfan syndrome (a connective tissue disorder) can cause widespread stretch marks, so any underlying illness should be ruled out before cosmetic treatment. Because Dr. Xu is a medical doctor, your consultation also checks for these medical causes before any treatment.
What type of stretch marks do you have?
Most stretch marks are red (newer) or white (older), but steroid-related stretch marks and cellulite can look similar. These are the 4 types Dr. Xu sees most often. Your type matters because each one needs a different plan, and some look-alikes are not stretch marks at all. Dr. Xu confirms your type at your consultation with VISIA imaging, a Wood’s lamp and a touch test.
Red stretch marks (Striae Rubrae)
Red stretch marks are new marks, usually less than a year old. They look pink to red-purple and feel flat or only slightly sunken. Blood vessels are still active in them, so this is the stage that responds best and fastest to treatment.
Active stage| appearance | Red-purple / pink parallel streaks |
|---|---|
| texture | Flat or mildly indented |
| Distribution | Abdomen / hips / thighs / breasts |
| Duration | 0–12 months |
White stretch marks (Striae Albae)
White stretch marks are older marks, usually more than a year old. They look silver-white, feel sunken, and the skin over them is thinner. They have stopped changing, so they need treatment that rebuilds collagen deep in the skin, and more sessions than red marks.
Mature, stable stage| appearance | Silver-white depressed streaks |
|---|---|
| texture | Visible depression / skin thinning |
| Distribution | Same as above; stable and no longer spreading |
| Duration | >12 months |
Steroid-related stretch marks
These marks come from steroid medicines, taken as tablets or used as strong creams on large areas for months. They are usually wide, pale bands in the underarms, groin or inner thighs, with clearly thinner skin. The steroid is stopped first, with your prescribing doctor’s advice, before any treatment.
Caused by steroid medicines| appearance | Broad, pale white bands |
|---|---|
| texture | Clearly thinner skin |
| Distribution | Underarms / groin / inner thighs |
| Duration | After 3 months or more of steroid cream use |
Cellulite
Cellulite is not a stretch mark. It looks like dimples or uneven dents, not lines, mostly on the back of the thighs and the buttocks, and it shows more when you squeeze the skin. It needs a different treatment plan.
Cellulite · structural fat irregularities| appearance | Dimpled, uneven dents, not in lines |
|---|---|
| texture | Looks worse when you squeeze the skin |
| Distribution | Back of the thighs / buttocks |
| Duration | Linked to weight or hormone changes |
⚠️ Caution: About 20% of clients who come for stretch mark treatment actually have cellulite or steroid-related stretch marks. A wrong diagnosis means the wrong device and a failed treatment, the most common pitfall in treating postpartum skin in Asian women.
Why does Asian skin need a special stretch mark protocol?
Asian skin gets dark marks more easily after strong laser, so stretch marks on Asian skin need lower energy, longer gaps between sessions and microneedling first.
Asian skin is usually Fitzpatrick type III–V, on a scale that runs from I, the lightest skin, to VI, the deepest. Most treatment settings in North America come from type I–II skin, and using them on Asian skin can cause three problems:
- ✗ Too much CO2 laser energy: Asian skin has more melanin (skin pigment), which significantly raises the risk of dark marks after treatment (PIH).
- ✗ Long recovery: redness can last several months, which makes it hard to return to work.
- ✗ Radiofrequency is often left out: it uses electrical current, not light, so melanin does not affect it and it suits Asian skin better.
Key differentiating factors: Dr. Xu has spent 8 years in Markham specializing in Asian skin, and over 90% of Dr. Xu’s clients have Fitzpatrick III–V skin. Our plans follow Korean and Japanese protocols: microneedling leads and laser supports it, with sessions 5–6 weeks apart rather than 3–4, and 4 weeks of skin prep first.
What is the best treatment for stretch marks?
The best stretch marks treatment depends on whether your marks are red or white, and how deep they feel. Many people looking for laser stretch mark removal in Toronto expect one strong CO2 laser, but no single device works for every stretch mark. Our plans lead with RF microneedling (energy sent through fine needles), with laser in a supporting role.
Deep microneedling for white stretch marks
For older, sunken white stretch marks, Genius RF sends energy through insulated needles into the deep dermis. It is the gold standard for white stretch mark treatment, with a better safety profile than fractional laser on Fitzpatrick III–V skin.
Pulsed microneedling for red stretch marks
Newer red marks still have active blood vessels. Sylfirm X is the only pulsed RF microneedling device indicated for red stretch marks. It treats those vessels and remodels the dermis, so it is the optimal choice for early postpartum stretch marks.
Fractional CO2 laser for resistant white marks
For white stretch marks that need more help, the eCO2 laser removes tiny columns of skin to remodel the dermis. We alternate it with microneedling and use low energy on Asian skin.
Salmon Meso (PDRN)
Salmon Meso injects polynucleotides (PDRN, from salmon DNA) to speed up skin repair. Given 7–14 days after microneedling, it significantly improves overall results.
Skin booster injections
Our skin boosters inject hyaluronic acid and growth factors to hydrate the skin. We use them between laser sessions to speed recovery.
Fractional laser (non-ablative)
This gentler laser does not remove skin, so recovery is short. Results come more slowly, but the safety profile is excellent, so it suits sensitive areas such as the chest and thighs.
How does Dr. Xu plan your stretch mark removal?
Dr. Xu plans your stretch mark removal around the color and depth of your stretch marks. Most plans take 6–12 months, in six steps. Each step has a job: finding your type, preparing your skin, testing safely, treating, checking progress and keeping your results. At your consultation, Dr. Xu explains each step and how many sessions you are likely to need.
Consultation and red or white stage check
Your free 30-minute consultation includes VISIA imaging, a Wood’s lamp check (a special ultraviolet light) and a touch test of skin thickness. Dr. Xu also asks about your pregnancies, weight changes and medicines, and checks for look-alikes such as cellulite. We never treat before we know the stage of your marks.
4 weeks of skin prep before treatment
You use a retinoid cream at night, a barrier-repair body moisturizer and strict mineral SPF 50+. This significantly lowers your risk of dark marks (PIH).
A test spot first
We treat a small hidden spot, such as the inner thigh, and watch your skin for 7–10 days. Skipping test spots before large body laser treatments is the leading cause of serious PIH.
Main treatment (every 5–6 weeks)
Red stretch marks get pulsed microneedling and white ones get deep microneedling, with laser or repair injections when needed. Early red marks often need 3–4 sessions, older red marks 4–5, white marks 6–8 and resistant cases 8–12.
Progress check (8–12 weeks after your last session)
Most people see a first change after the 2nd or 3rd session, but collagen takes 3–6 months to rebuild, so final results show later. VISIA imaging and a touch test then guide the next step.
Long-term maintenance
Plan maintenance every 6–12 months (every 4–6 months for resistant cases), with a derma roller, retinoids and sun protection at home. Stretch marks cannot be cured for good, but maintenance keeps your results stable and stops the marks from getting worse.
“Choose the wrong device, and you spend the money but the striae don’t move.” — Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP
How much does stretch marks removal cost in Toronto?
The cost to remove stretch marks depends on their stage, the size of the area and how many sessions you need. Most plans combine microneedling and laser, so laser stretch mark removal cost is part of a full plan. Some people call it laser surgery for stretch marks, but there is no cutting.
Prices vary between clinics, but the real cost driver is not the device itself: it is who assesses your skin and checks the stage of your stretch marks. Dr. Xu is personally involved in designing your plan, and the price reflects that physician-led care. If you only need maintenance, our trained clinical team can safely carry out treatments under Dr. Xu’s protocol, a lower-cost option. Our microneedling page shows typical session prices.
- We accept VISA / Mastercard / Amex / Debit / E-transfer
- Affirm / PayBright financing available (select treatment packages)
- Private insurance: some extended health benefit (EHB) plans may cover consultation fees — inquire about your individual case.
- OHIP does not cover cosmetic treatments
- All first-time clients get a free 30-minute consultation and assessment
Is stretch mark treatment safe?
Stretch mark treatment is safe for most skin types. On Asian skin, the main thing to avoid is temporary darkening (PIH), so we use lower energy, longer gaps between sessions and skin prep to keep that risk low.
It suits you if your stretch marks came from pregnancy, puberty, exercise or weight changes, your weight is stable and you can commit to a 6–12 month plan. Every client signs an informed consent form first, and Dr. Xu explains every item personally.
What are the main side effects and risks?
Who should wait before stretch mark treatment?
How do we lower the risk of dark marks (PIH)?
Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP
Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP Dr. Xu holds a Canadian M.D. and is a CCFP-certified family physician, registered with the CPSO. Dr. Xu founded ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham in 2017, with a long-standing clinical focus on skin disorders of the face and body in Asian patients. Dr. Xu is one of the few fully credentialed physicians in Toronto specializing in Asian postpartum skin restoration.
Dr. Xu is Cynosure PicoSure Pro Canada KOL (one of fewer than 50 in Canada), Allergan/Juvéderm North America Trainer, and author of Timeless Asian Beauty. Dr. Xu introduced the Korean and Japanese RF microneedling protocol to Canada, serving Chinese and Asian postpartum mothers.
Credentials · Training · Certifications
- ✓ M.D. Canadian M.D.
- ✓ CCFP Family medicine specialty certification
- ✓ CPSO Ontario medical license (CPSO)
- ✓ Cynosure PicoSure / PicoSure Pro Canada KOL
- ✓ Allergan / Juvéderm North America Official Trainer
- ✓ Sylfirm X / Genius RF Advanced Certified Operator
- ✓ Author of Timeless Asian Beauty
- ✓ Specialty clinical training in RF microneedling in Korea
- ✓ Fellowship training with Japanese postpartum skin restoration study group
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D., CCFP. This page is based on Dr. Xu’s clinical experience and Korean and Japanese research on postpartum skin. Your own treatment plan is decided at your consultation.
“Timeless Asian Beauty”
Dr. Xu’s book provides a systematic framework for the aesthetic thinking and skin care approach for Asian faces and bodies. Chapter 7 is dedicated entirely to Postpartum Skin Restoration Strategies for Asian Women. It covers the three core concerns of stretch marks, skin laxity and uneven pigmentation. It is one of the most accessible Chinese-language specialty references for aesthetic medicine clients in North America.
“I wrote this book because too many Asian postpartum mothers in North America are receiving the wrong treatments. Our skin carries the marks of pregnancy — but those marks should never be addressed with protocols designed for non-Asian skin.”
Common questions about stretch mark treatment
Simple answers to the questions patients ask most about stretch mark treatment.What results can you expect from stretch mark treatment?
How do you get rid of new, red stretch marks?
Is stretch mark treatment safe while breastfeeding?
Is microneedling for stretch marks safer than laser on Asian skin?
Is stretch mark treatment painful, and is there downtime?
Will another pregnancy undo my stretch mark treatment?
Can you get stretch marks from losing weight or building muscle, and can they be treated?
Will laser stretch mark removal make my skin thinner?
Where can I get stretch marks treatment near me?
Do stretch marks go away on their own?
No. Stretch marks fade, but they don't go away on their own. Over about a year, red or pink marks slowly turn silver-white and sunken, and then they stay. Once they are white, the collagen has collapsed and they are harder to improve, so the red stage is the best time to treat them.
Can you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
Not completely, because your genes and pregnancy hormones play a big part. Gaining weight slowly and steadily lowers your risk. Moisturizers keep your skin comfortable, but no cream has been proven to stop stretch marks. If new marks appear, come for a check 3 months after you finish breastfeeding, while they are still red and easiest to treat.
Real Clients · Google Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Vivian Okoth
0 reviews
Dr. Xu and the staff here are fantastic. I’ve been coming here for years and always leave satisfied! The clinic has a relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere—I always look forward to my visits.
Mary Jane
1 reviews
I am so grateful to the friend who recommended this place to me. Dr. Xu is amazing—she is the only doctor I’ll see from now on! Everyone on the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Millicent Akisa
1 reviews
She is truly outstanding! She is both friendly and professional, highly knowledgeable, and has a very warm and gentle manner. She listens carefully to your needs and takes the time to explain all the options to you.
Chen cheng
15 reviews
Vivian is extremely professional. Of all the times I've been here, her technique and service are the best. She finished my hyaluronic acid injection very quickly, with minimal pain. She's also beautiful and has a great p…
Emmaculate Matswa
1 reviews
I'm so glad I came here. Dr. Xu is incredibly knowledgeable, and every piece of advice she gave was meticulous and thoughtful. I really enjoyed talking to her about skincare. Everyone here is so warm and friendly .
Sally Yang
2 reviews
Ling was absolutely amazing! She is so friendly, kind, and welcoming. She made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable. Truly appreciate her warm personality and excellent service. Highly recommend!
Zara F. Bell
2 reviews
Absolutely amazing clinic. I was treated with the upmost care and respect. Felt like I've know them my whole life. The whole crew is amazing and so sweet! The service was impeccable by Dr. Dan Xu, she is literally the be…
Caroline Fan
8 reviews
I had a really pleasant visit at ID cosmetics today with Ling. I had my pico laser appointment today. Ling treated me with such kindness and care. She was really attentive prepping me for my treatment and checking in on…
Vivian Okoth
0 reviews
Dr. Xu and the staff here are fantastic. I’ve been coming here for years and always leave satisfied! The clinic has a relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere—I always look forward to my visits.
Mary Jane
1 reviews
I am so grateful to the friend who recommended this place to me. Dr. Xu is amazing—she is the only doctor I’ll see from now on! Everyone on the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Millicent Akisa
1 reviews
She is truly outstanding! She is both friendly and professional, highly knowledgeable, and has a very warm and gentle manner. She listens carefully to your needs and takes the time to explain all the options to you.
Chen cheng
15 reviews
Vivian is extremely professional. Of all the times I've been here, her technique and service are the best. She finished my hyaluronic acid injection very quickly, with minimal pain. She's also beautiful and has a great p…
Emmaculate Matswa
1 reviews
I'm so glad I came here. Dr. Xu is incredibly knowledgeable, and every piece of advice she gave was meticulous and thoughtful. I really enjoyed talking to her about skincare. Everyone here is so warm and friendly .
Sally Yang
2 reviews
Ling was absolutely amazing! She is so friendly, kind, and welcoming. She made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable. Truly appreciate her warm personality and excellent service. Highly recommend!
Zara F. Bell
2 reviews
Absolutely amazing clinic. I was treated with the upmost care and respect. Felt like I've know them my whole life. The whole crew is amazing and so sweet! The service was impeccable by Dr. Dan Xu, she is literally the be…
Caroline Fan
8 reviews
I had a really pleasant visit at ID cosmetics today with Ling. I had my pico laser appointment today. Ling treated me with such kindness and care. She was really attentive prepping me for my treatment and checking in on…
Grace
Local Guide · 13 reviews
I got a treatment done by Ling today and she was super friendly and helpful. She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process from the beginning til the end and I’d like to get it done by her again next ti…
Yvonne H
Local Guide · 54 reviews
Ling was so kind and super precise. I loved her recommendations—felt like she just knew what I needed! Thank you!
Dou Xu
2 reviews
Ling is just amazing—so gentle and professional. She really knows her stuff! I felt super cared for. The whole experience? Honestly, so relaxing.
Yan Sun
3 reviews
Dr. Dan Xu is seriously amazing—so skilled and patient! Felt super at ease the entire time. The results? Wow, just wow.
Olivia W
3 reviews
Entrusting my face to Dr. Xu and her team is reassuring, and everyone's service attitude is super nice. The clinic environment is clean and elegant, and Dr. Xu is enthusiastic and professional. I have always trusted her…
Hana Yu
9 reviews
I have been here since 3 years ago, Dr.Xu is very professional and all the staff are very nice and patient. I highly recommend this place!
xiaojie chen
7 reviews
Susie has an incredibly caring attitude, and all of her suggestions were truly helpful. I really appreciated her support!
Jackie Tse
Local Guide · 18 reviews
Dr Xu is very friendly and professional. Appointment was made quickly and the consultants provided professional and helpful advice. After the procedure, the consultant provided advice on after care and treatment plans. H…
Grace
Local Guide · 13 reviews
I got a treatment done by Ling today and she was super friendly and helpful. She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process from the beginning til the end and I’d like to get it done by her again next ti…
Yvonne H
Local Guide · 54 reviews
Ling was so kind and super precise. I loved her recommendations—felt like she just knew what I needed! Thank you!
Dou Xu
2 reviews
Ling is just amazing—so gentle and professional. She really knows her stuff! I felt super cared for. The whole experience? Honestly, so relaxing.
Yan Sun
3 reviews
Dr. Dan Xu is seriously amazing—so skilled and patient! Felt super at ease the entire time. The results? Wow, just wow.
Olivia W
3 reviews
Entrusting my face to Dr. Xu and her team is reassuring, and everyone's service attitude is super nice. The clinic environment is clean and elegant, and Dr. Xu is enthusiastic and professional. I have always trusted her…
Hana Yu
9 reviews
I have been here since 3 years ago, Dr.Xu is very professional and all the staff are very nice and patient. I highly recommend this place!
xiaojie chen
7 reviews
Susie has an incredibly caring attitude, and all of her suggestions were truly helpful. I really appreciated her support!
Jackie Tse
Local Guide · 18 reviews
Dr Xu is very friendly and professional. Appointment was made quickly and the consultants provided professional and helpful advice. After the procedure, the consultant provided advice on after care and treatment plans. H…
Ready to Begin Your Stretch Mark Treatment?
Free 30-minute consultation: a red or white stage check, VISIA imaging and a personal treatment plan. We find the stage of your marks first, then decide on the right course of action.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Xu (Mon–Sat).
24 hr response · English/Chinese OK
Technology defines the possibilities. The physician defines the direction.
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