Plasma lift against stretch marks: is it effective?

Stretch marks: is plasma lift an effective treatment?

The plasma lift is a technique that relies on utilising blood plasma to stimulate cellular regeneration. Increasingly employed in aesthetic dermatology, it is sometimes offered to diminish the appearance of stretch marks. But what is the reality? Is this method truly effective for treating this type of skin marking?
Discover all the answers to these questions.

Published on August 28, 2025, by Lilia, Scientific Editor — 6 min of reading

What are stretch marks?

The stretch marks are common skin alterations, comparable to small scars visible on the surface. They result from significant stretching of the skin that causes a rupture of collagen at the dermal level. They most often appear on specific areas of the body: thighs, abdomen, hips, buttocks, breasts, lower back, upper arms or the inner side of the knees. Visually, they appear as elongated streaks, sometimes likened to zebra stripes. Initially, the stretch marks are red or purplish, slightly raised. This initial phase, known as the inflammatory phase, is characterised by dilation of the blood vessels and sometimes local sensitivity. Gradually, they fade to become white, flat and painless. At this so-called "mature" stage, stretch marks are considered healed and permanent: treatments then have very limited efficacy.

What you need to know about plasma lift.

The plasma lift is a technique that stimulates cellular regeneration. This platelet-rich plasma treatment relies on using the patient's own blood plasma. Platelets are molecules found in blood plasma. Their role is to accelerate healing when the body sustains an internal or external injury. Plasma lift stimulates collagen, a naturally occurring active component in the body that plays a key role in skin cell regeneration. Thanks to collagen, the skin renews itself easily and rapidly. The plasma used as a treatment is obtained by centrifuging a specific volume of the patient's blood. Once separated, the plasma is re-injected into the skin using a specialised injection technique or device (for example: a microneedle pen). Plasma lift is a commonly used treatment. It can, for instance, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, scars, age spots and target hair loss.

Is plasma lift effective against stretch marks?

The plasma lift can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This is possible thanks to the regeneration of skin cells stimulated by the collagen produced in large quantities thanks to blood plasma. Stretch marks benefit from a substantial influx of new skin cells, which helps reduce their appearance and lessen the depth of the “crevasse”. As mentioned above, the plasma lift can be applied to any area of the body, provided it is affected by stretch marks.

A scientific review analysed several studies on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of stretch marks. The results suggest that this technique could be relatively effective at diminishing their appearance.

For example, a 2018 study conducted on 30 patients compared the efficacy of PRP with that of a 0.05% tretinoin-based cream. Tretinoin was used as the control because it is a recognised reference for stimulating collagen production and improving recent stretch marks.

Patients underwent three PRP sessions over a period of four weeks. The results showed a improvement in the appearance of stretch marks in 87 % of cases treated with PRP, compared with 60 % in the tretinoin group. The difference was particularly pronounced for white stretch marks, with an improvement of 83.3 % in the PRP group, compared with only 44.4 % in the tretinoin group. In another study, 18 Asian patients were treated with a combination of radiofrequency and PRP. After two months of treatment, 71.9 % of participants reported a very satisfactory improvement.

Although multiple studies report a significant improvement in the appearance of stretch marks through PRP treatment, it is advisable to exercise caution, as results may vary from one person to another.

Plasma lift is not a procedure entirely devoid of risks. Certain side effects may occur following the treatment, such as redness, localised swelling, bruising, increased sensitivity in the treated area, or, more rarely, an infection or an allergic reaction. These adverse effects are generally mild and temporary: they tend to resolve spontaneously after a few days without major complications. Nevertheless, to minimise risks and ensure appropriate care, it is essential to consult a qualified professional before considering this type of treatment. They will assess your health status, medical history and the nature of your stretch marks in order to determine whether plasma lift is an appropriate option. If it is not, they can direct you towards a therapeutic alternative better suited to your situation.