Stripes don't have to be permanent. Stretch marks are lines that can form from rapid growth, weight gain, or pregnancy. They can be painful and appear almost hollow in texture. Over the counter products can be beneficial to soften the appearance, but depending on the depth of the stretch mark a laser may be needed. Light lasers such as IPL are used to remove the reddish or purple appearance of scars. An ablative laser, such as Fraxel or SkinPen Microneedling, is performed after IPL to break up the stretched tissue. Multiple treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the scar. Injectable filler may also be a solution for those who have depressed stretch marks. Initally skin will be smooth and flat, but you recieve the added benefit of your bodies natural collagen creating structures to keep these marks from reaching the orginal depth again.