When stretch marks are in their early stages of development and are purplish/red in color, lasers that eliminate veins (Dye lasers) are typically quite efficient in removing the redness and preventing the elastin and collagen fibers from becoming disordered. Unfortunately, because the majority of individuals wait until the stretch marks become visible before seeking help, this procedure is rarely employed. Fractional ablative lasers have also been shown to be successful at reducing the visual impact of stretch marks, but this treatment is most effective on newly created stretch marks.