Microneedling Stretch Marks

With more body positivity campaigns coming out every year, people are becoming more confident with their stretch marks. After all, it’s not embarrassing to have something that develops naturally. For many women, stretch marks are beautiful scars that represent strength and acceptance. But others may be more self-conscious and prefer to lighten them up or completely remove them.

While lasers and cosmetic surgery can be extremely costly and frightening, microneedling stretch marks is a rather simple minimally invasive treatment option that has been proven to be effective. Let’s talk about how to get rid of stretch marks with microneedling and what to expect from this treatment. 

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What Is Microneedling Stretch Marks?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat stretch marks. The process involves using tiny needles to gently penetrate deep skin layers where stretch marks occur. 

Traditionally, microneedling was used by dermatologists for facial skin rejuvenation, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and also treating acne scars. While treatments can be done either by a professional or at home, micro needling stretch marks at a clinic can provide more effective results.

In-office treatments are more accurate and less risk-averse when treating deeper skin issues such as stretch marks. Having the overview and insight of a board-certified dermatologist is important to know what to expect from your treatment.

In-office procedures also have the option of adding on treatments that may provide beneficial results when trying to reduce old stretch marks. These options include Microneedling with PRP, microneedling with radiofrequency, or with hyaluronic acid.

Since microneedling can be done on all skin types and on almost any place of the body, you can feel comfortable about microneedling stretch marks anywhere they are found.

How Does Microneedling Help Stretch Marks?

Microneedling can help treat stretch marks because the procedure penetrates deep into the layer of skin where the damaged connective tissue is found.  A stretch mark is like a skin deep tattoo that needs to naturally repair itself.

By creating micro-injuries with tiny needles, the body’s natural healing process is triggered which then encourages elastin and collagen production into the treated area. This will help regenerate and restructure the skin cells to minimize the unwanted appearance.

Microneedling also enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers, which when used, can provide optimal results. Microneedling has been proven to be an effective and safe way of treating stretch marks, although removing them completely is difficult.  

What Causes Stretch Marks

Both men and women suffer from stretch marks, as they can become noticeable even from a young age. Stretch Marks (known as striae distensae) are those wriggly lines or stripes that develop on the skin. They are most commonly found on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, or buttocks. 

When the skin stretches or shrinks quickly, the connective tissues that support the skin break. This causes the skin to swell and sag. As a result, you’ll have purple, pink, or brown striations or a stretch mark on your skin. 

Puberty, pregnancy, weight training, and hormone replacement therapy are all linked to stretch marks. Many gain stretch marks from rapid growth or rapid weight loss.  Weight loss stretch marks can occur on many parts of the body.

Furthermore, heredity is a significant predictor of stretch marks, as certain people may be more susceptible to developing them from their own genetics.  

Benefits

Microneedling benefits for stretch marks include:

  • Minimally invasive treatment. Minimal downtime or recovery 
  • Enhanced elastin and collagen production
  • Improved skin tone, texture, and firmness
  • Reduced appearance of stretch marks

Microneedling Stretch Marks At Home

If you want to learn how to microneedle stretch marks, you may opt for the DIY version called dermarolling. When using this micro needle roller for stretch marks, the user can administer the process in the comfort of their own home. 

Women who have used derma rollers for microneedling on stretch marks have reported remarkable improvement in their skin’s firmness and texture. But, it won’t repair stretch marks entirely. 

The appropriate recommend microneedling depth for stretch marks is between 1mm to 2.5 mm.  Since any tool with a needle length over 1mm should be handled by a professional, an in-office microneedling treatment is recommended over using a derma roller.  

If you chose to try derma rolling, avoid using thicker needles as they are more likely to damage your skin. Derma rollers have to be sterilized before each use as they can harbor harmful bacteria and cause irritation or infections. Users can apply numbing cream if the treatment causes discomfort.

How Many Microneedling Treatments For Stretch Marks?

Three to four microneedling sessions are generally recommended to see results when trying to repair stretch marks. Depending on the area and the individual’s skin health, results will vary from patient to patient.

If you’re new to dermarolling, try rolling once a week and then work your way up to 2-3 times a week. Those who are using 0.5mm needles could potentially use the device one to three times a week. 

How Much Is Microneedling For Stretch Marks Treatment?

An average microneedling session costs between $100 and $800 dollars.  The patient must take into account that multiple sessions will most likely be needed depending on the condition being treated. For example, since stretch marks can occur on multiple parts of the body, thicker-skinned areas may need to be treated differently from thinner ones.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Microneedling Stretch Mark Results

Results will vary from patient to patient as they are heavily dependent upon each body’s natural response to the treatment. Many notice slight improvements after one use, reporting that their skin felt tighter and more toned the next day. 

The key here is the consistency of treatments and the self-care provided after. While there are many who claim that microneedling is the most effective solution for treating stretch marks, studies have shown that no specific treatment has shown consistent results.

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and having a vitamin and mineral-rich diet are all good ways to avoid stretch marks.

While popular home remedies like olive oil, almond oil, vitamin E or cocoa butter may help with redness, they are not successful in reducing the overall appearance of stretch marks. Since results vary widely with skin needling, make sure to take microneedling before and after stretch marks photos to really analyze your results.