Microneedling for stretch marks

Stretch marks are a common skin concern for both women and men. This issue happens when the skin is stretched more than its capacity and it is mostly caused by sudden weight gain or loss, pregnancy, genetics, or even puberty. Stretch marks are not harmful, but they affect the body’s appearance, so it can be a challenging issue for many individuals. However, skin needling also known as microneedling is a most-talked-about effective treatment. But is this treatment really helpful and effective? In this article, we will take a deep look at this treatment and try to find an answer to this question.

How does microneedling help with stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched too quickly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers to be separated. After happening once, the scars will appear red, purple, or white based on the age and the severity. Skin needling is a treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin production which are necessary to regenerate and repair the skin. Here are the benefits of microneedling as a stretch mark treatment method:

1. Promotes collagen production: The tiny needles during the treatment stimulate the natural collagen production in the body, leading to the formation of new collagen fibers. This process helps the skin structure improve and elasticity, resulting in the gradual stretch mark fading.
2. Enhances skin elasticity: The increased collagen and elasticity in the skin restore skin’s firmness, making it more flexible and less prone to future stretch marks.
3. Improves skin texture and tone: Stretch marks will become smoother and can blend with surrounding skin by doing consistent microneedling treatment.
4. Boosts absorption of skincare products: Microneedling prepares your skin to absorb skincare products such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol which are helpful for skin repair.

What to expect during a microneedling treatment for stretch marks

A microneedling treatment session for removing stretch marks usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the treated area. This procedure contains the main steps below:

1. Cleansing and numbing the area: At first the area with stretch marks is cleaned fully and a numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort during the skin needling process.
2. Start of microneedling process: The treatment is started using a derma roller or dermapen equipped with tiny needles for creating controlled micro-injuries over stretch marks. This would help the skin produce collagen in the targeted area.
3. Post-treatment serums: immediately after the skin needling treatment, a skin rejuvenating serum such as vitamin C, peptides, or growth factors is applied to enhance healing and collagen production.
4. Recovery period: The recovery period after microneedling over stretch marks takes about 24 to 48 hours. You may experience mild peeling or dryness may occur due to the skin healing and renewal process.

How many microneedling sessions are needed for stretch marks?

The number of required microneedling sessions for treating stretch marks completely depends on the severity, depth, and age of the stretch marks. Here are an estimated number of required sessions based on the severity of stretch marks:

• Mild stretch marks: To achieve noticeable improvement in your mild stretch marks, you may need to do 3 to 4 sessions of microneedling every 4 to 6 weeks. 
• Moderate to severe stretch marks: At least 6 skin needling sessions are required for moderate and severe stretch marks to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration.

💡 To continue the skin texture improvement and keep the results of skin needling over time, it is highly recommended to do periodic treatments.

Potential side effects and risks of skin needling for stretch marks

Although skin needling is a safe and minimal-invasive skin treatment, it may cause some temporary side effects mentioned below:

1. Temporary redness and irritation: After the first days, your skin may become sensitive and some redness on the stretch marks may appear. 
2. Mild swelling and bruising: Some individuals may experience mild swelling or bruising in the treated areas with stretch marks.
3. Risk of infection: Although it is rare if the treated area is not cured correctly, it may get infected. Therefore, it is important to keep the stretch marks areas clean and avoid touching or irritating them.
4. Hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones: Some individuals with darker skin tones may be at risk of hyperpigmentation after skin needling treatment if the precautions are not taken properly.

Does microneedling really work for stretch marks?

Many scientific studies and clinical reports show that microneedling is an effective treatment for stretch marks. Although skin needling may not remove all the marks completely, it can considerably reduce the number of stretch marks and make the skin smoother with improved elasticity. This skin treatment is a highly recommended solution for those looking for a non-invasive, long-term stretch marks treatment method.

Alternatives to skin needling for stretch marks

Before going for microneedling as a stretch mark treatment, it is essential to consult your dermatologist to find out whether this method is the right choice for your skin or not. If you are not a suitable candidate for skin needling or you prefer additional treatments for your stretch marks, here are some alternatives for you:

• Laser therapy: Fractional laser technology can also help skin collagen production and improve skin texture over stretch marks.
• Fractional RF: A combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy (Fractional RF) is another solution for collagen stimulation in the skin, then stretch marks treatment.
• Chemical peels: Exfoliating skin can also be helpful to improve stretch mark visibility over time.
• Topical treatments: Skincare products such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help strengthen and repair stretch marks over time. However, the results happen slower than in-clinic treatments.

Conclusion

Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for reducing stretch marks, especially when done consistently by a skilled professional in a trusted skincare clinic. Skin needling not only can reduce the appearance of stretch marks but also cause improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity. It is important to consider that this treatment may not be suitable for everyone, so consult with your dermatologist to ensure this is the right solution for your skin stretch marks.

Purify Skincare Clinic is a trusted center located in Melbourne performing professional skin treatment including microneedling, RF fractional, and HIFU. Schedule an appointment with our professionals to find the best treatment for your skin.