Stretch marks represent irregular skin streaks or lines, oftentimes caused by a variety of factors, such as pregnancy, obesity, sudden weight loss, or general elasticity deficiency in the skin. Whilst not indicative of major cosmetic or biological issues, stretch marks can be aesthetically unappealing and range in thickness, depth, and color. Not just that, but stretch marks can pop up on just about any skin surface, especially the belly, thighs, knees, breasts, and biceps.
Today, there are a plethora of treatments and products that can efficiently treat stretch marks of all sorts. Out of the many options, however, microneedling has become one of the most successful and beloved procedures that can fruitfully fade the appearance of stretch marks and restore the skin’s natural elasticity and radiance.
More specifically, here is how and why microneedling is considered one of the utmost sophisticated and result-oriented procedures for treating stretch marks.
What Exactly is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a dermatologically approved, cosmetic, and non-surgical treatment that uses the power of superficial mini needles to stimulate the skin’s collagen and elastin production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure that aims to resolve a specter of skin issues, such as scarring, spotting, aging signs, acne, uneven skin complexion, wrinkles, and sure enough, stretch marks.
Microneedling is a safe treatment that can be performed on any skin surface.
A microneedling treatment lasts from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the issue and the patient’s needs. To erase or fade unwanted stretch marks or scarring, the microneedling tool creates tiny punctures in the skin, also called micro-injuries. By stimulating the skin in such a way, microneedling helps the body to produce more natural collagen and elastin and heal any visible wounds. The tiny holes created throughout the procedure make it possible for suitable serums and vitamins to penetrate the skin and feed it all recovery-essential nutrients it lacks.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
As the largest organ of the human body, our skin has been designed to stretch, be flexible, and return to its original shape without any consequence. However, factors such as aging and environmental risks can dehydrate the skin and cause it to lose valuable elastin and collagen, which then results in the creation of torn skin patches, or stretch marks.
Due to the disordered fibers in an area, stretch marks can vary in color, shape, and depth, ranging from white and grey to light and dark violet. Some of the main factors that contribute to the occurrence of stretch marks include sudden weight gain or weight loss, hormonal changes in the body, puberty, pregnancy, and dehydration. The most common areas where stretch marks appear include the cleavage, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and abdomen.
Microneedling vs Stretch Marks: Efficiency and Benefits
Microneedling represents one of the finest, non-surgical approaches in treating stretch marks, mostly because it delivers promising results under minimal downtime and side effects.
During microneedling, the skin is minimally punctured as a way to stimulate the reproduction of elastin and collagen whose main objective is to rejuvenate, tighten and reconnect detached skin cells.
A microneedling procedure for stretch marks expands over three main stages:
- Inflammation
After the microneedling tool punctures the skin, the immune system becomes encouraged by this minimal inflammation to increase the blood flow to the skin, cleanse excess dirt from it, and retrigger the creation of new skin cells.
- Proliferation
During this stage, the tissue begins to rebuild itself and any superficial skin wounds become filled with both new collagen and elastin.
- Remodeling
In the final stage, your body’s collagen production heightens, which successfully helps fill in stretch marks and fade their appearance, thickness, and color.
As for the actual benefits of treating stretch marks with microneedling, they are as follow:
- Minimal healing time and an efficient non-surgical approach;
- First results visible immediately, full-force results to follow in the next few weeks;
- Successful fading of stretch marks, skin scarring, spotting, and sun damage
- Less expensive treatment than other procedures, such as lasers;
- No greater side effects;
Microneedling is not a one-time solution to fading stretch marks. To achieve the maximum effect, the treatment should be performed every four to eight months, depending on the patient’s condition and their responsiveness to the initial procedure. Finally, the cost of individual microneedling sessions for stretch marks can range between $200 and $700.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks: Eligibility & Side Effects
Like any other treatment or procedure, microneedling can have some minor side effects depending on the individual, but it doesn’t cause major health complications.
Some of the most typical side effects of the treatment include skin irritation, minor bruising, inflammation of the treated area, skin peeling, and occasional bleeding, most of which last up for a few days following the procedure. If an issue is ongoing, consult your aesthetician or skin specialist for further assistance.
People who are pregnant, diagnosed with psoriasis, eczema, or excessive scarring, and those who have recently undergone radiation therapy are not eligible candidates for the procedure. Other than these risk groups, anyone eager to efficiently fight stretch marks is welcome to give this treatment a try!
