Does Microneedling Help Reduce Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a common concern for many people, especially after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. While they aren’t harmful, many seek ways to minimise their appearance. Microneedling has emerged as a popular treatment option, but does it truly work?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This controlled injury stimulates the collagen and elastin production within the skin. These proteins are essential for maintaining youthful, plump, and elastic skin.
The procedure is typically performed by a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
How does microneedling help stretch marks?
Microneedling helps reduce stretch marks by promoting skin regeneration. The tiny needles create micro-punctures in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing process. This process boosts the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that contribute to skin strength and elasticity.
As new collagen and elastin form, the skin’s texture improves, and the appearance of stretch marks diminishes. Over time, this regenerative process can make stretch marks less noticeable and enhance the overall smoothness and firmness of the treated skin.
Types of microneedling treatments for stretch marks
Traditional microneedling
This method, performed by dermatologists or trained professionals, uses a handheld device with fine needles. Multiple sessions are typically needed to achieve the best results.
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling
This procedure combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. It enhances collagen production and skin tightening, making it particularly effective for deeper stretch marks.
Specific devices like Sylfirm X and Potenza offer advanced RF microneedling technology for improved results.
Automated microneedling pens
These motorised pens use disposable needle cartridges for precise and uniform treatment, often yielding better results than manual devices. The Dermapen is a popular choice for effective skin renewal and rejuvenation.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling
This technique uses concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood during microneedling, boosting healing and collagen production. It’s known for its enhanced regenerative effects. However, it may be noted that the PRP procedure has a limitation due to it being dependent on the patient’s blood condition.
Plinest
Plinest is a technique that employs polynucleotides to stimulate collagen production and fibroblast activity, which contributes to collagen synthesis. It offers excellent and immediate results, focusing on gradual and long-lasting improvements in terms of skin firmness, elasticity, and radiance.
Laser-assisted microneedling
When combined with laser treatments, microneedling breaks down stretch mark tissue while promoting collagen growth. It is particularly suitable for severe stretch marks and provides quicker results.
Read: Microneedling Treatments: Dermapen, Sylfirm X, and Potenza
Benefits of microneedling for stretch marks
Microneedling offers several benefits for treating stretch marks, making it a popular choice among various cosmetic treatments. Some of these benefits include:
- Minimal pain: The procedure involves minimal discomfort, often managed with a topical anaesthetic, making it well-tolerated by most individuals.
- Quick recovery: Microneedling has a relatively short recovery time, with most people experiencing only mild redness and swelling that subsides within a few days.
- Effective results: By stimulating collagen and elastin production, microneedling reduces the visibility of stretch marks over multiple sessions.
- Improves skin texture: The treatment enhances the skin’s overall texture, making it smoother and more even.
- Reduces scar visibility: In addition to treating stretch marks, microneedling can also reduce the appearance of other types of scars, improving the skin’s appearance and health.
Microneedling treatment areas for stretch marks
Microneedling for breast stretch marks
The thin, delicate skin on the breasts is particularly prone to stretch marks, especially during periods of rapid growth or hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
Microneedling helps address these stretch marks by improving skin elasticity and strength. Over time, it smooths and firms the skin, reducing the visibility of stretch marks and enhancing the overall texture and appearance of the breasts.
Microneedling for stomach stretch marks
Stretch marks on the stomach often result from pregnancy or significant weight changes, causing skin overstretching. Microneedling targets the dermal layer to promote collagen remodelling.
The micro-punctures stimulate the body’s healing response, forming new collagen fibres and remodelling existing ones, further enhancing skin elasticity reduces stretch mark depth and width. Due to the stomach’s larger size and thicker skin, multiple sessions are typically required for optimal results.
Microneedling for other body areas (arms, thighs, back)
Microneedling can effectively treat stretch marks on the arms, thighs, and back, which have varying skin thicknesses.
Different needle lengths and treatment intensities are used to create micro-punctures that stimulate collagen and elastin production.
For the arms and thighs, microneedling helps reinforce skin resilience and improve texture despite frequent movement and friction. For the back, deeper treatments may be necessary due to thicker skin. Regular sessions can progressively reduce stretch mark visibility, resulting in smoother and more uniform skin.
Microneedling procedure for stretch marks
Preparation:
- Consultation: A discussion with a dermatologist or skincare professional is essential prior to the procedure to assess the skin condition, discuss goals, and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
- Health disclosure: Disclose any skin conditions and medical allergies to your dermatologist and take necessary precautions as recommended.
- Medication and supplements: For one week before the procedure, avoid blood-thinning agents such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Check with your doctor about stopping certain medications or supplements before the procedure.
- Skin preparation: Exfoliate the treatment area 1-2 days beforehand to maximise results. Avoid waxing, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and chemical peels for at least 3 days before the session.
- Skin cleansing: The targeted area is thoroughly cleansed to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup, ensuring a sterile environment for the procedure.
- Numbing cream application: A topical anaesthetic is applied to the area to minimise discomfort during the treatment. The cream is typically left on for about 20-30 minutes to take full effect.
Treatment:
- Numbing cream removal: Once the numbing cream has taken effect, it is carefully removed to prepare the skin for microneedling.
- Microneedling device: A device, such as a dermaroller, automated pen, or RF microneedling system, creates controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. The needle length and device settings are adjusted based on the area being treated and the severity of the stretch marks.
- Procedure execution: The device is systematically moved over the targeted area, ensuring even coverage. Depending on the size of the treatment area, this step may take 15-30 minutes.
Post-treatment:
- Application of soothing serum: After the procedure, a soothing serum or healing ointment will be applied to the treated area to help calm the skin, reduce inflammation, and support the healing process.
- Post-treatment care instructions: Patients will be given specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up sessions may be scheduled to monitor progress and determine if additional treatments are needed. Multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart, are often recommended for best results.
Microneedling stretch marks aftercare
- Keep the area clean and moisturised
Gently cleanse the treated area with mild, non-irritating cleansers and apply a hydrating and soothing moisturiser to support healing and maintain skin hydration. - Avoid sun exposure
Stay out of direct sunlight to prevent irritation and damage to the treated skin. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. - Use gentle skincare products
Opt for mild, non-abrasive skincare products and avoid harsh chemicals, exfoliants, and active ingredients that may irritate the skin. - Follow specific instructions from your provider
Adhere to any personalised aftercare guidelines given by your dermatologist or skincare professional and attend follow-up appointments as recommended to monitor healing and progress.
FAQ
Microneedling helps prevent scar recurrence by stimulating collagen production, promoting skin regeneration, and remodelling. Consistent skincare, including sun protection and moisturisation, is crucial for maintaining and prolonging the results.
Most individuals require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to treat stretch marks effectively and achieve the best results.
While initial improvements may be seen shortly after the procedure, significant results in fading stretch marks become noticeable after several months of consistent treatment.
It usually has mild and temporary side effects, such as transient redness, swelling, and minor discomfort post-procedure. These effects typically resolve within a week.
Microneedling can diminish the appearance of old stretch marks. While complete removal may not always be possible, it reduces the depth, width, and pigmentation of old stretch marks, making them less noticeable and enhancing the overall skin appearance.
Yes! It is often considered worthwhile due to its effectiveness in improving skin appearance with minimal downtime. Its customisable treatment plans and low risk of side effects further contribute to its popularity as a choice for addressing stretch marks.
Conclusion
Microneedling presents a promising solution for individuals concerned with the aesthetic impact of stretch marks caused by injury, disease, or ageing. However, consulting with a qualified professional is crucial to ensure optimal results.
The procedure has been shown to significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks, with minimal downtime and adverse effects. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve skin texture, microneedling offers a minimally invasive solution with impressive results.
Discuss with our qualified team of experts at Clique Clinic to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
