Are stretch marks leaving you feeling self-conscious and frustrated?
Maybe you’ve tried using lotions and creams to treat them, but they’re still there.
Or perhaps you’ve considered plastic surgery but are concerned about the side effects or the idea of going under the knife.
Microneedling offers a safe and effective middle ground, harnessing the power of collagen to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
This FAQ answers common questions about microneedling and its benefits for stretch mark treatment. Understanding the formation of stretch marks and how microneedling works provides clarity on the process.
Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched rapidly due to growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal changes.
This rapid stretching causes the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) to tear, leading to scar formation. These scars appear as visible lines on the skin, starting as red or purple and eventually fading to white or silver.
When stretch marks turn white or silver, it means they have matured and been on the skin for a longer period. These scars can be challenging to treat because the skin has already healed to some extent. The blood vessels that caused the initial redness or purpleness have receded, leaving behind paler, scar-like lines.
The key is to restore and regenerate new collagen!
Q: How Does Microneedling Work for Stretch Marks?
Microneedling uses a handheld, FDA-approved device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This prompts your body to kickstart its natural healing process, producing collagen and elastin that improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
THIS IS THE BEST TIME that its recommended to pair microneedling with highly active nourishing skincare ingredients for optimal results. Ensuring your skin care is clean, formulations can avoid damaging chemicals that can degrade the skin during this process.
As the skin is more open, it becomes more absorbent, allowing ingredients to penetrate deeply. Microneedling will amplify the performance of what you’re skincare does.
Think of it like giving seedling plants very good fertilizer; when they grow, they yield better results.
The skin goes through three phases of collagen production after microneedling:
What Happens: This phase begins immediately after the microneedling procedure. Micro-injuries cause an inflammatory response, increasing blood flow and activating immune cells to remove damaged tissue. This phase usually lasts up to one week.
What You May Feel: You may notice mild swelling, a sensation of warmth, or tightness in the area. These typically go away within a few days to a week.
What Happens: During this phase, the body starts producing new collagen and elastin to repair the micro-injuries. Fibroblast cells play a crucial role in synthesizing these proteins, forming new tissue to replace the damaged areas. This stage can last several weeks.
What You May See/Feel: Your skin starts to feel firmer and smoother, and you may notice some slight improvement in the texture and appearance of stretch marks.
What Happens: The newly formed collagen fibers mature and strengthen, improving the skin’s structure and appearance. This phase can last from a few weeks to several months. It takes about 90 days for collagen to fully mature, resulting in smoother, firmer skin and a significant reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.
What You May See/Feel: Over time, you will notice a gradual reduction in the appearance of stretch marks. The skin will appear smoother, firmer, and more even-toned. The final results of microneedling typically become most visible within three to six months after the final treatment.
By stimulating collagen production through these phases, microneedling effectively reduces the visibility of stretch marks, making the skin look more even and rejuvenated over time.
Q: Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Most healthy adults with stretch marks can benefit from microneedling. It works on all skin types and stretch marks of varying depths. However, if you are pregnant or have a skin infection, it’s best to wait until these conditions are resolved.
Q: What Is the Microneedling Procedure Like at Our Location?
After cleansing and exfoliation, a numbing cream is applied to the target area. Once you're numb, the microneedling pen is moved over your skin, with additional serums such as hyaluronic acid or stem cells applied to boost results.
Our treatments are optimized, including oxygen infusion with collagen-boosting ingredients, minerals, vitamins, and botanicals. The only downtime is the post-healing phase for the next 1-2 days. We recommend avoiding direct sunlight, workouts, and lots of movement during this time.
Q: How Deep Do the Needles Penetrate for Stretch Marks? (For Body)
Stretch marks are located in the dermis, which is 0.6 to 4 mm thick. The microneedling device uses adjustable needles between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, effectively targeting stretch marks at various depths.
Q: What Needle Length Is Best for Stretch Marks?
Needles between 1.5 mm and 2 mm are typically used for treating stretch marks.
Q:Is Microneedling Painful?
Thanks to the numbing cream, microneedling isn't painful. You might feel a sensation similar to sandpaper rubbing against your skin.
Q:What Results Can Be Expected from Microneedling?
Microneedling can significantly reduce or even eliminate stretch marks.
Most people see improvements after two to four sessions, with full results appearing within six months of the final treatment.
However, effectiveness varies based on the severity of stretch marks, the number of treatments, and individual expectations.
Q:How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Usually, three to six sessions are needed to notice a significant reduction or complete elimination of stretch marks. Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart to allow time for collagen buildup.
For more severe conditions, additional sessions may be required.
Q: Why Is It Recommended To Have More Than One Session for Microneedling?
Q: How Long Do the Results Last?
For many, the results are permanent. Some may need maintenance treatments once or twice a year. Stretch marks won’t reappear unless new conditions, such as pregnancy or significant weight gain, cause the skin to stretch again.
Q: What Are the Aftercare Instructions?
To ensure the best results, follow these aftercare tips:
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks post-treatment.
Use SPF when you can't avoid the sun.
Avoid activities that cause sweating, like exercise and saunas, for three days post-treatment.
Don’t apply makeup for 24 hours post-treatment (for facial treatments).
Q: Are There Any Side Effects?
Microneedling is generally safe, but some people might experience mild side effects like bruising, redness, and swelling. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur. Ensuring the treatment is performed by a trained professional minimizes risks.
Following instructions and using recommended post-care skincare products boost results, reduce any uncomfortability and ensure smooth healing of the skin.
Microneedling offers a promising solution for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, providing a balance of safety and effectiveness without the need for extensive recovery time.
If you're looking to improve your skin's appearance, microneedling might be the right choice for you.
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