There are dozens of reasons why stretch marks form in the body: aging, pregnancy, diet, and more. It’s normal to have them, but no one wants to be spotted with one – or many. But there’s no need to be anxious about showing off your skin, now that different stretch mark-erasing treatments like microneedling have been created.
So can microneedling effectively remove stretch marks? Yes, microneedling has been observed to relieve the skin of stretch marks and other skin issues by creating microscopic wounds that trigger the production of elastin and collagen.
The Causes of Stretch Marks and Why Removal is Important
The skin is elastic enough to stretch and return to its original size. However, when sudden changes happen, the skin copes by producing less collagen and disordered fibers that appear as long discolored streaks. They are commonly seen in areas like the thighs, upper arms, breasts, buttocks, and abdomen.
Both men and women can develop stretch marks. These marks are commonly tied to physical changes like puberty, weight gain, rapid weight loss, and pregnancy. Although it is something that everyone experiences, people are eager to erase stretch marks for personal reasons.
That’s why dermatologists and aestheticians everywhere are developing effective treatments to get rid of stretch marks. And among the many solutions available, microneedling is one of the most effective procedures on the market today.
What Makes Microneedling the Best Treatment for Stretch Marks
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-surgical procedure that can induce the body’s production of collagen and elastin. It is a known treatment for many dermal battle scars like wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne scars. But it can also treat stretch marks in different areas of the body.
How it Effectively Removes Stretch Marks
To remove the stretch marks, microneedling creates micro-injuries in the treatment area. This triggers the body to produce more collagen and elastin that heals the wounds. Stretch mark removal through microneedling occurs in three stages:
- Inflammation – Upon piercing the skin, the immune system is triggered to disinfect the wound, extract the debris, improve the blood flow, and create tissues.
- Proliferation – With temporary collagen and elastin, the wound rebuilds itself.
- Remodeling – The temporary collagen is replaced by stronger collagen that tightens the skin.
Aside from restarting the collagen production, microneedling also heals the connective tissues of the dermis that created the stretch mark. This procedure is a great solution because it punctures the skin deep enough to cause a reaction within the same dermal layer where the marks were formed.
The Cost of Microneedling vs Other Treatments
| Price per session | No. of session(s) required | |
| Microdermabrasion | $139 | 5-10 |
| Microneedling | $200 – $700 | 3-6 |
| Laser Skin Resurfacing (Non-Ablative) | $1031 – $2330 | 3-4 |
| Laser Skin Resurfacing (Ablative) | $2000 – $4000 | 1 |
| Surgical Removal | $5300+ | 1 |
A session of microneedling can cost around $200 – $700. The number of treatments may vary per individual, but the typical count is 3 to 6 sessions that are 2 to 6 weeks apart. Depending on the results, maintenance sessions might be necessary.
Like most cosmetic procedures, microneedling is not covered by insurance plans. You must pay everything out of the pocket, so you might want to reduce the cost as much as possible. Here are the following factors that affect the price of microneedling sessions:
- Provider’s experience
- Your location
- Number of follow-up treatments
- Extent of procedure
Results, Risk Factors, and Side Effects
Since microneedling isn’t invasive, the time for the healing process for patients is only minimal. Results will take a couple of weeks to show but the appearance of stretch marks improves over time. For more lasting results, maintenance treatments might be needed.
Microneedling doesn’t cause major complications. Skin irritation is a common side effect that immediately shows after the procedure. Contact your doctor immediately once the following side effects show:
- Excessive bleeding
- Peeling
- Bruising
- Infection at the treated site
Although it is a generally safe procedure, microneedling might be risky for the patient if they:
- Have open wounds
- Have a history of skin scars and diseases like eczema or psoriasis
- Are pregnant
- Underwent radiation therapy recently
Other Alternative Treatments
Aside from microneedling, stretch marks can also be erased using the following procedures:
- Microdermabrasion – works by exfoliating the dead skin cells at the top layer and encouraging the growth of healthier cells. While it doesn’t completely remove the marks, it helps fade the appearance of “tiger stripes.”
- Laser Therapy – helps remove the upper late of the skin to allow the growth of smoother skin tissues. Like microdermabrasion, this treatment only improves the appearance of stretch marks.
- Surgical removal – also known as “tummy tuck” is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen. It is an effective way to remove stretch marks permanently, but it only works for the abdomen area. Since it is a surgical treatment, the patient will be at risk of different complications such as blood clots, skin necrosis, and infection.
- Tretinoin creams – help restore the skin’s collagen. It works best on pink or red stretch marks. However, sensitive skin can experience irritation. Pregnant women are also restricted from applying these products.
Finding the Right Doctor for Microneedling Treatment
Although microneedling is a non-invasive procedure, it’s still important that the medical practitioner who performs the treatment knows what they are doing. If you know someone who already had microneedling treatment for their stretch marks, talk to them about the experience, as well as the provider.
It’s also helpful to research the practitioner first to see if they have experience in removing stretch marks through microneedling. Check their website and read about clinic reviews.
Erase Stretch Marks and Other Signs of Aging with Ethos Spa
Stretch marks are normal, but that doesn’t mean you should live with them forever. With Ethos Spa, you can erase the “tiger stripes” and regain self-confidence.
With our team of experienced practitioners, you can say goodbye to the marks on your tummy, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. We offer minimally invasive treatments to minimize the risks that usually come with surgical procedures.
For more information about how microneedling can remove your stretch marks, contact us now for a consultation.
