How our skin looks has a profound impact on our self-confidence and the way others regard us. Acne scars and stretch marks are annoying, but there is a solution.
Dermatologists treat these skin disorders with micro-needling. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses small needles. Although it involves needles, it is not very painful and can bring about major improvements.
On the other hand, it must be noted that micro-needling comes with several side effects. This article explores micro-needling stretch marks, its pros and cons, and whether micro-needling can help eliminate stretch marks.
What is Micro-needling?
Micro-needling is a beauty treatment where tiny needles make little holes in your skin. This helps your skin heal and look younger. Micro-needling can make acne scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles less visible. People usually do it to look better, but it can also help with some health issues.
How Does Micro-needling Work?
Microneedling helps make more collagen and other healing substances by slightly injuring the skin. Collagen is a key protein that makes skin look young, firm, smooth, and stretchy. Our skin produces less collagen as we age, leading to wrinkles and aging signs.
Skin can lose collagen from injuries, like acne scars, stretch marks, or other scars. Remember, microneedling isn’t instant. It makes new skin grow, so it can take a few months to see the full results.
What is Micro-needling for Stretch Marks?
Micro-needling is a simple skin treatment that can help make stretch marks less visible. It causes tiny skin injuries, which allow the body to produce more collagen and elastin. This improves the skin’s texture and looks where stretch marks are.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are like scars when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This can break the skin‘s fibers, leading to marks.
They are common during fast growth or weight change, like puberty, pregnancy, or muscle building. New stretch marks are usually red or purple, and older ones fade to white or silver.
How Does Micro-Needling Work?
In micro-needling, a tool with tiny needles, like a derma roller, is used on the skin. This process, which takes about 10–20 minutes, encourages the skin to make more collagen and elastin. It’s important to know that while micro-needling can improve the look of stretch marks, it might not eliminate them.
What to Expect from Micro-Needling?
The results depend on how old and severe the stretch marks are. Usually, you need several treatments to see changes, and sometimes you need more treatments every 6–12 months. Micro-needling is safe for all skin types, but there are some risks, like infection or scarring, though these are rare.
Cost and Getting Advice
Doing microneedling at home is cheaper, but having it done by a professional can cost around $200 each time and might work better. It’s good to have realistic expectations and talk to a skin expert for advice that fits your specific needs.
Pros And Cons of Micro-needling For Stretch Marks
In micro-needling, or collagen induction therapy, thousands of needles are used on the skin to cut into the skin and create a controlled micro-injury.
This incites the body to heal naturally. The process promotes the development of collagen and elastin, two important structural components in the skin.
It can, therefore, help smooth up rough and bumpy skin. Although micro-needling addresses various skin problems such as acne scars, wrinkles that pock the skin’s surface, and large pores, it is especially prized to treat stretch marks (‘fluid-filled erectile tissue).
Strengths of Micro-needling for Stretch Marks
Collagen Stimulation: By producing more collagen, the treatment alters the firmness and structure of the skin, softening the appearance of stretch marks.
- For Most Skin Types: It works without worsening with various skin tones and types.
- Only Short Recovery Time: Redness and swelling in the treatment areas are mild and last several days at most.
- All-Natural Healing: The procedure causes the generation of the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers.
- Higher Product Absorption Rates: Serum content and skincare products applied to the skin surface are absorbed faster.
Micro-needling Cons
The effectiveness of the process varies from person to person, depending on individual healing responses and skin conditions.
- Slow Process: It takes time to see changes. It often requires multiple appointments spread out over 4-6 weeks.
- Non-Permanent: Long-term results are typical, but skin constantly ages; constant care is required to maintain good health and appearance.
- Professional Supervision Recommended: Microneedling can be a self-administered therapy but is acceptable only under professional control to ensure effective results and minimize damaged skin.
Micro-needling and Other Skin Options
Micro-needling helps with things like wrinkles, acne, and chemical peels but needs several sessions. Laser treatments work quicker but need more time to heal. Micro-needling is a good option if you want a fast recovery.
Adding radiofrequency to micro-needling makes it stronger. This can quickly improve acne scars and wrinkles, but you might feel uncomfortable.
Risks of Micro-needling
Micro-needling can cause some side effects. Right after doing it, your skin might be irritated and red for a few days. Sometimes, people have more significant problems like bleeding, bruising, infection, or skin peeling. These issues might need a doctor’s help.
Only some people should do micro-needling. If you have skin problems like psoriasis or eczema, open sores, or acne, or if you’ve had recent radiation therapy, it might not be safe.
Also, be careful with micro-needling stretch marks. If you’re pregnant, you should talk to a doctor first to make sure it’s okay to do micro-needling.
Getting Ready for At-Home Micro-needling
Start getting ready for microneedling a few months before your first session. Your skin care provider will check your skin and talk about your concerns.
They’ll set up a skincare routine for you. This routine helps make your skin healthier and ready for micro-needling. It cleans your skin, so the treatment works better. Plus, it enables you to heal faster afterward.
Micro-needling is a beauty treatment. It uses a fine needle to stimulate your skin to make more collagen and elastin. This reduces the visibility of stretch marks. It can be used on different skin types and has a short recovery time.
Also, it is valuable for assisting the skin in absorbing skincare products. However, results differ; the process could be faster, and maintenance is necessary if you wish to have lasting effects. It is generally safe, but it may have side effects.
These include redness and irritability. It can also cause more severe outcomes, like infection. Professional guidance is recommended for better effect and safety in doing it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing the skill of micro-needling presents a viable way to get rid of stretch marks. Take advantage of the efficient methods described in our guide to achieve smoother, more mark-free skin. Bid farewell to micro-needling stretch marks and welcome a renewed sense of self-assurance in the appearance of your skin.
Reference
- Microneedling devices: Getting to the point on benefits, risks and safety. (2021).
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/microneedling-devices-getting-point-benefits-risks-and-safety
