Microneedling: A Treatment For Your Stretch Marks
Posted on: 4 October 2022
Many women struggle with stretch marks on their abdomen and thighs, especially after having been pregnant. Men can develop stretch marks, too, in situations where they gain weight rapidly. There are numerous creams and lotions that promise to fade stretch marks, and they do work for some people. However, they are often not as effective as people would hope. If you're struggling to fade your stretch marks, you may want to consider a more intensive, in-office treatment known as microneedling.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a treatment that involves the insertion of many tiny needles into the skin. It is done with a special device that inserts and removes the needles very quickly. Many medical spas offer microneedling, but you can also have it done in a dermatologist's office, or at the office of some cosmetic doctors.
How does microneedling work to fade stretch marks?
The needle pricks cause a minor injury to your skin. This basically jump-starts your skin's healing process, causing white blood cells and other healing factors to be recruited to the area. It also stimulates your skin to produce collagen. All of these processes serve to help heal and ease the appearance of stretch marks. The stretch marks are areas where your skin lacks collagen, so as microneedling stimulates collagen production, the skin begins to look more normal.
How quickly do results appear?
Right after microneedling, the treated skin will look a little red and irritated. But in the days that follow, this redness will fade, and your stretch marks should start appearing less obvious. It may take a couple of weeks for the full results to be clear since collagen production takes time. If the marks are not faded as much as you'd like, then you can have a second microneedling treatment. It's not uncommon for patients to need two or three to get the results they desire.
Are there any side effects?
Microneedling is very safe, which is one reason why it's such a common treatment for stretch marks. Most people only have mild redness and irritation for a few days post-treatment. There is a small risk of infection, but that can be minimized by keeping the treated area clean.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of microneedling and how it works for stretch marks. If you have any other questions or concerns, ask your dermatologist or a med spa practitioner.
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