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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
Although it is a generally safe procedure, microneedling might be risky for the patient if they:
Aside from microneedling, stretch marks can also be erased using the following procedures:
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.
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.