Does Micro-Needling Work on Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are quite common yet can be challenging to treat. While not a threat to your health, you may be self-conscious of these streaky marks, which are sometimes likened to tiger stripes. Maybe you’ve even tried some of the many products that claim to remove or reduce stretch marks. Chances are, you didn’t get the results you wanted.

If you’re tired of your stretch marks, it may be time to schedule a cosmetic procedure with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen M. Miller and his highly-qualified aesthetic team. Micro-needling is one effective, non-surgical approach used by our team to help patients diminish the look of stretch marks.

WHY DO I HAVE STRETCH MARKS?

Stretch marks occur when your skin can’t keep up with the body’s growth. When skin strains to accommodate your new body mass, dermal scarring in the form of striae, or stretch marks, can result. Some contributing factors and causes include:

• Childhood growth spurts
• Pregnancy
• Marfan syndrome
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Steroid medications
• Bodybuilding
• Rapid weight gain
• Chronic liver disease
• Chemotherapy
• Long-term antibiotic use
• Heredity

WHAT IS MICRO-NEEDLING?

Micro-needling is a cosmetic treatment that promotes collagen and elastin production by triggering the body’s healing response. In the procedure, tiny, sterilized needles are used to penetrate the skin’s surface in the affected area.

The needles are short and fine, resulting in punctures that won’t be visible to you. A small amount of bleeding is to be expected, though most patients report minimal discomfort during the process.

The procedure takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Multiple micro-needling treatments are needed to experience maximum benefits. Generally, between 4 and 6 treatments are recommended.

HOW MICRO-NEEDLING WORKS ON STRETCH MARKS

When a stretch mark site is treated with micro-needling, the body registers the area as needing healing. As part of the healing process, the body calls for collagen and elastin at the treatment site. Collagen and elastin are proteins found in skin that work to maintain the youthful appearance of your skin.

• Collagen – As a protein in skin that provides volume and structure, it is no wonder that collagen products continue to increase in popularity. Micro-needling is sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy as it promotes production of this important anti-aging component.
• Elastin – This protein helps skin and tissues to bounce back to their original shape. Loss of skin elasticity is a result of decreased elastin, which is a natural part of aging. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, or other unhealthy lifestyle habits can exacerbate the loss of elastin.

Stimulating collagen and elastin at stretch mark sites prompts a revision of the skin. Your stretch marks can gradually become less noticeable as a result. Micro-needling is also used to treat wrinkles, scars, and large pores.

CALL US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

Micro-needling is a stretch mark solution for many but not for everyone. Dr. Miller will evaluate your unique case and may recommend an alternative non-surgical treatment or plastic surgery procedure.

Find out if micro-needling is a good option for treating your stretch marks by calling us at 702-369-1001. We offer a free initial consultation to patients in the Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson areas of Nevada.