The Facts About Stretch Marks and How to Combat Them! Micro-needling, also called skin needling, is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment used for a number of common skin ailments, such as pigmentation issues, fine lines, cellulite, acne scars, sagging skin, and yes…even those pesky stretch marks!
Continue reading to learn more about Microneedling and how this amazing treatment can help you kick those stretch marks to the curb!
Microneedling for Stretchmarks
Microneedling has been around, in some form or other, for over the last two decades; however, it’s used, and methods of delivery have changed and improved as time passes and cosmetic science evolves. These modern variations and new uses for Microneedling have made the treatment quickly become one of the top choices for those hoping to obtain healthier, more youthful looking skin – without having to go under the knife. Since it was discovered that Microneedling was also an excellent delivery system for other products, the process is typically coupled with other skincare creams or serums to further enhance the treatment’s rejuvenating abilities.
Microneedling utilizes the body’s natural healing process to help rejuvenate and improve the skin. During a treatment session, a handheld device containing fine needles, usually stainless-steel or ceramic needles, is gently pressed or rolled against the problem areas of the skin to create small areas of trauma that activate the body’s internal healing mechanism. This mechanism works by encouraging a natural production of new collagen and elastin, which will, in turn, lead to improved skin elasticity and smoother, plumper looking skin.
Microneedling is quickly gaining traction in the world of cosmetics as a simpler, safer, and more affordable alternative to surgery. Unlike invasive cosmetic procedures, the process of skin needling has little risk for complications when performed by a professional in a clean, sterilized environment. Any treatment or procedure that involves the skin will come with at least a slight chance for complications like infection or bruising, but Microneedling complications are actually very rare and mild when compared to other cosmetic procedures.
Usually, complications occur in cases where Microneedling was carried out in unsanitary conditions or proper post-treatment care was not taken. This is why it is so important to always ensure that any treatment or procedure you undergo is handled by a reliable, trustworthy source and that you always adhere to post-treatment instructions.
The notion of poking a bunch of tiny holes in your skin may sound strange or even scary to those squeamish of needles, but the process is actually fairly painless, and patients often find that the results far outweigh the slight discomfort that they experience during a session. Additionally, a topical anesthetic is used prior to needling in order to keep the patient comfortable and minimize this discomfort.
What is Microneedling?
Originally referred to as PCI (Percutaneous Collagen Induction), or Collagen Induction Therapy, Micro-needling has been used in numerous non-surgical cosmetic treatments for acne scar reduction and skin rejuvenation.
Micro-needling was initially used as its own form of treatment when it was first introduced as a solution for dermatological conditions. However, it was eventually discovered that micro-needling could also be used as a highly effective method of delivering other forms of treatment directly into the problem areas of the skin.
Though the term micro-needling may seem a bit intimidating at first to those who are squeamish to sharp objects, the process is quick, simple, and relatively painless – with some patients even claiming that they actually fell asleep during the treatment.
How Are Stretch Marks Formed?
No matter how healthy you are, how many times you hit the gym every week, or how awesome your diet is – there will likely be some point in your life where you get a stretch mark or two…or ten. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that stretch marks are often inevitable. Women are especially prone to getting these troublesome lines, but men can get them too!
Stretch marks commonly begin to manifest during puberty, while our bodies are growing and changing (as if this hormone-ridden time in your life isn’t difficult enough). They also tend to occur with rapid weight gain or pregnancy.
Stretch marks occur when your skin is stretched by a rapid increase in growth. Though our skin contains a decent amount elasticity, when it is stretched too far, the body’s natural collagen production is disrupted, which leads to the formation of these scar-like fine lines we know as stretch marks. Though stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body, they are typically seen on your breasts, stomach, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks since these are all areas that are prone to rapid increase or decrease in size from weight gain/loss.
There are also certain adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s Syndrome, that cause the body to produce more cortisone, which is a natural hormone that can reduce the skin’s elasticity and lead to an increased susceptibility to stretch marks at heightened levels.
Does Microneedling Work for Wrinkles
Microneedling has been considered an excellent solution for reducing wrinkles and signs of aging. The process of needling the skin helps the body produce new collagen, which will fill in the lines that occur with wrinkles and smooth out the areas treated, resulting in younger looking skin. Though Microneedling treatments for wrinkles are commonly performed on the face, other parts of the body can also be treated.
Depending on the depth of the wrinkles and the number of wrinkles being treated, it may take up to six or more treatment sessions to achieve the best results. These sessions are usually spaced out slightly for safety purposes – ranging from three weeks to a month between each session.
Many more people are opting to undergo Microneedling treatments for anti-aging not only because of its effectiveness in eradicating wrinkles but also because of its affordable price in comparison to other procedures for wrinkle and fine line reduction. Fractional laser treatments, for example, cost around four times as much as skin needling treatments.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks Before and After
The lines that occur with stretch marks are often raised, hardened in texture, and possess a different color pigmentation than the skin. The pigmentation of these lines can be light pink, grey, or purple. Since Microneedling can fill in fine lines, smooth out uneven textures, and reduce the discoloration that occurs with pigmentation issues – this treatment is definitely a great choice when looking for a simple and effective method of treating stretch marks.
For new mommies suffering from unwanted belly marks that manifested during pregnancy, Microneedling treatments can help you rid yourself of those baby battle scars and restore the self-confidence that may have taken a hit since that adorable bun came out of the oven. Additionally, because the treatment relies solely on the body’s natural healing mechanism, it is a perfectly safe way to treat stretch marks for nursing mothers.
Microneedling Stretch Marks Near Me
If you live in the Los Angeles or Santa Monica area and are interested in trying out this incredible skin treatment, come to visit your besties at Sepi Spa! With our cutting-edge spa services, expert spa technicians, and a massive collection of spa-exclusive skincare goodies – we have everything a spa-goer could ever need. At Sepi Spa, we’re dedicating to ensuring our customers are treated with the utmost care and always leave happy.
Sepi Spa is located at 1624 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90403.
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/stretch-marks#causes
- https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretch-marks.html
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/got-wrinkles-how-to-know-if-microneedling-is-right-for-you/
- https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/what-microneedling-and-does-it-work
- https://www.skinbylovely.com/skin-care-tips-for-new-moms/