If you’re determined to get rid of your stretch marks for good and considering treatment options, you may be considering microneedling. Microneedling, also referred to as skin needling or collagen induction therapy, is a process where a doctor runs a tool covered in several fine needles over stretch marks. By creating minor injuries where skin has been damaged, microneedling encourages your body to repair damaged skin through increased production of collagen and elastin.

Is Microneedling Effective?

Stretch marks are scars that form in the middle layer of skin, and like scars from injuries, they do not go away on their own. While they may fade over time, getting rid of stretch marks requires undergoing a treatment that can penetrate the top layer of skin and affect the middle layer of skin where stretch mark scars form.

The process of microneedling allows a doctor to use long enough needle to impact middle layer of your skin. When skin is damaged through the microneedling process, it triggers the development of collagen and elastin in your body, which will promote skin regeneration in the damaged areas. The skin regeneration process can encourage new skin growth in areas with stretch marks, improving the tone and texture of skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

In addition to treating stretch marks, microneedling is also commonly used to treat wrinkles and acne scars. The treatment can be performed in a doctor’s office, requires only a topical anesthetic, and is generally considered a safe and low-risk treatment option.

Microneedling Treatment

More than one microneedling treatment is generally required for stretch marks. Your doctor will develop an individual treatment plan that considers the severity of your stretch mark scarring, but you can probably expect to need five or more treatments with intervals between treatments of 4-6 weeks. On average, a single microneedling treatment costs around $700, so if five treatments are needed, the entire process will take 4-6 months and cost around $3,500. Determine your likely costs for microneedling treatment.

Alternative Stretch Mark Treatments

If microneedling isn’t right for you, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to suffer with stretch marks forever. There are several other options available for getting rid of stretch mark scarring:

• Laser treatment, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion treatments can also be performed by dermatologists and may be effective in treating stretch marks. These treatments use varying methods to damage skin and promote regrowth, though like microneedling, multiple treatments will likely be needed.
• Many stretch mark removal products are available for purchase over the counter. These products, when applied regularly, may reduce the appearance of stretch marks and are much more cost-friendly than treatments performed in a doctor’s office. If you’re interested in getting rid of your stretch marks but unable to afford the high costs of microneedling or laser treatment, using a stretch mark removal product is a great starting point on your journey to rid your body of stretch marks. Find a stretch mark removal product.