Did you know that as many as 90% of women have stretch marks?
While they may be extremely common, stretch marks are a cause of self-consciousness and dismay for many women, and many of us strive to find ways to eliminate them. They can’t generally be completely erased, but with the right approach, and using microneedling, they can be minimized for the best possible aesthetic result.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a very common type of scar that may appear anywhere on the body where fat is stored. They affect women much more than they do men.
This type of scar occurs when the skin is rapidly stretched and then shrinks. An abrupt change to the surface area of the skin causes rupture of the elastin and collagen fibers that support the skin’s structure. As these fibers tear or snap, the underlying blood vessels become more evident and the result is pinkish or purplish marks on the skin.
The skin does eventually heal, however, it can do so unevenly. This causes differences in the texture of the skin, and the outcome of this is the white or silver scar we call a stretch mark.
Stretch marks most commonly arise:
- during puberty as the body experiences rapid growth spurts
- during pregnancy
- when weight is rapidly gained or lost
- due to the effects of hormone replacement therapy (menopause hormonal therapy)
The most common areas for stretch marks to develop include:
- the hips and upper outer thighs
- the breasts
- the abdomen (especially during/after pregnancy)
- the buttocks
Medical researchers believe genetics and hormone fluctuations contribute to the formation of a stretch mark.
Many women turn to creams and lotions to try to combat their stretch marks. These have varying levels of success and are only effective on brand new, developing stretch marks (i.e., applied to the belly/breasts consistently throughout the changes of pregnancy).
The most effective topical creams for this issue contain tretinoin and hyaluronic acid. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid that is an anti-aging agent, while hyaluronic acid is used to intensely hydrate the skin. These are more effective if used with cosmetic treatments that include microneedling.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Microneedling with hyaluronic acid is the most effective treatment for stretch mark reduction.
Microneedling is also called “collagen induction therapy”. It is a skin rejuvenation technique that creates tiny pinhole-sized injuries into the skin surface. These minuscule injuries stimulate collagen production to repair the tissues and can improve the appearance of the stretch mark. They also create microchannels for the application of hyaluronic acid into the tissues.
Most people will see a significant improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks with three to six treatments over a four to six month period.
Microneedling can also tighten and improve the skin texture, increasing elastin and collagen growth to reduce scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Book a Consultation with Skilled Visits
Skilled Visits proudly offers at-home microneedling in NYC. We service all areas of the Tristate Area and Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Contact us now to book a consultation with one of our highly trained and certified aestheticians for microneedling and say goodbye to unsightly stretch marks in the comfort of your home, office, or another preferred location!