Does Skin Needling Help with Stretch Marks?
Introduction: Why Stretch Marks Are a Common Concern
Stretch marks are incredibly common. They can appear after growth spurts, pregnancy, weight change, gym training, or simply over time. While harmless, many people want to soften the way they look especially when lines feel textural or a different colour to surrounding skin. If you’ve been searching for options that don’t involve surgery or long downtime, skin needling for stretch marks is worth a closer look.
This guide explains what skin needling is, how it works on stretch marks, what to expect in clinic, and how it compares with other stretch mark treatment options, so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Skin Needling?
Skin needling, also called collagen induction therapy uses a medical-grade device with fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. These tiny channels trigger the body’s natural repair process, encouraging new collagen and elastin. Over a series of sessions, the skin’s surface can appear smoother and more even in tone.
At Evolution Laser Clinic, skin needling is performed by trained clinicians using professional protocols and medical-grade hygiene standards. Treatments are tailored to your skin type, area, and goals.
Learn more about our approach here:
How Skin Needling Works on Stretch Marks
Stretch marks (striae) form when the skin stretches faster than its underlying support network can remodel, leaving fine “tracks” that can feel indented (textural) or look reddish/purple (newer) or pale/silvery (older). Skin needling for stretch marks helps by:
- Stimulating the production of fresh collagen and elastin to gradually improve texture
- Supporting remodelling around the edges of a mark, which can soften visible borders.
- Helping the skin look more uniform over time, especially when combined with supportive skincar
Newer, red-toned marks (striae rubra) often respond faster than older, pale marks (striae alba). Either way, a course of treatments is recommended. Your clinician may also discuss pairing needling with supportive skin rejuvenation treatments (for example, targeted firming or LED) based on the area and your goals:
What to Expect During a Skin Needling Treatment
Your first visit starts with a consultation to confirm suitability, map out your plan, and take baseline photos for progress tracking. On the day:
- Preparation: The area is cleansed.
- Treatment time: Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on size and number of areas.
- Sensation: You may feel a light prickling or vibration as the device moves across the skin.
- Immediate appearance: Temporary redness and a warm, “tight” sensation are common. Some mild swelling can occur and usually settles within 24–72 hours.
Your clinician will outline your schedule (often every 4–6 weeks) and the likely number of sessions. Many clients notice changes in tone and texture as collagen builds over 8–12 weeks, with further improvements across their series. Results vary from person to person.
Skin Needling vs Other Stretch Mark Treatments
No single treatment is “best” for every skin type or stretch mark. The ideal plan depends on your goals, how old the marks are, their colour, depth, and the area of the body.
Skin needling (collagen induction therapy)
- Aims to improve texture and the appearance of marks over time.
- Generally well tolerated with short downtime.
- Suitable for various body areas (abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts, arms).
Other options your clinician may discuss
- RF needling: Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deeper collagen renewal, supporting firmness and smoother skin in the treated area.
- Targeted skincare (for example, hydrating and barrier-supporting products) to enhance outcomes between sessions.
Your treatment plan can combine approaches in a staged way. A consultation helps determine the most efficient path for your skin, area, and lifestyle.
Safety, Side Effects, and Aftercare
Skin needling is a professional treatment and should be performed in a controlled clinic environment. Most people experience only short-term, mild side effects such as redness or sensitivity.
You may be advised to postpone needling if you have an active skin infection, open wounds, certain inflammatory conditions in the treatment area, are taking specific medications, or if you are pregnant. Your clinician will review your history to ensure treatments are safe and appropriate.
Aftercare (general guidance):
- Keep the area clean and avoid heavy workouts, heat, saunas, and hot showers for 24 hours.
- Skip active skincare (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, scrubs) until advised, usually 2–3 days.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free hydrating products such as evolveMD Advanced Hydrating Serum as recommended by your clinician.
- Wear UV Sun Protection on exposed areas and avoid deliberate tanning.
- Follow your personalised instructions and attend scheduled reviews for best results.
Conclusion: Does Skin Needling Help with Stretch Marks?
For many people, the answer is yes. By stimulating collagen and elastin, skin needling can gradually improve the texture and tone of stretch marks, making them less noticeable over time. The most effective results usually come from a tailored treatment course, supported by professional aftercare and, in some cases, complementary skin rejuvenation options.
If stretch marks are something you’d like to improve, our team can help. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan designed for lasting results.
Explore more:
