Microneedling for Stretch Marks & Scars
Stretch marks and scars are some of the most common reasons people try microneedling. They also need the most patience. Here's how to approach them.
What responds best
- Newer stretch marks that are still red or purple usually respond better than older, silvery-white ones.
- Flat or indented scars, such as rolling or boxcar acne scars and healed surgical or injury scars, are the best candidates.
- Deep, narrow "ice pick" acne scars respond less well to microneedling on its own.
When not to microneedle
- Raised scars (hypertrophic scars) or keloids, or if you've ever formed them. Microneedling can make them worse.
- Scars that haven't fully healed, or are still pink and changing. For surgical scars, check with your surgeon or doctor before you start.
- Over active acne, broken skin or any infection.
- During pregnancy, including on stretch marks that appear during pregnancy. Wait until after you've finished breastfeeding.
See our full safety guide before you start.
Choosing a cartridge and depth
| What you're treating | Cartridge | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars across the face | 12-pin or 24-pin | 0.6mm |
| Individual facial scars | 9-pin | 0.6mm |
| Stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, hips, buttocks | 42-pin | 1.0–1.5mm |
| Stretch marks or scars on the chest and arms | 36-pin | 1.0–1.5mm |
| Individual body scars or small marks | 9-pin or 12-pin | 1.0–1.5mm |
On the body, start at 1.0mm and only increase gradually over later sessions if your skin recovers well.
Technique
- Prepare and disinfect the skin as usual (see preparing your skin).
- Stretch the skin taut so the mark or scar is flat.
- Treat the mark itself and a small border of skin around it, so the edges blend.
- Glide in horizontal, vertical and diagonal strokes, a few passes each. Don't press or go over the same spot repeatedly.
- For large areas, work in sections so your glide serum doesn't dry out.
How often
Every 4 weeks on the face and every 4 to 6 weeks on the body, for at least 6 sessions. See how often to microneedle.
Setting expectations
Stretch marks and scars change slowly as new collagen forms. Expect gradual improvement over 6 months or more. The aim is to make them look softer, smoother and less noticeable, not to remove them completely. Results vary from person to person. Taking photos in the same light each month makes progress easier to see.
Darker skin tones have a higher chance of developing dark patches after microneedling. Stick to the lower end of the depth range, follow aftercare closely and use SPF daily.
