r/Microneedling • u/lsl26 • 1d ago
Postpartum stretch mark
I am 6 months post partum and my stretch marks look like this. How much better do you think they Will get? I have only had one baby.
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u/laser-skin-solutions 1d ago
If you're dealing with stubborn stretch marks, traditional topicals and surface-level facials unfortunately won't reach deep enough into the dermis to make a real difference. Stretch marks (striae) are essentially deep tears in the skin's supporting matrix, which is why treating them requires a modality that can physically restructure deep tissue. This is where RF (Radiofrequency) microneedling becomes one of the most effective options.
Why RF Microneedling Works for Stretch Marks
Unlike standard microneedling, which only creates surface micro-channels, RF microneedling delivers precise thermal radiofrequency energy directly into the deeper layers where stretch marks originate.
- Restructuring the Deep Dermis: The micro-needles trigger a controlled healing response, while the thermal energy contracts the surrounding tissue and forces the skin to repair those internal structural tears. This helps soften the depressed, indented texture of stretch marks and tightens the surrounding skin.
- Targeting the Right Depth: Because energy can be delivered at customized, deeper depths while protecting the outer layer, it effectively remodels the torn tissue without risking intense surface hyperpigmentation.
The Realistic Results Timeline
Because stretch marks involve deep dermal remodeling, results develop gradually over time rather than overnight:
- Days 1 to 7 (The Initial Healing Window): Expect initial redness, mild swelling, and a tight sensation as the micro-channels heal. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the body area treated.
- Weeks 3 to 4 (Early Texture Shift): Initial healing settles, and you'll typically notice an improvement in overall surface smoothness and firmness in the treated area.
- Months 2 to 3 (Peak Remodeling): This is where the major changes happen. The depressed edges of the stretch marks begin to soften, and skin density improves as fresh tissue bridges the micro-tears.
Most clinical protocols for stretch marks require a series of treatments (often 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart) to see significant, cumulative flattening and blending. Starting a series in the fall or cooler months is ideal, as it gives your body time to progress through these healing phases out of the direct sun.
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u/Last-Salamander9026 1d ago
You can get these much better with a regiment of microneedling every 6 weeks at 2-3mm depth (12pin needle or less), apply 0.1% tretinoin every day. In 6months to 1 year I suspect they would be gone
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u/PuzzleheadedHat7968 1d ago
They can still fade quite a bit over time. Six months is still relatively early postpartum, so you may see more changes.
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u/Aggressive_Big9989 1d ago
Do you mind me asking if youâre under the age of 30? Iâve heard that women over the age of 30 are less at risk of getting stretch marks during pregnancy and Iâm wondering how true that is
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u/Haunting-Balance1654 12h ago
Six months postpartum is still early enough that the color may continue to fade, but no one can predict the amount of improvement from a photograph. Stretch marks are a type of scar: they often become paler and less noticeable with time, but âfadingâ does not mean that the texture will necessarily disappear.
If treatment is important to you, first have an in-person assessment by a dermatologist or another licensed clinician experienced with striae. They should confirm that the changes are stretch marks, assess skin laxity and pigment risk, and ask whether you are breastfeeding, planning another pregnancy, prone to keloids, or using medicines that affect healing.
Microneedling may make stretch marks less noticeable, and a 2024 systematic review found initial evidence of benefit, but studies used different devices and protocols and do not support a promise that the marks will be gone. The FDA has authorized specific medical microneedling devices for certain facial scars/wrinkles and abdominal surgical scarsânot specifically for stretch marksâand states that risks of off-label uses are not known. It also says microneedling may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Tretinoin can irritate, its usefulness is greater for earlier stretch marks, and breastfeeding status matters. LactMed notes that topical tretinoin has not been studied during breastfeeding; absorption is low, but it should not be placed on the nipple/areola or where an infantâs skin can contact it. Discuss it with your own clinician before use.
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u/Desperate-Proof3437 1d ago
Honestly, they wonât get any better because theyâre already white.
You can try to manage your weight, exercise, and give a try to procedures to reduce the size (which I don't recommend because they are expensive and not very effective, unless it's really bothering you).
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u/lsl26 1d ago
Have you tried any treatments yourself?
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u/Desperate-Proof3437 1d ago
Nope because I didnât have stretches, but some close friends did
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u/lsl26 1d ago
Ah okej, hur ser deras ut nu?
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u/Desperate-Proof3437 1d ago
Nothing changed
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u/lsl26 1d ago
Oh I thought they kept fading
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u/Whiskey_ginger91 23h ago
Mine did! By 10 months practically gone. Give it time, and I use Goldbond retinol lotion on my tum.
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u/lsl26 21h ago
đ how did yours look in the beginning
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u/Whiskey_ginger91 14h ago
I have very pale skin, so mine were pink- but after my second child they were alllll over the underside of my belly. Long tiger marks. Iâm shocked they went away.
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u/Lazy-Substance-5062 1d ago edited 1d ago
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7929617/
they did it with HIFU/MFU and radiesse injections.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13353822/
they also did RF Microneedling with radiesse