The National Institutes of Health characterize stretch marks as irregular areas of the skin. Medically known as striae, they typically develop as a result of rapid or excessive weight gain, but some people can suffer from stretch marks due to medications, genetic disorders and even growth spurts during adolescence. Although there isn't a medical need to treat stretch marks, many people want to reduce their appearance on the skin. One method that can help is dermabrasion.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that essentially sands away the surface layer of the skin, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. A high-speed rotating brush is guided along the skin to remove or improve areas of discoloration, wrinkling, scarring or sun damage. It's effectiveness on these skin irregularities has led to its use on stretch marks.
Procedure
When you decide to use dermabrasion to improve the appearance of stretch marks, the area to be treated is first prepped with an antiseptic and a numbing agent. The rotary instrument then creates a controlled wound over the stretch marks. As the area heals over a course of about 10 days, new epidermal cells grow in the place of the discolored skin. It takes another eight to 12 weeks for skin to return to its normal appearance, indicates the American Academy of Dermatology. After this period, the signs of the stretch marks are less.
Limitations
Since stretch marks aren't solely isolated to the surface of the skin, dermabrasion does have its limitations. As stretch marks develop, a portion of their appearance is a result of the stretching or pulling that occurs within the epidermis, or the surface layer of the skin. The stretching or pulling weakens the natural elasticity of epidermal fibers, resulting in the pinkish to purplish streaking associated with stretch marks. However, this same action is also occurring within the underlying layers of the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This affects the strength and structure of collagen and elastin in the dermis and hypodermis. Dermabrasion does nothing to correct this problem.
Considerations
To treat these layers of the skin, you need something that can penetrate the epidermis. Topical medications and laser energy are two such options, notes the Mayo Clinic. Retinoids and laser therapy both stimulate the production of collagen and elastin within the underlying layers of the skin. As these proteins build up under the stretch marks, they even out the texture and tone of the irregular areas with the rest of the skin. This makes them less visible. This doesn't mean that dermabrasion can't improve the appearance of stretch marks, but you may have better luck by combining treatments. Consult with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for best results.
Warning
Like any other medical procedure, dermabrasion isn't without its own set of potential complications. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that dermabrasion can lead to hyperpigmentation as well as hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is essentially a darkening of the skin where hypopigmentation is a lightening of the skin. This means that areas treated with dermabrasion may not match the rest of the skin after healing. It's also possible to experience a thickening of the skin along treated areas. Each of these effects can be permanent, and would then need to be treated again with a bleaching cream, corticosteroids or another surgical procedure.
