Microdermabrasion has a number of uses on the skin and can be used in the treatment of stretch marks. Stretch marks are the red or purple marks that appear on the skin in response to pressure put on the skin. Weight gain, pregnancy growth spurts and some illnesses can cause stretch marks. Microdermabrasion is only one of the treatments available for stretch marks, so discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Equipment
Microdermabrasion uses small crystals, usually aluminum oxide, to treat the skin. A hand-held device is used to blow the crystals onto the skin. A vacuum is attached to the machine, which removes both the dead skin that has been sloughed off and the aluminum oxide crystals.
Function
This type of treatment is suitable for use on older, faded stretch marks. The crystals gently abrade the top layer of skin, which is then removed by the vacuum, to reveal the healthier, tauter second layer. Microdermabrasion has a dual function in the treatment of stretch marks. The activity of the crystals, besides removing the top layer of skin, also stimulates the proteins which are essential for healthy skin formation, collagen and elastin. This encourages the skin to heal itself.
Effects
Microdermabrasion has been shown to be effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks. Although more study is required to conclusively determine success rates, the available results are promising. Ten to 20 treatments, at no more than a month apart, may drastically improve the severity of stretch marks, according to a report in the April 2009 "Dermatologic Surgery." The sessions are relatively short, at about 20 to 30 minutes per session.
Recovery
The treatment and recovery time of microdermabrasion make it an attractive prospect if you are short for time. Treatment can usually be done in a dermatologist's clinic, over the period of a lunch break. No anesthetic is necessary so no down time is required. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the only effect of the treatment is a little mild redness, but this will calm quickly.
Warning
The second layer of skin exposed by microdermabrasion is more sensitive to sunlight. Sun beds should not be used and prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided. If you must expose the skin to sunlight after treatment, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to avoid burning.
References
- MedlinePlus: Striae
- MayoClinic.com: Stretch Marks -- Treatments and Drugs
- CEBU Doctor's University: Micro-Dermabrasion
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks) and Different Modalities of Therapy -- An Update; Doctors Mohamed L. Elsaie, Leslie S. Baumann and Lofty T. Elsaaiee; April 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes - Resurfacing Treatments
