Stretch Marks Treatment
Stretch marks, or striae, are lesions that tend to form in the dermis during periods of hormonal flux, with weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and other periods of hormonal change. Our practice shows that the best method for stretch marks treatment is microdermabrasion – vacuum peel with microcrystals.
How do stretch marks form?
Women often tend to form striae on their breasts, thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, around the belly button, buttocks, and back. This is especially true during puberty and pregnancy, when a rapid onset of marks can appear. Initially they may be red, but as redness fades, they turn white. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, and their unfortunate name, stretch marks are not caused solely by skin stretching.
Over time, the aging process and sun damage cause a decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin fibers. As this network of fibers breaks down, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more lax. Together, aging, sun damage, and other factors contribute to wrinkle formation and other changes in appearance.
Stretch Marks Treatment
Our practice has shown that the best method for stretch marks treatment is microdermabrasion - vacuum peeling with microcrystals, which removes the superficial or uppermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. It is a simple, fast, and effective method. With each treatment the healing process narrows the width and diminishes the depth of the stretch marks.
During the procedure, the physician uses a device which emits pressurized crystals on to the surface of the skin. Using single strokes, the physician will guide the device over the treatment area to remove damaged skin layers. As microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury to the skin, the risk of scarring and pigmentation anomalies following microdermabrasion is extremely low, when compared with other resurfacing techniques. Therefore, microdermabrasion can be safely and effectively used on individuals of all skin types.
In areas with more damage, the physician may increase the amount of pressure exerted by the device or the number of passes made in the area. This will cause the treatment to extend deeper into the skin. A vacuum sucks the used crystals and exfoliated skin particles back into the device, so they can be removed and discarded.
Treatment results
Frequency of the treatment
As the new skin cells are revealed, your skin will have an improved texture and overall appearance. It is important to realize that in order to maintain the results from a microdermabrasion procedure, you will likely have to undergo approximately five to ten treatments, depending on the severity of skin damage. Initially, you may receive treatments every 5-7 days. However, over time the frequency of treatment may decrease to once a month, and later to twice a year.
IMPORTANT! It is important to note that stretch marks cannot fully disappear, due to the altered anatomical structure of the skin! They do however become almost invisible.
