Stretch Marks Treatment
There are several ways to treat stretch marks. Some are effective while others are not as effective in the treatment of stretch mark removal. Dermabrasion is an abrasive procedure used to get rid of the superficial damaged skin layer. This method is performed superficially. If carried out more deeply, it can generate a condition like patchy pigment with some mild scarring or even rupture of the skin at the depth of stretch marks.
Micro-dermabrasion is a technique that evolved from dermabrasion and consists in blasting micro-crystals to sand the superficial layer of skin. It is good for rough superficial uneven skin texture, as it smoothes it out, and tends to give uneven results. It may be unpleasant and if done too deep scarring is likely to occur.
Lasers get rid of the superficial layer of skin by burning it but are not that effective with old stretch marks. On the contrary, they only work for new stretch marks. Still, even though the stripes might be pink or red, studies reporting the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) treatments emitting hundreds of nanometers of light, conclude that after five sessions the improvement shown in the length, depth, and coloration of stretch marks is at most, moderate.
And although this type of laser carries a low risk of side effects and complications when operated at appropriate treatment parameters and time intervals, they are not recommended for use on darker skin tones including African-American because of the risk of hyper pigmentation.
Superficial peels are generally performed with glycolic acid. The practice of glycolic acid treatment over stretch marks is not that effective. This is because alpha-hydroxy acids act only superficially, mainly by lessening the bonds of the stratum corneum cells.
Medium depth peels with standard Trichloracetic acid at 35% to 50% mass per volume are applied by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, skilled in the use of this type of peel. The results are very irregular. The side effects have been scarring and dark spots. A benefit of Trichloracetic acid peels and the reason it can help improve the appearance of stretch marks is their skin-tightening effect.
Deep peels with phenol are extremely dangerous for extra facial dermal tissue. This is because of their possibility for life threatening complications; local scarring and enduring decrease in the amount of hemoglobin found in red blood cells are some of the outcomes.
Topical creams range from those with ascorbic acid or tretinoin emollient cream. Some creams also contain Vitamin E, although many recent studies have now shown that vitamin E does nothing to a scar. Biological oils like rose hip oil, plant oils, cocoa butter and shea butter do improve the lipid content of the skin, enhance water retention, and soften the skin texture for a while. Aloe Vera does have some anti-inflammatory properties and may also decrease the redness of newly formed stretch marks, but that is about it. At most, it is best to leave the stretch marks alone since they are harmless.
