Fast facts

Microdermabrasion


What it is: Microdermabrasion is a skin care treatment technique meant to remedy skin conditions related to sun damage and the signs of aging.  The most common method uses a device to spray very small crystals on the face that scrape away the outermost dermal layer, which is intended to remove irregularities and rejuvenate the skin.


What it addresses:  Mild skin conditions including:

- Sun spots
- Scars
- Facial wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone


MORE INFORMATION

Question

Can you use microdermabrasion for stretch marks?

Is microdermabrasion an option for getting rid of stretch marks?


Asked by: Anonymous

Answers (3)

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
1
July 5, 2008

Realistic expectations a must for those with stretch marks

Because stretch marks represent permanent damage to the skin and tissue, there are few modalities that offer any improvement.

Discoloration of the stretch marks is much easier to address depending on whether or not the color is red, brown, or the more mature hypopigmented stretch marks. On the other hand, attempting to improve the texture is very challenging.

Using lasers that stimulate collagen around the perimeter of the stretch marks is what we focus on. Using Class IV medical lasers to address the discoloration and texture of stretch marks will always offer more potential for improvement than a modalitiy such as microdermabrasion. When lasers are not appropriate or will not come close to meeting one's expectations, we recommend a consultation with a surgeon to determine if they are better served by an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

Setting realistic expectations from the beginning has benefited both ourselves as practitioners and, most importantly, the patient. Much time and money are expended on creams, ineffective treatments, and false hopes. Always do your research before seeking treatment.

Please refer to below link for a photo that depicts what non-ablative lasers may accomplish. Keep in mind that the goal is improvement.

2
June 14, 2008

Microdermabrasion is not likely to work on stretch marks

Stretch marks occur on the skin as a result of rapid stretching of the skin.  The depth and discoloration associated with stretch marks appears to be fairly deep.  It is highly unlikely that a superficial treatments such as micro-dermabrasion would have any significant effect on stretch marks. If you do have stretch marks, fractional resurfacing with a laser or skin tightening procedures are much more likely to give a satisfactory result.

I use the Starlux 500 with the Lux 1540 and the Deep IR to treat stretch marks and loose skin. To see some results of stretch mark treatments with this equipment, click on the link below.

 

3
June 13, 2008

Microdermabrasion isn't much help for stretch marks

Medical grade microdermabrasion does have its uses. However, it doesn’t improve stretch marks much, if at all.

Microdermabrasion involves removing the top layers of skin (epidermis) . This can be done with particle microdermabrasion, which is like getting a mild “sandblasting” of your skin. Although this sounds uncomfortable, in reality it’s a very simple procedure and well tolerated by my patients. The whole idea is to remove dead surface skin cells, which allows for improved moisturization of skin and an improved texture.

I usually combine microdermabrasion with chemical peels. As a result, more dead skin cells are removed on the surface. With stronger chemical peels, the dermis (the deeper layer) is stimulated to make collagen. More collagen means a thicker dermis. This can lead to more youthful appearing skin: When we are young, our dermis is thick with collagen, and the epidermis is thin. When we use microdermabrasion and chemical peels, we can reduce the epidermal thickness while building up the dermis. As a result, skin appears younger.

Microdermabrasion, however, is not a “miracle” treatment. It improves skin texture to a degree. I have found that laser skin resurfacing is much more effective in improving fine lines and wrinkles at rest.

And, of course the big question: What effect will microdermabrasion have on stretch marks?

The Answer: Very little.

Other treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light can improve the red appearance of new stretch marks and make them more “flesh-toned.” Laser Skin Resurfacing might decrease the width of the stretch marks. But ultimately even the best treatments for stretch marks tend to improve the problem in about 20-30% of patients at best. Do those sound like good odds to you? I wish this was not the case, but this is what I have found in practice.

By the way, for very wide stretch marks, some plastic surgeons may remove stretch marks surgically. The result is a scar where the stretch mark used to be. For some patients, this may be less noticeable.

Make sure to consult with an experienced medical doctor who performs treatments her- or himself when you’re ready for a cosmetic medicine treatment!

Write a comment

(required, shown publicly)
(required, kept private)
  • Allowed HTML tags: <p> <br> <em> <strong> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <img> <div>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • You may link to webpages through the weblinks registry

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA
Enter the numbers in the image below (no spaces)
Image CAPTCHA

Comments for unregistered users are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines

Check out more Q+A about Microdermabrasion

Have a question? Ask it

IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
  •     Cancel