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Chemical Peel Work for Stretch Marks

I was under the impression that a chemical peel could only be applied to the face.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Eva S in Seattle, WA

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Chemical peels only help with the color of stretch marks and blending them a little

Chemical peels can be done on almost any part of the body. They do very little for stretch marks but do blend them alittle and even out the colors. Lasers and IPL's can give you about 20% improvement in stretch marks after 5-6 treatments.

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Very few realistic options for mature stretch marks

Generally, there are few succesful regimens for managing stretch marks (striae distensae). The striae which respond are usually the "fresh" ones that are red or recently formed. In these instances the goal is diminshing the redness. The real problem is the dermis is destroyed, and until we have a way of regenerating the skin (in the same way a newt can regenerate its amputated tail), we will not be able to repair or improve stretch marks. Retin-A may be of some use in thickening... more

Chemical peels not a good treatment for stretch marks

Unfortunately, there is no easy treatment for stretch marks. Chemical peels do not penetrate the depth needed to cure stretch marks. The only peel that may have any efficacy is called a phenol peel but this type of peel requires a highly specialized physician and cardiac monitoring while it is done.

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Chemical peels does not work for stretch marks

Since stretch marks are caused by breaking down of elastic fiber down deep in the skin during any expansion processs, chemical peel, which does not penetrate very deep, will not work for stretch marks. There is unfortunately no cure for stretch marks. Sorry for the bad news.

Chemical peels and stretch marks.

Chemical peels may be used in other parts of the body, but be advised that there are many different peel types with different indications and strengths. I don't believe that you will see any significant improvement in stretch marks with peels.

No real cure for established stretch marks

Unfortunately, despite many clams, there are no established treatment for stretch marks. A stretch mark is due to the annear complete loss of the underlying dermis. A chemical peel will remove a portion of the overlying skin but will not bring the overstretched dermis back to normal.

Stretch marks and chemical peels

Chemical peels are best used on the face for skin tightening, removing fine lines and improving the color irregularities. Some use it off the face, but using it for stretch marks will not make a big improvement.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Chemical peels and stretch marks

Chemical peels generally are not helpful for stretch marks. There are two basic kinds of stretch marks: newer pink/red ones and older white ones. The newer pink/red ones respond to laser and light devices such as the IPl and Pulsed-Dye laser. The old white stretch marks are very difficult to treat. Topical tretinoin cream can be helpful. The Relume laser (290-320 nm wavelength light) might re-pigment the white skin associated with the stretch marks to make them less noticeable but will... more

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Comments (1)

wbwoman
9 months ago

I used a 50% at home TCA peel twice for stretch marks and noticed an improvement, but wasn't sure how much. So, last time I applied it (my 3rd application in 5 years) which was about 18 months ago, I only used it on half of my tummy and thighs. Forgot all about it until recently, but upon examination, it seems that the side I used it on looks 15-20% better than the other side.
Keep in mind that it does take a long time to see results.
I am fair skinned and had quite a bit of redness too. Not as bad as the lady who submitted the photos with the red thighs, but it was enough to be somewhat alarming. It resolved completely in two months and, until then, I kept it all hidden day and night so nobody would notice.