Stretch Marks Treatment: Q&A

Ask a Question

Chemical Peel Work for Stretch Marks

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

Tags:
8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Eva S in Seattle, WA
+2

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.
+2

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
+1

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. 

You might also like...

Real Stories

After TCA Peel for Stretch Marks (At-Home)

Picture of my thigh after 50% tca peel from online store (was done on both thighs). My...

+1

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.
+1

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.
+1

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. 
+1

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.
+1

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
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (1)

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.

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok