Professional Treatments for Stretch Marks
Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion involves the controlled spraying of aluminium oxide crystals onto the skin's surface which gradually removes the outer layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, along with any skin imperfections. The crystals and dead skin cells are then sucked back up by the machine. Microdermabrasion also stimulates production of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and promotes the regeneration of smooth unscarred skin. The vacuum action that is used by the machine will also stimulate lymphatic drainage, therefore microdermabrasion can also treat cellulite. As microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of skin there is less of a barrier and more active ingredients and moisture in creams can reach the lower layers of the skin. This cosmetic procedure is widely available in beauty salons and spas. Unlike chemical peels, microdermabrasion can be used to treat all skin colours because there is no risk to pigmentation changes. Remember to always keep the skin hydrated after treatment and use a sun screen as the top layer of skin has just been removed. Slight redenss and swelling of the skin may occur after treatment. A course of 6-10 treatments are recommended. Price: from £40 a session
Skin Peels A chemical liquid is applied to the skin to produce accelerated exfoliation by dissolving the outer skin cells. This triggers the healing response and new skin is grown in replacement. Superficial peels just remove the top layer of skin providing a light exfoliation that will give skin a healthy glow. Medium depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin and can treat minor wrinkles, acne scars and even out skin colour including fading the redness of new stretch marks. Deep peels such as TCA or strong glycolic acid penetrate even further reaching the lower dermis and can treat scars such as stretch marks and also deeper wrinkles. Treatment with chemical peels will work best with pigmentated stretch marks that are red or brown in colour. Mildest to Deepest Peels are:
After a deep peel such as 50% TCA skin turns red/brown and then begins to flake and peel. Deep peels can achieve excellent results if carried out by an expert. If done incorrectly it can lead to white and red patchy scarring. Peels should not be used in people who have a history of bad scarring or skin pigmentation problems. It is very important to prepare the skin for a deep peel. Retin A or tazarotene cream should be used every morning and night 6 weeks prior to the peel. For olive skin hydroquinine cream (4-5%), a skin lightening agent, should be used together with vitamin A to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For darker skin types deep peels are not recommended due to risk of permanent pigmentation problems. Use a sunscreen if area treated is exposed to the sun. Deep peels are available at: Sanctuary Cosmetics Surgeons, Bupa, Skn Clinics (all nationwide) Prices Superficial Peel: £40 for 1 Medium depth Peel: £500 for 4 peels (recommended) Deep Peel: £1,000-£2,000
Endermologie treatment for Stretch Marks Endermologie was originally developed to treat scars and burns. The treatment uses rollers and suction to gently fold and unfold the skin. This action stimulates new collagen and elastin in the skin where it has been previously damaged. Endermologie improves blood flow to the skin providing the oxygen and nutrients required for repair of the damaged stretch marked skin. 
Laser Therapy Treatment of Old White Stretch Marks ReLume Phototherapy ReLume uses UVB light (311 nm) to restore pigmentation to hypopigmented scars and leukoderma. Leukoderma appears on stretch marks, acne scars and burns. Relume is FDA cleared to treat these conditions. UVB light enhances production of melanin to darken the colour of the scar and blend in with the surrounding skin. The light is delivered precisely to the affected area. This treatment is suitable for all skin colours. Treatments are done weekly for 6-15 treatments sessions. It is expected that 75% of pigmentation will be restored. However regular maintenance treatments will provide further improvement.  |
