Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks - How Does It Work?
Microdermabrasion for stretch marks results in an improvement of skin texture and reduced visibility of scarred tissue. Here’s how the treatment works.
Image source: Instagram @onetwoonedayspa
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Stretch marks are a common skin concern that affects many individuals, regardless of age, gender, or body type. Although they are very common, they can still impact self-confidence and body image.
But the good news is there are several treatments addressing this problem – microdermabrasion being one very popular choice.
So let’s get into how the procedure works and explore its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
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How Does Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks Work?
Before explaining what microdermabrasion for stretch marks can do, let’s first get into what stretch marks are.
Stretch marks, aka striae, are essentially a form of scar tissue. They occur when the skin is stretched beyond its limits due to rapid weight gain, growth spurts, or hormonal changes.
As a result, the collagen and elastin fibers within the dermis become damaged, leading to the formation of parallel lines on the skin’s surface.
Since microdermabrasion is a form of physical exfoliation, it removes the damaged skin layer and reveals the less damaged one underneath. By regularly repeating this process you can get to the undamaged skin.
On top of that, microdermabrasion also encourages collagen and elastin production in the area being treated. Stimulating these skin-plumping proteins evens out skin texture and reduces the contrast between the stretch marks and the surrounding skin.
Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks Results on Different Types of Stretch Marks
To understand how microdermabrasion can help with your stretch marks, it’s important to know what type of stretch marks you’re dealing with. Here are the differences between types of variations of stretch marks.
Red Stretch Marks
These are newly formed stretch marks, therefore easiest to treat. The color is due to the presence of blood vessels underneath the skin, which makes them more responsive to treatments.
Have your provider assess whether it’s safe to do microdermabrasion on red stretch marks and respect their decision – they may be too fresh to treat.
In general, your tech will probably advise to wait a few months since the emergence of the stretch marks before they’re treated, to prevent further damage to the skin.
White Stretch Marks
This type of stretch marks are older and tend to be more difficult to treat. Since the blood vessels have already narrowed, it makes it harder to stimulate collagen production.
Other treatments that stimulate collagen production may be more suitable.
How Is Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks Done?
Microdermabrasion is done with a special device – a microdermabrasion machine.
The machine’s handpiece consists of a rotating ring with a rough surface and a hole in the center that suctions in all the dead skin cells scraped off with the ring.
Depending on how thick or thin your skin is and how intense the exfoliation needs to be, the technician will choose a more or less gritty tip. They’ll rub it against the skin in short motions, adjusting pressure as needed. A few passes will be made.
To completely smooth out the surface of the skin, microdermabrasion for stretch marks typically involves multiple sessions, with each session lasting around 30 minutes to an hour.
It includes cleansing prior to and post-treatment, and in most cases an application of a serum that helps reduce stretch marks’ visibility.
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Does Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks Hurt?
The procedure is generally well-tolerated and causes minimal discomfort. If you feel any pain or major discomfort, tell your technician – they may need to use a less gritty tip or adjust the pressure.
Is It Safe? Are There Any Risks and Side Effects?
Microdermabrasion for stretch marks is considered safe. But it’s important to get this treatment from a trained and experienced technician or dermatologist to ensure no complications.
There are no major risks since no living tissue is affected.
There are some side effects like redness, sensitivity, and dryness present immediately after the procedure, but they usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
Follow the aftercare your treatment provider instructed to ensure optimal healing and results.
Microdermabrasion Stretch Marks Cost
The average cost for microdermabrasion stretch marks treatment is usually around $150, but the price ranges from $75–$400 per session.
Keep in mind you will need multiple sessions to get the full benefits of this treatment. A good tip is to look for combo deals as many salons offer discounted prices when a series of treatments is booked.
Image source: Instagram @onetwoonedayspa
Alternative Treatments for Stretch Marks
If you don’t think microdermabrasion is the right solution for you, there are other stretch mark treatments you can look into:
- Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy and it can gradually recover the broken fibers and plump up the skin to a more leveled-out, even texture. Learn more about how microneedling for stretch marks works here.
- Inkless stretch marks revision, also known as dry needling, is a treatment very similar to microneedling, only it uses tattoo needles to cause more targeted and precise trauma to the skin rather than treating an entire area.
- Stretch mark tattoo, which is a form of cosmetic tattoo, helps camouflage older, white stretch marks into the surrounding area. Learn more about how it’s done here.
- Laser skin resurfacing treatments stimulate collagen growth deep within the skin and renew the appearance of the top skin layer. Learn more about them here.
For the fastest results, you can even combine these procedures. Consult with a dermatologist about what the best course of action is.
How About Dermabrasion for Stretch Marks?
Dermabrasion is a more invasive, more aggressive, original version of microdermabrasion. It’s a much more serious procedure that needs to be performed by a dermatologist since it takes off a thicker skin layer and requires much more downtime.
This procedure is used for deep-rooted issues, so it probably wouldn’t be recommended for treating superficial stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks – Main Takeaways
While microdermabrasion is not a cure-all for stretch marks, it can help improve their appearance – the extent to which depends on the age and severity of stretch marks.
As a form of scar tissue, physical exfoliation of this treatment helps smooth out the skin’s surface and blend in stretch marks into the surrounding skin. This diminishes their visibility and on top of that encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which play crucial roles in skin elasticity and firmness.
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