Chemical peeling is an effective way to get rid of stretch marks on the stomach

Causes of stretch marks on the abdomen

Stretch marks or stretch marks are reddish or light-colored scars. They can appear on the stomach, chest, thighs, buttocks, and armpits.

Striae appear if elastin and collagen are produced in insufficient quantities, and a sharp change in the body occurs. The skin does not have time to adapt and breaks. These places are filled with connective tissue, which differs in structure from the dermis, which is why stretch marks are so clearly visible.

On the abdomen, such phenomena form mainly after childbirth, but this is not the only reason. They can occur due to sudden weight gain or loss not associated with pregnancy, cellulite, hormonal drugs, bodybuilding activities that radically change body shape.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

In order not to deal with the consequences of stretch marks, you need to take preventive measures, and the sooner the better. Women experience stretch marks in the last months of pregnancy. But if you take certain actions, they may not arise.

Prevention of stretch marks is carried out taking into account the following aspects:

• You need to monitor your weight. 10 – 12 kilograms should be added gradually. Drastic typing may cause skin tears. The extra pounds gained during pregnancy aggravate the situation - the skin simply cannot cope with strong and sudden stretching. Therefore, it is necessary to eat properly and not overeat.
• Balance your diet. Skin health depends on what a person eats. It is beneficial to eat foods rich in potassium and fatty acids. A large amount of them is found in legumes, cereals, dried fruits and fruits, herbs, nuts, vegetable oils, vegetables, fish and seafood. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein. They help the body produce the necessary hormones. It is worth taking care to ensure that your body gets enough vitamins A and E. They increase the elasticity of the skin, which prevents the formation of stretch marks. To get all the necessary microelements into your body during pregnancy, you need to take vitamin complexes prescribed by your doctor.
• Maintain your daily water intake. For pregnant women it is 1.5-2 liters. But it is better to discuss this with an obstetrician-gynecologist, especially if there is a problem with edema.
• It is recommended to take a contrast shower. First you need to make cool water or lukewarm. The main thing is to be comfortable. And when the body gets used to it, you can gradually lower the temperature. By increasing the water pressure, you can perform a shower massage, starting from your feet and slowly working your way up.
• Physical exercise. This could be walking, yoga, swimming or just general toning exercises.
• Wearing a special bandage and a supportive bra. The belt not only prevents the formation of stretch marks, but also reduces the load on the spine and supports the fetus in the correct position. A special bra will help prevent the formation of stretch marks on the chest.

A set of the above measures will help you achieve the best results in the fight against stretch marks.

To prevent stretch marks, you need to take care of your skin during pregnancy

Which peeling will remove stretch marks on the body

During peeling, the upper stratum corneum is removed from the skin. Otherwise, this procedure is called exfoliation. She may be:

• mechanical, when exfoliation is carried out with a scrub containing solid particles contained in the product;
• chemical, when the skin is exposed to acids (citric, glycolic, phenolic, TCA, etc.);
• hardware, carried out using special equipment.

The most popular way to remove stretch marks is acid peeling. Thanks to the variety, you can choose the right product for any scar. In addition, it can be done at home. Mechanical peeling is a rather weak procedure and helps with minor defects. Hardware, on the contrary, is a rather serious technique that requires a long recovery.

Chemical peeling

Chemical peeling is a procedure for cleansing the dermis of dead particles using products containing acids. When the top layer of cells is removed, the body begins to intensively regenerate, recovering. As a result, the skin looks young and refreshed.

Chemical exfoliation is used to get rid of stretch marks, scars, fine wrinkles, and age spots.

Types of chemical peeling

Peels differ in the depth of impact on the dermis:

1. Superficial - the least traumatic, since it affects only the epidermis. Products for such peeling use acids (mandelic, salicylic, lactic and others) in small concentrations.
2. Median penetration penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and is usually carried out with preparations containing several types of acids.
3. Deep penetrates to the middle of the mesh layer. Products for it are made on the basis of phenolic acid. It is the most effective, copes even with deep wrinkles and scars, but severely injures the skin, so it is carried out only in salons under the supervision of a specialist.

Mechanism of action on stretch marks

According to the mechanism of its effect on the skin, chemical peeling can be safely called a burn peel, because in fact it is an acid burn, carried out under the supervision of a cosmetologist. By damaging the skin in this way, acids affect fibroblasts and stimulate collagen production. In place of the removed layer, a smoother and more uniform one is formed. Stretch marks are filled with new cells and become less noticeable.

Pros and cons of the procedure

Before using products with acids, you need to think carefully, because in addition to the advantages, the procedure also has disadvantages.

The advantages of chemical exfoliation include:

• possibility of carrying out at home;
• high effectiveness against small and fresh stretch marks;
• the general condition of the skin improves;
• combination with other techniques.

Among the disadvantages it is worth noting:

• not very effective against old or large stretch marks;
• discomfort during the procedure;
• the need to carry out in the autumn and winter months, since it is necessary to protect the skin from the sun in the post-procedure period;
• unpleasant side effects after peeling.

Contraindications to the procedure

Skin exfoliation should not be performed if at least one of the following contraindications is present:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• dermatological diseases;
• infections;
• herpes;
• malignant or benign tumors;
• inflammation or damage to the dermis in the treatment area;
• individual intolerance to peeling agents.

Technique in the salon

The technique of peeling in the abdominal area is similar to facial treatment:

1. The cosmetologist selects the optimal concentration of the product based on the desired result and the complexity of the work.
2. The problem area is degreased and cleaned.
3. A peeling agent is applied to the abdomen.
4. The cosmetologist neutralizes acids with a special composition.
5. Remaining product is removed.
6. Creams with a moisturizing and soothing effect are applied to the skin.

PROS AND CONS OF THE PROCEDURE

The advantages of exfoliation are determined by the complexity of its action:

1. Scars disappear or become less noticeable;
2. Access to the papillary and reticular layers of the epidermis is opened, which stimulates restoration processes;
3. The massage effect of mechanical peelings has a positive effect on blood circulation.

However, like any cosmetic procedure, peelings for stretch marks have their disadvantages:

1. Swelling in the affected areas;
2. Redness;
3. Peeling;
4. Bruising;
5. Long recovery period when using any deep peels, as well as laser and chemical peels of medium impact.

We recommend: HOW OFTEN TO DO FACIAL PEELING?

Separately, it should be said about contraindications. Peeling is not recommended in the following cases:

• Diseases of the skin and blood vessels;
• Open wounds;
• Allergic reactions to the components of the exfoliating composition;
• Papillomas and suspicious moles;
• The use of certain hormones and medications that reduce blood viscosity;
• Keloids;
• Pregnancy (in consultation with your doctor).

How to improve the result

It may happen that acid exfoliation alone will not be enough to remove stretch marks. Fortunately, it can be combined with other cosmetic procedures and achieve good results.

Exfoliation is most effectively combined with mesotherapy. This is a technique for injecting drugs that normalize metabolism and eliminate cosmetic defects (pigment spots, scars, post-acne). In addition to eliminating stretch marks, it is used for weight loss and rejuvenation.

Mesotherapy preparations stimulate the work of fibroblasts involved in the production of collagen and elastin. With age, the activity of these cells decreases, and meso-cocktails normalize their work, forcing them to produce hyaluronic acid again, and restore youth to the skin.

Popular brands of cocktails for mesotherapy are Mediderm, Filorga and Placentax.

Indications and contraindications

Chemical peeling is used to solve a number of problems:

• sagging skin;
• photoaging;
• stretch marks and scars;
• dark spots;
• pigmentation disorders;
• wrinkles;
• acne disease.

If you decide to try this procedure on yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with a number of contraindications :

• skin hypersensitivity;
• allergy to active peeling substances;
• fresh tan;
• taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to the sun;
• pregnancy, lactation period;
• warts and papillomas;
• diagnosed herpes virus;
• recently completed a course of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy;
• a number of diseases (cardiovascular, viral skin diseases, oncology, coronary disease, decompensated diabetes mellitus);
• psychopathy.

Chemical peeling for stretch marks on the body at home

If you want to get rid of stretch marks on your body, but there is no way to visit a cosmetologist, there are ways to carry out the procedure at home. The composition can be purchased ready-made or prepared independently.

With bodyaga

Dilute bodyaga tablets in hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 2 to 1, apply the mixture to the scars and wash off after a quarter of an hour.

Iodine

An ordinary iodine solution is applied to the problem area. Repeat the procedure for several days, then take a break for two months.

Citrus

If you are not allergic to citrus fruits, then a mixture of lemon and grapefruit juices is perfect for surface cleaning. For better effect, they can be supplemented with sea salt.

Acetic

Just as in the case of iodine, apple cider vinegar does not require additional components and is simply applied to problem areas for 15 minutes.

Differences in preparation for procedures

The only identical condition for chemical peeling and laser resurfacing is abstaining from tanning for 2-3 weeks before the procedure.

Otherwise, resurfacing does not require specific preparatory measures, like any other laser procedure.

Before chemical peeling, especially medium or deep peeling, mandatory preparation is required. It involves gradual adaptation of the skin to the effects of acids. 2-3 weeks before the mid-peeling, patients are advised to start using cleansers and other cosmetic products based on acids (usually fruit or lactic). If necessary, the doctor can perform a superficial peeling, and only after that proceed to the middle peeling (after 10-14 days).

Often, deep chemical peeling is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. For laser resurfacing, local anesthesia is sufficient.

Our Arbat Aesthetic clinic also has multi-level comprehensive rejuvenation programs – needle RF lifting + laser resurfacing.

After chemical peeling, professional care is mandatory, at least if the patient wants to consolidate the result and avoid complications.

After laser resurfacing, the use of softening, moisturizing or nourishing creams/serums is sufficient.

Possible complications

Acids damage the skin, so unpleasant complications may develop after the procedure. The body's typical reaction to exfoliation is swelling, peeling and inflammation. They go away on their own as the dermis regenerates. If side effects persist for more than 3 days, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

If the specialist who performed the procedure did not follow the rules of asepsis, an infection could enter the body. It will have to be treated with antibacterial drugs. To minimize the risk of infection, you should carefully choose a cosmetologist.

Advantages and disadvantages of treating stretch marks with mesotherapy

The essence of the procedure is the subcutaneous injection of individually selected meso-cocktails to patients, the components of which are vitamins, enzymes, collagen, amino acids, artichoke and algae extracts. They accelerate regeneration processes in the skin and stimulate the production of elastin and collagen through gradual action. The combination of meso-cocktails with peelings will speed up the process of stretch marks disappearing.

To remove stretch marks in one part of the body, about 5-10 procedures are required (no more than 1 time per week). In case of severe skin lesions and the presence of bluish stretch marks, it is necessary to complete a course of 15 sessions or more. The duration of each of them is about 30 minutes.

The effect lasts for a long time. If you strictly follow the cosmetologist’s recommendations and lead a healthy lifestyle, you can forget about the problem forever.

The main advantages of treating stretch marks with mesotherapy are:

• effective elimination of stretch marks while improving the overall condition of the skin;
• durability of the effect (more than one year);
• lack of a long rehabilitation period;
• physiology and absolute safety of the procedure;
• speed of execution;
• no need for complex preparation;
• Possibility of combination with other cosmetic procedures.

Features of the procedure

The procedure requires preliminary preparatory manipulations, which consist of thoroughly cleansing the treated area of ​​skin with antiseptics. This will avoid infection. If necessary, anesthetics may be applied to the treated areas or painkillers may be administered.

Removal of stretch marks using mesotherapy can be performed either manually or using hardware. The manual technique involves administering the medicinal composition at short intervals using short needles.

The hardware technology is characterized by a complete absence of unpleasant sensations and ease of use when it is necessary to influence large areas of the skin, for example, the thighs or abdomen. When performing hardware manipulation, the transport function is implemented by ultrasound. The drug is administered using increased pressure through the pores of the skin. This helps prevent swelling and bruising on the body.

Alternative options for removing stretch marks

There are other effective ways to get rid of stretch marks on the body.

Laser peeling

Laser peeling is one of the most radical methods that can cope even with old and deep stretch marks. Its main disadvantage is the long rehabilitation period, which lasts for several months.

Coral peeling

In this procedure, corals crushed into dust, containing beneficial substances from the Red Sea, are used as an abrasive substance. Exfoliation affects the upper and middle layers of the dermis. Thanks to its natural composition, peeling rarely causes allergies, but the sensations from it can be quite painful.

Salons usually use the Rose de Mer line of products, created by the Israeli company Christina.

Diamond grinding

Diamond grinding is the treatment of the skin with a special device with a nozzle coated with diamond dust. Suitable for getting rid of shallow stretch marks - it is ineffective against serious defects.

How to remove stretch marks with laser

The most effective procedure for removing stretch marks is fractional laser coagulation. It is based on the principle of fractional photothermolysis, which triggers the mechanism of natural tissue repair with the formation of new collagen.

The essence of the procedure for removing stretch marks

Small beams, or rather fractions of laser beams have a targeted effect on the skin. Fractional laser destroys dead body cells that form a scar.

In addition, the powerful heat flow into which the laser beam subsequently turns causes the body to intensively produce collagen. As a result, new connective tissue identical to normal skin begins to form between the elastin fibers.

How many procedures are needed

The number of procedures and the duration of each of them depends on several factors:

• skin area;
• age of stretch marks;
• individual characteristics of the body.

To completely remove stretch marks, 6-10 procedures will be required.

However, they are not carried out one after another - after each procedure, a recovery period of a month or even more is required.

Possible consequences

In addition to the fact that stretch marks are directly removed during the procedure, you receive several more pleasant “bonuses”:

• Pigment spots are removed.
• Spider veins disappear if they are in the area of ​​striae.
• The skin becomes very smooth and soft.
• Wrinkles and folds disappear.

Minor redness and blisters may also appear, but they will go away quickly.

Body care after the procedure

• 2 weeks before the procedure and 2-3 weeks after you should not sunbathe or visit a solarium.
• Apply panthenol ointment to the skin, and also wipe it with chlorhexidine for 3 days after laser resurfacing.
• You cannot swim, visit the sauna, bathhouse or swimming pool for about 3 weeks.

As you can see, removing stretch marks with a laser does not present any difficulties, but it is an effective procedure that allows you to quickly get rid of stretch marks.

Patient reviews of chemical peeling for stretch marks

Marina, 27 years old, Samara:

I developed terrible stretch marks on my stomach after having twins. I tried a lot of things, but in the end, the middle peeling in combination with mesotherapy more or less helped. The stretch marks have not completely disappeared, but if you don’t look closely, it’s not very noticeable.

Kristina, 30 years old, Nizhny Novgorod:

I suddenly gained weight and as a result stretch marks appeared on my stomach and thighs, which spoiled my mood. I read the reviews and decided to go for chemical exfoliation. After several treatments, the stretch marks are finally almost gone, and I can wear a skimpy swimsuit to the beach again!

Yana, cosmetologist, professional experience 8 years:

I don't think peeling is a good way to get rid of stretch marks. In my experience, good results can only be achieved if you combine it with other techniques.

Answers on questions

How often should the procedure be repeated?

Depends on the type of peeling. Superficial or middle treatment can be done once every two weeks. There is no need to repeat the deep one.

What rules should be followed after peeling?

Protect your skin from sunlight and exposure to heat or cold, do not visit baths, swimming pools and solariums. Apply a special restorative cream to the treated area, which the cosmetologist will recommend.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure after a heavy tan?

It is advisable to give your skin a rest for at least a few weeks.

HOW OFTEN TO DO

Using the procedure too often will cause new micro-tears in the skin, which will only worsen the problem of stretch marks. Therefore, for the procedure to bring a positive effect, it is advisable to adhere to the following schedule:

The frequency of sessions and courses depends on the size and age of stretch marks, the types of peeling used and is determined by a specialist.