Microdermabrasion is a relatively new cosmetic procedure that is used to improve and enhance the appearance of skin. People who have various scars can undergo microdermabrasion in order to lessen the appearance of these scars and improve the overall quality of their skin. While the procedure can be used to cure many skin blemishes, such as noticeable acne scars or wrinkles from age, microdermabrasion for stretch marks is becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially among mothers and those who have lost significant weight. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body and, despite the name, are not caused by stretched skin, but the overproduction of a hormone, which can occur when someone is pregnant, overweight, or weight lifting in excess. These marks start off red, but eventually settle to a white shade and can be very visible, making many afflicted individuals self-conscious about their appearance. While there are a variety of stretch mark creams on the market, microdermabrasion is a unique procedure to help combat the appearance of such marks.

Microdermabrasion for stretch marks is a simple procedure. Patients will usually undergo a number of sessions, having the procedure performed multiple times in order to accrue the maximum physical benefits. Each session itself will last around thirty minutes, and will involve a professional using a small device on the affected areas. The device, which is about the size of a pen, supplies a burst of various crystals, which has a polishing effect on the upper layer of skin. The device is also designed to clear away excess crystals and any dead skin to enhance the final result. By performing this procedure multiple times, it is possible to significantly reduce or eliminate the appearance of blemishes like stretch marks.

The reason microdermabrasion has become so popular as a stretch mark remedy is that it is painless, safe, and effective. While it usually does require multiple sessions, the end result is nearly always positive, no matter how deep the stretch mark or what type of skin tone one has. For those who suffer from visible stretch marks on their body, microdermabrasion can seem like a miracle cure, with a much more consistent success rate than other creams or treatments available today.

In addition to being highly effective, microdermabrasion is very safe as well, with no negative physical side effects. However, there are some drawbacks to the procedure as well. Because it must be repeated multiple times, it can be a costly choice, and for serious cases, there may even be some supplemental at-home treatments necessary in addition to the microdermabrasion. In this way, while the process nearly always helps improve the appearance, it does not always remove the problem altogether, especially for stretch marks that are old and deep. Also, while nearly all patients see some positive results with the treatment, the end appearance will vary for each individual, and can be especially less likely to be successful for people with darker skin tones.

While the most involved forms of microdermabrasion involve visiting a trained professional, there are also microdermabrasion products available for home use as well. There are a number of microdermabrasion creams and scrubs, such as Bioskinefol or St. Ives Microdermabrasion Body Scrub. Other products are designed with an exfoliating brush to provide a more intense scrub to achieve better results, such as Neutragena's Advanced Systems Microdermabrasion Body Systems or the DermaNew Total Body Microdermabrasion. There are also a number of microdermabrasion scrubbers that can be bought separately, such as the Best Bath Store's Blue Microdermabrasion Body Sponge, which can be used in conjunction with other body washes and scrubs.