Stretch marks results

AHA peels have been used unsuccessfully in the treatment of stretch marks, both as monotherapy and in combination with corundum crystal microdermabrasion before the peel. Treating the stretch marks with microdermabrasion beforehand enhances AHA penetration, but does so linearly, in the form of claw marks (Figure 8.1). The results are poor, even on fine, white, superficial stretch marks. 

Post-acne pigmentation on the back does not respond readily to ETCA alone. The protocol developed for treating stretch marks produces excellent results, however - not only on the residual pigmentation but also on the depth of the acne scars. 

Stretch marks may result from the following, among other factors ... 

The results appear gradually after stretch-mark treatment, but they are permanent (figures 21.26-21.28). 

Stretch marks are the result of severe dermal and epidermal atrophy, lack of appendages and an extreme paucity... 

In one published study, 69 patients of all phototypes and aged between 14 and 63 were treated for stretch marks in different places abdomen, breasts, back, hips, etc. The patients were followed up for an average of 18 months, and the stretch marks treated were between light/recent and very deep/old. An average improvement of 70% in the appearance of the stretch marks was observed after an average of four treatments (4.2 exactly) and the results have been published. 

A pre-chemabrasion technique has been developed for the treatment of facial acne scars. The results are very good, and are similar to those achieved with phenol. The technique is the same as for stretch marks, apart from the following points ... 

The treatment of body scars is more complex than that of facial scars. The same technique described for stretch marks is used abrasion plus ETCA peel plus post-peel mask cream plus occlusion. The results, although not exceptional, are quite good, as can be seen in Figures 21.34 and 21.35. 

In addition, changes in the synthesis of collagen occur resulting in thinning and loss of the mechanical resistance in the skin. On cessation of corticosteroid use, the structure of the skin may recover to a degree but there may be permanent damage in the form of striae (stretch marks) particularly at sites of fat accumulation or oedema. 

In talking about the results of measurements, we distinguish between the accuracy and the precision of the results. The accuracy of a series of measurements tells how closely the average of the results agrees with the true value of the quantity that is measured. The precision of a series of measurements tells how nearly the repeated measurements yield the same result. For example, suppose that the markings on a centimeter scale are placed too far apart (as if the scale has been stretched). In this case, the results obtained in a series of measurements of the same object might be quite precise (different measurements would yield nearly the same answer), but they would be inaccurate (the average result would be far from the true value). 

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