During our lifetime our bodies go through a wide range of changes. Pregnancy is one of those times when a woman's body suffers the most. Weight gain and stretching skin are two of the most noticeable changes.

These changes usually result in stretch marks that will mostly appear around the abdomen, upper arms, and breasts. If you notice that during pregnancy you didn't develop stretch marks, you may still be at risk. Rapid weight loss, common after having given birth, can also cause stretch marks. It seems nearly impossible to get away from these bothersome scars.

However, that's not entirely true. There is a way to completely remove stretch marks, but it requires you undergo plastic surgery. But, if you prefer a less expensive and more gentle treatment for pregnancy stretch marks, there are other options

Microdermabrasion is one such treatment. It has been used for years to help reduce signs of aging and to help eliminate scars. It has also been used to help diminish the appearance of stretch marks.

This procedure does not require anesthesia. It can be performed in a spa or salon and doesn't last more than an hour. Of course, you will need more than one session to see noticeable results.

There are two types of microdermabrasion treatments, professional microdermabrasion and at-home microdermabrasion. If you're not too sure which is ideal for your skin condition, keep reading.

Stretch Mark Removal and Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion works by removing the upper layers of the skin. This process helps reveal the healthy skin underneath and boosts the production of new cells. During this gradual process, the damaged scar tissue is replaced with normal tissue.

Professional microdermabrasion systems use an air pump or vacuum with a tube attached to it. At one end of the tube there is a wand which continually deposits micro-crystals onto the skin.

Once the procedure is over, the crystals are aspirated into a container. There are four types of crystals that are used: sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, aluminum oxide, and magnesium oxide. Aluminum oxide is the most popular crystal because it is inexpensive and can produce a good exfoliation.

A less aggressive alternative to professional microdermabrasion is an at home microdermabrasion systems. This type of treatment uses crystals suspended in a cream, and does not require the use of an air pump.

Another treatment option is microdermabrasion creams. These skin care products contain the same abrading crystals used in professional microdermabrasion systems, however, the cream isn't just a means of transporting the crystals, it actually works to help soothe the skin as it exfoliates it.