Lesson 1Microdermabrasion and superficial resurfacing: mechanical epidermal removal effects, adjunctive uses and limitationsThis lesson covers microdermabrasion and superficial resurfacing for stretch marks, effects on texture, combining with topicals, limitations, and contraindications.
Crystal vs diamond microdermabrasionEpidermal effects and barrier changesAdjunctive use with topical agentsRole in early vs mature striaeContraindications and over-treatment risksLesson 2Radiofrequency (non-ablative, monopolar/bipolar): thermal remodeling mechanisms, treatment depths, safety in darker skin, expected clinical improvementsStudy non-ablative radiofrequency for stretch marks, monopolar/bipolar types, heating depth, settings, safety for darker Indian skin, realistic improvement timelines.
Monopolar vs bipolar RF physicsTarget temperatures and endpointsDepth of heating and tissue selectivityProtocols for different body areasSafety strategies in darker phototypesExpected results and maintenanceLesson 3Adverse effects across modalities: PIH, erythema, edema, infection, scarring — recognition and management strategiesLearn to spot and handle side effects like PIH, redness, swelling, infection, scarring in stretch mark treatments, with prevention, early detection, step-wise management.
Risk factors by skin phototypeEarly signs of PIH and erythemaManaging edema and discomfortPreventing and treating infectionScarring: identification and responseLesson 4Intense pulsed light (IPL) and non-ablative lasers (532/1064/1540 nm family): indications for erythematous lesions vs remodeling, parameters to reduce hyperpigmentation riskExplore IPL and non-ablative lasers for red vs atrophic stretch marks, wavelengths, pulses, spots, strategies to cut pigmentation risk in Indian skin.
Indications for IPL vs laser systemsTargeting erythematous early striaeRemodeling atrophic and mature lesionsFluence, pulse width, and coolingReducing hyperpigmentation riskTreatment intervals and outcome trackingLesson 5Carboxytherapy and other subcutaneous gas therapies: proposed mechanisms, evidence quality, contraindicationsExamine carboxytherapy and gas injections for stretch marks, mechanisms, evidence strength, settings, contraindications, patient counselling for realistic hopes.
Mechanisms: perfusion and neocollagenesisInjection technique and dosing basicsEvidence quality and study limitationsPain control and patient toleranceContraindications and safety concernsLesson 6Chemical peels: superficial and medium-depth agents (glycolic, lactic, TCA 10–35%) — action on epidermis/dermis, selection by phototype, risks and contraindicationsLearn superficial/medium peels like glycolic, lactic, TCA for stretch marks, skin layer actions, phototype selection, risks, contraindications, aftercare.
Mechanisms of epidermal exfoliationChoosing acids by skin phototypeGlycolic and lactic peel protocolsLow to medium-strength TCA in striaePIH risk reduction and sun protectionContraindications and emergency stepsLesson 7Microneedling (manual and device): collagen induction therapy mechanism, needle depth selection for rubrae vs albae, protocols for multiple passes and device settingsDetails microneedling for stretch marks, collagen induction, manual/device differences, depths for red vs white, passes, spacing, post-care for best results safely.
Collagen induction therapy mechanismManual rollers vs automated pensNeedle depth by striae type and siteNumber of passes and session spacingDevice settings and endpoint assessmentPost-procedure care and complicationsLesson 8Selecting combinations: rationale for combining therapies, synergy vs additive risks, timing between modalitiesLearn safe effective combinations of non-invasive treatments, sequencing logic, synergy vs risks, intervals, adapting to skin type, lifestyle, past treatments.
Principles of treatment sequencingCombining energy devices and topicalsIntervals between aggressive sessionsAdjusting plans for darker phototypesMonitoring cumulative skin burdenWhen to avoid combination therapyLesson 9Low-level laser and LED phototherapy: wavelengths, proposed effects on collagen remodeling and pigmentation, clinical outcomes and limitationsExplains low-level laser/LED effects on collagen, elastin, pigmentation in stretch marks, wavelengths, protocols, outcomes, safety/efficacy limits.
Key wavelengths and target chromophoresProposed effects on collagen and elastinImpact on pigmentation and erythemaClinical outcome data and durabilityContraindications and safety limitsLesson 10Topical agents: tretinoin, retinoid alternatives, topical peptides, growth factor-containing formulations, centella asiatica — mechanisms and level of evidenceReviews topicals for stretch marks: tretinoin, retinoid options, peptides, growth factors, Centella asiatica; mechanisms, evidence, tolerance, procedure integration.
Tretinoin: dosing and evidenceNon-retinoid resurfacing alternativesPeptides and growth factor formulasCentella asiatica and botanicalsLayering with procedures and devicesManaging irritation and adherence
