Stretch Marks: Treatment Using the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG Laser

Dermatologic and cosmetic procedures in pregnancy

Background:

Materials and Methods:

Results:

Reflectance confocal microscopy for striae distansae treatment monitoring after CO2 fractional laser

The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and safety of CO₂ fractional laser to treat striae distensae (SD), before (T0) and 1 month after the last laser session (T1), in patients following different protocols based on the number of laser sessions, ≤4 and > 4. Efficacy was estimated with global assessment improvement scale (GAIS) performed by both physicians and patients, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Safety was evaluated through pain assessment and adverse events. Eighteen patients with SD were enrolled. Clinical improvement of SD was observed in all patients at T1, as compared to T0. Furthermore, a reduction of RCM features of SD was observed at T1, above all in patients receiving >4 treatments, as compared to T0. Interestingly, we describe herein a new RCM feature of SD, the "neat-wall", corresponding to a distortion of the normal dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ), with a well-demarcated margin. A significant improvement of DLQI (P-value = .007) was also registered after SD treatment. Adverse events included temporary erythema and edema. In conclusion, the current study confirms the efficacy and safety of fractional CO₂ laser, proposing RCM features, such as parallel collagen fibers and the neat-wall, as potential markers of SD treatment response.

Striae Distensae Treatment Review and Update

Striae distansae (SD) or stretch marks are very common, asymptomatic, skin condition frequently seen among females between 5 to 50 years of ages. It often causes cosmetic morbidity and psychological distress, particularly in women and in certain professions where physical appearances have significant importance. Of late, with the increasing emphasis on cosmetic management and awareness, patients approach dermatologists for stretch marks treatment. However, despite several advances, no fully effective treatment has emerged. Unfortunately, there is paucity of the strong evidence in the literature for the effective treatment of striae. A literature search using the terms 'striae distansae (SD or stretch marks' was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline databases. Only articles related to the treatment were considered and analysed for their data. Commonly cited treatments include topical treatments like tretinoin, glycolic acid, ascorbic acid and various lasers including (like) carbon dioxide, Er:YAG, diode, Q-switched Nd:YAG, pulse dye and excimer laser. Other devices like radiofrequency, phototherapy and therapies like platelet rich plasma, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, needling, carboxytherapy and galvanopuncture have also been used with variable success. This article reviews all currently accepted modalities and their effectiveness in the treatment of stretch marks.

Clinical benefit of using a multifractional Er:YAG laser combined with a spatially modulated ablative (SMA) module for the treatment of striae distensae: A prospective pilot study in 20 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Striae distensae (SD) are cutaneous lesions that often occur on the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technique using a non-invasive Er:YAG laser combined with Spatially Modulated Ablation (SMA) module for the treatment of SD.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective pilot clinical study included 20 patients with skin phototypes I to IV who are affected by SD. The Er:YAG 2940 nm laser with SMA module was used in scanning mode with fluences of 2.3 J/cm² , frequency of 3 Hz, and pulse duration of 0.3 milliseconds. The laser beam is split into several microspots and penetrates only by 50 μm in the epidermis thickness. This technology induces also the generation of acoustic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration. Each patient underwent six laser sessions. An objective and subjective assessment of SD were used. All adverse events were reported.

RESULTS

Most patients reported good improvement and expressed their satisfaction with the treatment. Cutometric analysis showed significant improvement in skin elasticity at the end of study. Moreover, ultrasound analysis revealed an increase in dermal thickness (P < 0.01). POSAS scores decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months, reflecting improved skin quality. The average recovery time was 5 days, with no adverse effects reported.

CONCLUSION

Using Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) with SMA technology to treat SD resulted in improved volume and textural appearance without side effects. The elasticity and thickness of the dermis also improved. The Er:YAG laser with SMA module may be considered as a novel and effective technique to treat SD lesions with minimal time recovery. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:230-238, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae)

Stretch marks are one of the most common benign cutaneous lesions and encountered esthetic problems. Striae rubrae and striae albae can be differentiated on the basis of clinical appearance. Histologically, disturbances of the dermal fiber network and local expression of receptors for sexual steroids have been detected. The epidermal changes are secondary. Prevention of stretch marks using topical ointments and oils is debatable. Treatment of striae rubrae by lasers and light devices improves appearance. Microneedling and non-ablative and fractionated lasers have been used. This review provides an overview on current treatment options with a special focus on laser treatments.

Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management

Background

Striae gravidarum (SG) are atrophic linear scars that represent one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy. SG can cause emotional and psychological distress for many women. Research on risk factors, prevention, and management of SG has been often inconclusive.

Methods

We conducted a literature search using textbooks, PubMed, and Medline databases to assess research performed on the risk factors, prevention, and management of SG. The search included the following key words: striae gravidarum, pregnancy stretch marks, and pregnancy stretch. We also reviewed citations within articles to identify relevant sources.

Results

Younger age, maternal and family history of SG, increased pre-pregnancy and pre-delivery weight, and increased birth weight were the most significant risk factors identified for SG. Although few studies have confirmed effective prevention methods, Centella asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid, and daily massages showed some promise. Treatment for general striae has greatly improved over the last few years. Topical tretinoin ≥ 0.05% has demonstrated up to 47% improvement of SG and non-ablative fractional lasers have consistently demonstrated 50 to 75% improvement in treated lesions of striae distensae.

Conclusion

Overall, SG has seen a resurgence in research over the last few years with promising data being released. Results of recent studies provide dermatologists with new options for the many women who are affected by these disfiguring marks of pregnancy.

Evaluation of Various Therapeutic Measures in Striae Rubra

Background:

Striae are linear atrophic depressions that form in areas of dermal damage in the skin. As on date, no consensus or protocol exists for the treatment of stria rubra. Topical retinoids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, photothermolysis, intense pulsed light and lasers are some of the modalities used.

Aims and Objective:

To compare the efficacy of various therapeutic modalities in striae rubra.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study comprised of a total of fifty patients from August-2012 to October-2013 in a tertiary care center in Western India, Gujarat having striae rubra. They were randomly divided into five groups of ten patients each. Patients were evaluated on the basis of visual assessment, both by doctor as well as the patient. Group I was given topical tretinoin (0.1% w/w) gel applied once at night, Group II-microdermabrasion (MDA) combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (30%) peel, Group III-mesotherapy, Group IV-Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, and Group V-combination treatment of microdermabrasion, salicylic acid peel and retinol (yellow) peel. Patients were treated at an interval of 15 days for 2 months and then at monthly intervals. Objective assessment was done at 2^nd month, 6^th month, and at the end of 1^st year.

Results:

Patients in Group I treated with topical tretinoin showed the least response with 80% (8) of them showing minimal clinical improvement (0–25%) as compared to patients in Group V in which 60% (6) patients showed moderate clinical improvement (50–75%). While majority of the patients in Group II, III, and IV showed mild clinical improvement (25–50%).

Conclusions:

Striae rubra is a common cause of concern for adolescent population. Combination treatment with microdermabrasion, salicylic acid and retinol yellow peel gave superior results as compared to other therapeutic options. Mild to moderate improvement was seen with Nd: YAG laser, mesotherapy and MDA + TCA whereas minimal improvement were seen with topical tretinoin.

Fractional CO2 Laser Versus Intense Pulsed Light in Treating Striae Distensae

Context:

Striae distensae are linear atrophic dermal scars covered with flat atrophic epidermis. They may cause disfigurement, especially in females. Many factors may cause striae distensae such as steroids, obesity, and pregnancy. Although there is no standard treatment for striae; many topical applications, peeling, and light and laser systems have been tried.

Aims:

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser with intense pulse light in treating striae distensae.

Subjects and Methods:

Forty patients with striae distensae were recruited. Twenty of them were treated by fractional CO₂ laser and 20 were treated with intense pulse light. Length and width of the largest striae were measured pre- and post-treatment. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated and graded. Patients were photographed after each treatment session and photos were examined by a blinded physician who had no knowledge about the cases.

Results:

Both groups showed significant improvement after treatments (P < 0.05). Patients treated with fractional CO₂ laser showed significant improvement after the fifth session compared with those treated with ten sessions of intense pulsed light (P < 0.05) in all parameters except in the length of striae (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The current study has provided supportive evidence to the effectiveness of both fractional CO₂ laser and intense pulse light as treatments for striae distensae. Fractional CO₂ laser was found to be more effective in the treatment of striae distensae compared with intense pulse light.

Promising Option for Treatment of Striae Alba: Fractionated Microneedle Radiofrequency in Combination with Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser

Background. A consistent treatment has not been proposed for treatment of Striae Alba (SA). The present study was designed to compare the fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) alone and in combination with fractional carbon dioxide laser (FMR + CO₂) in the treatment of SA. Methods. Forty-eight pairs of SA from six patients were selected. Right or left SAs were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups. The surface area of the SA before and after treatment and clinical improvement using a four-point scale were measured at the baseline, after one and three months. Results. The mean age of the patients was 30.17 ± 5.19 years. The mean difference of the surface area between pre- and posttreatment in the FMR + CO₂ group was significantly higher than that in the FMR group (p = 0.003). Clinical improvement scales showed significantly higher improvement in the FMR + CO₂ group than in the FMR group in the first and second follow-up (p = 0.002 and 0.004, resp.). There were no major persistence side-effects in both groups. Conclusions. The results showed that FMR + CO₂ laser was more effective than FMR alone in the treatment of SA.

Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae

Striae distensae (SD) are common dermal lesions, with significant physical and psychological impact. Many therapeutic modalities are available but none can completely eradicate SD. The most common therapy is the application of topicals used both therapeutically and prophylactically. Even though there are many commercially available topical products, not all have sufficient level of evidence to support their continued use in SD. The aim here was to assess the evidence for the use of topicals in SD and to propose a structured approach in managing SD. A systematic search of published literature and manufacturer website information for topicals in SD was carried out. The results showed that there are few studies (n = 11) which investigate the efficacy of topicals in management of SD. Trofolastin and Alphastria creams demonstrated level-2 evidence of positive results for their prophylactic use in SD. Additionally, tretinoin used therapeutically showed varying results whilst cocoa butter and olive oil did not demonstrate any effect. Overall, there is a distinct lack of evidence for each topical formulation. The majority of topicals failed to mention their effect on early vs. later stages of SD (striae rubrae compared to striae albae) and their role in both prevention and treatment. In conclusion, there is no topical formulation, which is shown to be most effective in eradicating or improving SD. A structured approach in identification and targeted management of symptoms and signs with the appropriate topical is required. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the efficacy of topical products for treatment and prevention of different stages of SD.

New insights on keloids, hypertrophic scars, and striae

This article presents an overview of the literature regarding treatments for keloid disease, hypertrophic scars, and striae distensae in dark pigmented skin. Striae, keloid, and hypertrophic scarring present a challenging problem for both the clinician and patient. No single therapy is advocated for hypertrophic scars, keloid scars, or striae distensae. New therapies have shown promise in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars, and in patients with dark pigmented skin. This article provides guidance on the assessment and determination of patients' suitability for certain treatment options, as well as advice on the follow-up of patients affected with problematic scarring and striae.

Treatment of Striae Distensae with Nonablative Fractional Laser versus Ablative CO(2) Fractional Laser: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Striae distensae are atrophic dermal scars with overlying epidermal atrophy causing significant cosmetic concern. Although a variety of laser and light sources have been used for the treatment of striae distensae, to date no definite 'gold standard' treatment modality has been determined.

Objective

To assess and compare the efficacy and safety of nonablative fractional photothermolysis and ablative CO₂ fractional laser resurfacing in the treatment of striae distensae.

Methods

Twenty-four ethnic South Korean patients with varying degrees of atrophic striae alba in the abdomen were enrolled in a randomized blind split study. The patients were treated with 1,550 nm fractional Er:Glass laser and ablative fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing. Each half of the abdominal lesion was randomly selected and treated three times at intervals of 4-weeks using the same parameters. Digital photography was conducted and skin elasticity and the width of the widest striae in each subject were measured at the baseline and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment clinical photographs by two blinded physicians and participant satisfaction rates were evaluated. Skin biopsies were taken from three participants. All adverse effects were reported during the study.

Results

Although they do not statistically differ, both treatments with nonablative fractional laser and ablative CO₂ fractional laser showed a significant clinical and histopathologic improvement of striae distensae over pretreatment sites.

Conclusion

These results support the use of nonablative fractional laser and ablative CO₂ fractional laser as effective and safe treatment modalities for striae distensae of Asian skin. However, neither treatment showed any greater clinical improvement than the other treatment.

[What's new in aesthetic dermatology: filler and laser treatments]

In esthetic dermatology, filling and laser treatments are two essential techniques. Several recent studies on calcium hydroxyapatite in filling treatments and facial volumetry, in esthetics, but also in HIV patients, have been published. It was also tested in accentuated melomental folds where it is superior to hyaluronic acid. In aging of the skin of the dorsal aspect of the hands, hyaluronic acid provides slightly better results than collagen. Filler rhinoplasty can correct minor deformations of the nose. Lipofilling is advantageous for linear scleroderma of the face, at least in the forehead region, and adipocyte stem cells may be a future solution for facial aging or lipoatrophy. The risk of local and/or general sarcoid reactions related to interferon in patients having undergone filling injections has been reported. In the field of laser treatment, fractionated photothermolysis has motivated much more research and seem particularly valuable in treating acne scars, aging of the dorsal aspect of the hands, and, more anecdotally, in colloid milium and pearly penile papules. Laser is also useful in preventing surgical scars where a mini-diode can also be used. For axillary hyperhidrosis, subdermic Nd-YAG laser competes with botulinum toxin, with longer-lasting results. Solutions are appearing for treatment of red or white striae cutis distensae. Intense pulsed light is the reference technique for poikiloderma of Civatte, and seems effective, with new devices, for melasma. However, inappropriately used by nonphysicians, IPL can cause serious ocular accidents; one case of uveitis has been reported.