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

• Published in: Annals of dermatology Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 481 - 489
• Main Authors: Yang, You Jin, Lee, Ga-Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 대한피부과학회 01.11.2011
• Subjects: 피부과학
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894
• DOI: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.481

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 CO_2 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 CO_2 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 CO_2 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 CO_2 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. (Ann Dermatol 23(4)481∼489, 2011) KCI Citation Count: 52