The Safety and Efficacy of Fractional Photothermolysis for the Correction of Striae Distensae
September 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 9 | Original Article | 857 | Copyright © September 2008
Mira Stotland MD, Anne M. Chapas MD, Lori Brightman MD, Sean Sukal MD, Elizabeth Hale MD, Julie Karen MD, Leonard Bernstein MD, Roy G. Geronemus MD
Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis treatment on striae alba and striae rubra.
Methods: Twenty female patients with striae rubra or striae alba on their abdomen, thighs, or buttocks were enrolled in the study. Lesions were randomized to receive treatment, with site-matched normal control areas. Patients received a total of 6 treatments using a 1550-nm, erbium-doped fiber laser with 2 to 3 weeks of elapsed time between treatments. Clinical response to treatment was assessed at each visit, and at 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month follow-up intervals by the patient and investigator. A comparison evaluation of 8 patients examining photographs of striae at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up evaluation which was assessed by 4 independent dermatologists using the quartile grading scale.
Results: The independent evaluators’ assessments of improvement from photographs of 8 randomly selected patients showed an overall improvement of 26% to 50% in 63% (5/8) of patients. A less than 25% improvement in dyschromia was noted in 50% (4/8) of patients. An improvement in texture of 26% to 50% was observed in 50% (4/8) of patients. The clinical responses were indepen- dent of age, gender, and skin phototype. The treatments were tolerated well by all patients with a majority of patients experiencing transient posttreatment erythema and edema.
Conclusion: Fractional photothermolysis can be effectively and safely used in the treatment of striae rubra and striae alba.