Clinical improvement of striae distensae in Korean patients using a combination of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency and fractional carbon dioxide laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Striae distensae are dermal scars with flattening and atrophy of the epidermis.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (RF) and fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the treatment of striae distensae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Thirty patients (30 female; mean age 33, range 21-51, Fitzpatrick skin type IV) with moderate to severe striae distensae were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: fractional CO2 laser only (n = 10), microneedle RF only (n = 10), and combination (n = 10).

RESULTS:

Improvement was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (range 1-4). Mean clinical improvement score of the dermatologist was 2.2 in the fractional CO2 laser-treated group, 1.8 in the microneedle RF-treated group, and 3.4 in the combination group. Through skin biopsy, we observed thickened epidermis and a clear increase in the number of collagen fibers in the microneedle RF- and fractional CO2 combination-treated sites. Consistent with these results, greater expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and stratifin was observed in treated sites.

CONCLUSION:

Combination therapy of fractionated microneedle RF and fractional CO2 laser is a safe treatment protocol with a positive therapeutic effect on striae distensae.

• Authors: Han-Won Ryu, Sung-Ae Kim, Hye Ra Jung, Young-Wook Ryoo, Kyu-Suk Lee, Jae-We Cho
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 39 Issue 10 Pg. 1452-8 (Oct 2013) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23895146 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• 14-3-3 Proteins
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1
• Carbon Dioxide
• Exonucleases
• Exoribonucleases
• SFN protein, human

Topics

• 14-3-3 Proteins (metabolism)
• Adult
• Biomarkers, Tumor (metabolism)
• Carbon Dioxide
• Catheter Ablation
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Exonucleases (metabolism)
• Exoribonucleases
• Female
• Humans
• Lasers, Gas (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Republic of Korea
• Striae Distensae (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (metabolism)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult