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

Abstract

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/cm 2 , frequency of 3 Hz, and pulse duration of 0.3 milliseconds. The laser beam is split into several microspots and penetrates only by 50 mm 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.

Optical Coherence Tomography‐Assisted Evaluation of Fractional Er:YAG Laser Versus Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency in Treating Striae Alba

“…Assessment of SD treatment using Er:YAG laser combined with light‐emitting diode red light (LED‐RL) treatment and an application of recombinant fibroblast growth factor showed a histological increase in elastic tissue and a significant improvement of stretch marks in all the treated 30 patients [17]. Recently, Meningaud et al [18] used Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) with SMA technology to treat SD and demonstrated an increase in volume and textural appearance of SD with minimal reported side effects.…”

Picosecond Laser treatment of Striae Distensae: In vivo Evaluation of Results by 3D Analysis, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy, and Patient′s Satisfaction

“…At present, there is no universally accepted treatment against SD, and particularly, in the late stages, effective treatment has been found to be more difficult and unsatisfactory [6]. Several treatment options have been described for both SR and SA, including flashpumped 585-nm pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light, 308-nm excimer laser, nonablative 1450-nm diode laser, radiofrequency device, 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser, nonablative fractional photothermolysis, ablative fractional CO 2 resurfacing, fractional radiofrequency microneedling, and fractional Er:YAG laser [7][8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Combined With Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment for Striae Distensae

“…Cosmetic laser treatments, such as the pulsed‐dye laser and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser, or other rejuvenation procedures, have also been developed and recommended [6]. However, because these treatments could not provide cosmetically satisfactory effects, several attempts have been made to increase their efficacy through combination therapy, including laser treatment, use of topical agents (such as epidermal growth factor), and novel technology [7–10].…”