Microneedling Treatment of Striae Distensae in Light and Dark Skin With Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract

BACKGROUND Striae distensae have notoriously been difficult to treat due to their extensive involvement of nonfacial skin. Microneedling with its lack of thermal injury during microneedling treatment renders it a viable treatment option in darker skin tones and nonfacial regions due to the reduced risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical results and side effects of microneedling in a series of 25 individuals with striae distensae. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five consecutive adults (SPT I–V) with striae distensae involving the trunk and extremities were treated using a microneedling device. No additional treatments (topical or intralesional) were applied. Two assessors blinded to treatment protocol rated clinical improvement of striae on a 5-point scale. Side effects were monitored and tabulated. RESULTS Patients received 1 to 3 consecutive monthly treatments. All striae improved at least 50% after an average of 1.8 treatments, and 28% of patients demonstrated more than 75% clinical improvement. Striae in thicker skin regions (e.g., buttocks/thighs) showed comparable clinical improvement than those in thinner skin areas (e.g., breasts) and did not require additional treatment sessions. Side effects were limited to transient erythema in all skin phototypes. No infections or dyspigmentation were observed. CONCLUSION The clinical results obtained in this study support the safe and effective treatment of striae distensae with microneedling in light and dark skin tones in various body locations. Standardization of treatment protocols are anticipated with further (ongoing) studies.

Polymeric Micro/Nanocarriers and Motors for Cargo Transport and Phototriggered Delivery

“…Light is electromagnetic radiation, made up of photons, characterized to be in the spectral region between the UV and NIR wavelengths (200-1000 nm), and exhibits the property to transit in the void, some media, liquids, and even human tissues, among others [42,43]. Control of the power, beam diameter, wavelength, exposition area, frequency, and exposure time of light enables a diversification of purposes, such as photodynamic therapy, skin treatment, surgical procedures, imaging techniques, disinfection, and pollutant remediation, among others [44][45][46][47][48][49]. The field of optical physics studies the control of light properties, along with multiple techniques to produce a specific wavelength [50,51].…”

Comparison of the efficacy of microneedling versus CO 2 fractional laser to treat striae alba: A randomized clinical trial

“…Its mechanism is reckoned to be in relation with the fact that melanin, collagen, water, and the microvasculature of the dermis are able to absorb energy from the device, thereby fabricating a bulk heating effect in the dermis that in response stimulates the growth factor secretion leading to remodeling of the dermis 10 . A study on microneedling treatment with long‐term follow‐up revealed promising results in light and dark skin tones with more remarkable improvement in thicker skin regions (e.g., buttocks, thighs) 11 . Nermeen et al put microneedling with vitamin C into test in treating abdominal SD and achieved satisfactory results compared to fractional CO 2 laser therapy 12 .…”

“…10 A study on microneedling treatment with long-term follow-up revealed promising results in light and dark skin tones with more remarkable improvement in thicker skin regions (e.g., buttocks, thighs). 11 Nermeen et al put microneedling with vitamin C into test in treating abdominal SD and achieved satisfactory results compared to fractional CO 2 laser therapy. 12 However, none of the therapies mentioned above has been reported to resolve the lesions successfully, and they lack high-quality evidence regarding their efficacy and maintenance and need further large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to prove their effectiveness.…”

Treatment of abdominal striae distensae in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to V using a 1064‐nm picosecond laser with a fractionated microlens array

“…A recent study on a microneedling device revealed at least 50% improvement of SD after an average of 1.8 treatments in light and dark skin tones on various body locations with side effects limited to transient erythema in all skin phototypes. 28 Various forms of RF have been used for the treatment of SD, often in combination with other treatment methods. 29 Fractional RF appears to be the most efficacious, with some combination treatments such as platelet-rich plasma and topical retinoic acid offering further synergistic benefits.…”

“…However, the incidence of PIH was higher on the site treated with ablative fractional laser as mentioned earlier. A recent study on a microneedling device revealed at least 50% improvement of SD after an average of 1.8 treatments in light and dark skin tones on various body locations with side effects limited to transient erythema in all skin phototypes 28 …”