Treatment of striae distensae with fractional photothermolysis.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are dermal scars characterized by flattening and atrophy of the epidermis. Although many treatment modalities have been tried with variable results, most have been disappointing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether striae distensae might respond to fractional photothermolysis.

METHODS: Twenty-two women with striae distensae were treated with two sessions each of fractional photothermolysis at a pulse energy of 30 mJ, a density level of 6, and eight passes at intervals of 4 weeks. Response to treatment was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment clinical photography and skin biopsy samples.

RESULTS: Six of the 22 patients (27%) showed good to excellent clinical improvement from baseline, whereas the other 16 (63%) showed various degrees of improvement. Most of the lesions with excellent results were white in color and of long duration. Skin biopsy revealed that average epidermal thickness and dermal thickness were greater than at baseline. The immunoreactivity of procollagen type 1 increased after treatment. There were no significant side effects except erythema and mild pigmentation.

CONCLUSION: Fractional photothermolysis may be effective in treating striae distensae, without significant side effects. Treatment outcomes were better in patients with white rather than red striae.