Abstract:
Background: Several studies have demonstrated that fractional Er:Glass laser is effective and safe in treatment of striae alba. A new technology fractional radiofrequency microneedle (FRM) is minimally invasive that its principle is penetration of RF to deeper thermal energy with minimal cutaneous burns, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. Until now, there is only one study of FRM device for treatment of striae distensae and no comparative study of these two modalities has been conducted in terms of safety and efficacy.
Objective: To compare efficacy and safety of fractional Er:Glass laser and FRM in treatment of striae alba
Materials and Methods: Twenty volunteers with striae alba at both sides of abdomen, or buttock, or hip, or thigh were enrolled. All volunteers were received three treatments every 4 weeks. Each volunteer was randomly received both fractional Er:Glass laser and FRM treatment on both sides of the body (right and left). Clinical improvement in the appearance of striae alba was evaluated by two independent physicians at 4-week after the last treatment, using digital camera-photographs. Width, elasticity and surface smoothness of striae alba were measured by caliper, cutometer® MPA 580 and visioscan® VC 98, respectively. Side effects and volunteers satisfaction were assessed by questionnaires.
Results: Twenty volunteers completed the study. Both sides had statistical significance in reduction of width and increasing in surface smoothness of striae alba, comparing baseline to the last follow-up. Global improvement scale showed no statistically significant difference between two groups. 80% and 85% of the subjects in fractional Er:Glass and FRM treatment respectively had better than 25% clinical improvement. Satisfaction score also showed no significant difference in both groups. FRM showed less side effects and shorter downtime than fractional Er:Glass laser.
Conclusions: Fractional radiofrequency microneedle was equally effective and safe to fractional Er:Glass laser in clinical improvement of striae alba. Satisfaction of outcomes showed no significantly difference between both treatments, and FRM had less side effects and shorter downtime. In conclusion, FRM appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of striae alba.