Evaluation of a non-ablative, fractional 1565 nm laser for the improvement of striae distensae albae

Guertler, A.; Reinholz, M.; Steckmeier, S. und Gauglitz, G. G. (2019): Evaluation of a non-ablative, fractional 1565 nm laser for the improvement of striae distensae albae. In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Bd. 33, Nr. 1: S. 220-226

Abstract

Background and objective Striae distensae (SD) represent therapeutically challenging forms of dermal atrophic scarring. In addition to topical ointments, medical needling and various energy-based devices, non-ablative fractional lasers have been suggested for their improvement. However, objective evaluations of their efficacy are widely missing. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical improvement of SD albae after three treatments with a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm Er: glass laser by employing three-dimensional analysis and several questionnaires. Methods A total of 16 Caucasians suffering from SD albae were included in this prospective study. Every patient received three treatments - one every 4 weeks - using a non-ablative, fractional 1565 nm laser (two passes: 300 mu beams/cm(2), 40 mJ inside the SD;150 mu beams/cm(2), 50 mJ inside the SD and within the surrounding area). Questionnaires (DLQI, POSAS), digital photography and three-dimensional analysis employing PRIMOS (R) software and VECTRA((R)) camera system were taken at baseline, 1 and 6 months after the last treatment. Results Evaluation of objective measurements at 6-month follow-up (FU) showed a significant reduction in depth of atrophic lesions by 31.7% and less skin irregularities with S-max at baseline of 621.2 mu m decreasing to 411.6 mu m (P < 0.01, respectively). Improvement in objective measurements was supported by significant changes in patients' rating of skin appearance. POSAS patient total score declined from 33.5 points to 17.5 points throughout the study (P < 0.001). From baseline to 6-month FU, patients' life quality improved by 68.0% (DLQI score). Procedures showed no lasting negative side-effects and little to no down time. Conclusion The use of a fractional non-ablative 1565 nm laser represents a safe approach for the treatment of SD albae. Clinically observed improvements were supported by significant data from objective measurements. The results achieved at 1-month FU represented at 6-month FU, showing stable clinical improvements.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 0926-9959
• Sprache: Englisch