Background: Striae distensae (SD) is a form of dermal scar. A number of treatments have been proposed, but they usually have unsatisfactory result especially in striae alba. Recently, nanofractional RF has been developed. Its mechanism of action is to stimulate dermal remodeling and epidermal re-epithelization.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanofractional RF in the treatment of striae alba.
Patients/methods: This is an experimental, assessor-blinded, before-after study. Thirty-three subjects, with striae alba on their thighs, abdomen, or buttocks (11 subjects each) were enrolled. Treatments with nanofractional RF were undergone for a total of three sessions at 4-week intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed, by comparing pre- and post-treatment measurement of total lesional surface area (using digital Pictzar™ software), and length and width of lesions. Histopathological evaluation was also performed.
Results: At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the total surface area, and the width and the length of striae alba significantly decreased from the baseline (P < 0.001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was reported in six subjects. Regarding histopathology, the average mean number of collagen and elastin bundles was significantly increased (P = 0.005 and 0.012, respectively).
Conclusion: Nanofractional RF is highly effective with a good safety profile for the treatment of striae alba.
Keywords: fractional radiofrequency; nanofractional RF; striae alba.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.