Efficacy and safety of bipolar fractional radiofrequency vs. 2940-nm Er:YAG ablative fractional laser in striae distensae treatment: A split abdomen study

Abstract

Background: Striae distensae (SD) is a challenging cosmetic condition. Ablative fractional laser (AFL) is an effective method for treating SD. Recently, fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has been shown to be a promising treatment for SD; however, few studies have shown the differences between FRF and AFL in the treatment of SD.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bipolar FRF with 2940-nm erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) AFL in the treatment of SD.

Patients/methods: Twenty volunteers with abdominal SD were enrolled in this study. One half of the abdomen was treated with 2940-nm Er:YAG AFL, whereas the other half was treated with bipolar FRF, with three sessions at 4-week intervals. Photographic evaluations of clinical improvement were conducted by two independent investigators before and after treatment, and the patients provided self-assessments. Two participants underwent three punch biopsies, one before treatment and two obtained from bilateral representative skin lesions on the abdomen 3 months following the final treatment.

Results: Clinical improvements were observed in SD on both sides of the abdomen after the two treatments. Post-treatment skin biopsies revealed increased thickness in the epidermis and dermis, and higher collagen and elastin density compared to those at the baseline. No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical outcomes between the two treatment approaches.

Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of bipolar FRF treatment are comparable to those of 2940-nm Er:YAG AFL treatment, providing an alternative and effective treatment for SD.

Keywords: 2940‐nm Er:YAG laser; bipolar fractional radiofrequency; striae alba; striae distensae.