title: Stretch marks: treatment using the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Striae are frequent skin lesions that cause considerable aesthetic concern. The 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been used to promote an increase in dermal collagen and is known to be a laser that has a high affinity for vascular chromophores.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to verify the efficacy of the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of immature striae.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients who had immature striae, i.e., red striae, were treated using the 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The analysis of treatment efficacy was performed by the comparison between the images taken before and after each treatment session as well as through a subjective assessment carried out by the patients themselves.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results were considered satisfactory to both patients and doctors. A higher number of patients (55%) considered the results excellent when compared to the same assessment made by the doctor (40%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical improvement of immature striae can be obtained with the use of the 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The low incidence of side effects makes this laser a good alternative in the treatment of these common skin lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, Clinica Goldman, Porto Alegre, Brazil. alberto@goldman.com.br
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: Flávia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rossato
authors.forename: Clarissa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prati
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome