title: The safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis for the correction of striae distensae.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Improving the appearance of striae distensae, particularly striae alba, has remained a challenge due to the limited availability of effective and low-risk treatment options. Fractional photothermolysis, a novel concept in skin rejuvenation, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of facial rhytides, acne scars, and surgical scars, but its use in the treatment of striae has not been well studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis treatment on striae alba and striae rubra.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty female patients with striae rubra or striae alba on their abdomen, thighs, or buttocks were enrolled in the study. Lesions were randomized to receive treatment, with site-matched normal control areas. Patients received a total of 6 treatments using a 1550-nm, erbium-doped fiber laser with 2 to 3 weeks of elapsed time between treatments. Clinical response to treatment was assessed at each visit, and at 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month follow-up intervals by the patient and investigator. A comparison evaluation of 8 patients examining photographs of striae at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up evaluation which was assessed by 4 independent dermatologists using the quartile grading scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The independent evaluators' assessments of improvement from photographs of 8 randomly selected patients showed an overall improvement of 26% to 50% in 63% (5/8) of patients. A less than 25% improvement in dyschromia was noted in 50% (4/8) of patients. An improvement in texture of 26% to 50% was observed in 50% (4/8) of patients. The clinical responses were independent of age, gender, and skin phototype. The treatments were tolerated well by all patients with a majority of patients experiencing transient posttreatment erythema and edema.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fractional photothermolysis can be effectively and safely used in the treatment of striae rubra and striae alba.
authors.affiliation: Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NewYork, NewYork, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Mira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stotland
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chapas
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brightman
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sukal
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Karen
authors.forename: Leonard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Roy G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Geronemus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004548:Elasticity; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*