Comparative Clinical Trial of Dermapen Microneedling and Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Dermapen Microneedling Alone in the Treatment of Stretch Marks in Egyptian Adults

Abstract

Abstract Background Striae distensae are common skin lesions affecting up to 90% of pregnant women, and many adolescents and men. They pose a psychological burden to many people and no known treatment is completely effective for them. The current treatment options are limited by significant side effects, operator skill, cost, prolonged treatment period, or a combination thereof. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), along with microneedling (MN), are promising dermatologic procedures with a wide range of applications, excellent safety profiles, yet only partially understood mechanisms of action. Aim of the Work to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of MN with PRP versus MN alone in the treatment of striae distensae. This work included 40 patients who were divided into left-side lesions (MN alone) versus right-side lesions (PRP + MN). PRP was prepared using single-spin technique, and applied topically just before MN on right-side lesions. An automated MN pen device was used on both sides. Patients and Methods This was a prospective case control study with a split-body design which included 40 adult patients with striae distensae. The patients were recruited from the outpatient dermatology clinic in Ain Shams University hospitals, Cairo. Miravex Antera TM 3D Camera system measured the efficacy by indentation and roughness indices, and patients’ subjective improvement and reported side effects were recorded and analysed. Results A significant improvement was illustrated in both MN and MN + PRP sides in both the indentation and roughness indices measured by the Antera 3D camera system, and most patients reported subjective improvement in color (62.5%), smoothness (97.5%), size (82.5% vs 85%), and general appearance (92.5% vs 90%). Side effects including pain and erythema affected virtually all cases, while pruritis, edema, bleeding, and tram-tracking were less common and short-lasting. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation affected about 20% of patients and lasted more than one month in about half of those affected. No significant difference was found between MN and MN + PRP in efficacy or side effects. Conclusion Microneedling offers an effective, cheap, and relatively safe treatment option for striae distensae. Miravex Antera TM 3D Camera system is a powerful objective method of documenting lesions and following up the treatment process. Platelet-rich plasma did not offer additional benefit over microneedling alone.