Evaluation of the effectiveness of erbium yttrium–aluminum–garnet fractional laser, carbon dioxide therapy and platelet-rich plasma in treating striae distensae

Abstract

Objective This study aims to compare the efficiency of erbium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er: YAG) laser, carboxytherapy, and platelet-4rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of striae distensae. Background Striae distance or striae distensae are common dermal scars characterized by flattening and atrophy of the epidermis, and result in considerable aesthetic concern. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 60 female patients with striae in the area between the diaphragm and the knee, whose ages ranged between 16 and 50 years. Cases were collected from the inpatient and outpatient dermatology clinics, Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital, in the period from October 2016 to April 2017. Detailed history, and full general and dermatological examination were done; photography and CO2 injection were performed on 20 patients (group A), while PRP injection was done to the resting 20 (group B), and 20 patients were treated by Er: YAG laser (group C). All the potential side effects were discussed with all patients’ group prior to their participation. Results The mean age of the patients was 26.39±11.51 years. The most common sites affected by striae distensae were the abdomen, thighs and the hips. There was no significant difference regarding the patients’ skin type, duration of striae, and the result at the end of treatment sessions (P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion The clinical improvement of striae distensae can be obtained with the use of the Er: YAG fractional laser. The results of this study demonstrated the safety and efficacy as well as low-incidence side effects of Er: YAG fractional laser in the treatment of striae distensae as compared with CO2 and PRP. So, more randomized, controlled studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of lasers for the treatment of striae distensae among different skin types and different ages.