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Clinical Studies of Fractional Laser
Check out the significant improvements from before and after photography documenting the Fractional Laser CO2 treatment efficacy and versatility.
RA 33 y/o had 2 CS last delivery is Jan 2011. Had Stretchmarks on the abdomen.RA , 33 y/o, had 2 Cesarean Sections. Her last delivery was January 2011. She has stretchmarks on her abdomen. Notice her CS scar. She had her first fractional laser treatment last August 6,2011. Note that on her baseline photograph she have stretchmarks on her abdomen and aside from that a sagging and lax skin secondary to abrupt weight loss due to delivery. RA among all the patients was the one who exhibited drastic improvement. By looking on her photograph 4 weeks after her first treatment, as you can see a marked reduction in the stretchmarks plus a marked improvement in the laxity of the skin. The sagging skin was almost gone except on the area around the umbilicus. Taking a closer look on the left side of her abdomen you will notice some areas with dark pigmentation. Notice that on the photo after the first treatment, even the dark pigmentation were gone. RA had her 2nd treatment last September 10.
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MA 38 y/o had 3 CS last delivery is May 2011. Had Stretchmarks on the abdomen.MA , 38 y/o, had 3 Cesarean Sections. Her last delivery was on May 2011. She has stretchmarks on her abdomen. No CS scar was seen since she has a pfannensteil incision. Her first Fractional Laser Treatment was on July 22. As you can see on her baseline photographs ( before treatment), the stretchmarks (stretched spaces between normal tissues) were wider and deeper. On her follow up, 6 weeks after the first treatment, she had improvements on the appearance of her stretchmarks. The lines lightened and the stretched area became shallow and narrower. Her second treatment was done last September 9.
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EM 40 y/o had 2 CS last delivery is Oct 2005. Had Stretchmarks on the buttocks. Knee scar was also treated with fractional laser.EM , 40 y/o, had 2 Cesarean Sections. Her last delivery was on October 2005. She has stretchmarks on her buttocks and a scar on her right knee. She received fractional CO2 laser treatment last August 2. As you can see on her “before” photograph there were evident lines on her right and left buttocks. After the first treatment (which was 4 weeks ago) another photograph was taken that showed marked improvement. The fine lines were almost gone, what was left is the dark pigmentation caused by the laser treatment which will soon disappear in time or with the help of lightening agents. The scars on her knee that used to be deep has become shallow after the first treatment only shows an indication that the collagen formation has occurred. She received her second laser treatment last September 9.
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The Efficacy and Safety of Fractional Ablative Resurfacing using 10,600nm CO2 Pulse Wave in the treatment of Striae Distensae among Filipino Women with Skin Types III-V.
A Preliminary Investigation and Initial Results.
Authors: Desiree F. Manlapaz-Gonzales, MD. a, b, d , Jocelyn Theresa Panaligan Navalta, MD. c, d
a – Junior Member Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society b – Member, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine c – Diplomate, Philippine Dermatological Society d – Consultant, Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetic Center Philippines
INTRODUCTION:
Striae distensae (stretch marks) is one of those common skin conditions that can be quite concerning and oftentimes distressing, especially among women in their child-bearing years as it occurs in up to 90 percent of pregnant women, affecting various areas in our body such as in the abdomen, hips, buttocks, breast1, thighs, and groin2. Striae is not a specific condition of pregnancy alone. Adolescents undergoing their growth spurts and overweight individuals can also experience striae distensae as well as individuals with prolonged use of topical or oral steroids or an increase in adrenal cortical activity such as in Cushing syndrome 1,2,3.
Improving the appearance of striae has been a challenge for dermatologists. Topical retinoids have shown clinically significant improvement in the appearance of pregnancy-related striae with a decrease in length of the striae by 20% (P=.01) in an open-label multicenter prospective study of 20 women with daily application of tretinoin 0.1% cream for 3 months 7. Combination topical treatment such as 20% glycolic acid with 0.05% tretinoin cream and 10% L-ascorbic acid, 2% zinc sulfate, and 0.5% tyrosine with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream (Renova) showed both clinical and histological improvement of striae alba when applied daily for 12 weeks 8.
The advent of laser technology in the treatment of striae has shown promise with the use of various lasers such as 585- nm pulsed dye laser (for striae rubra) 9, 308-nm excimer laser for striae alba10, intense pulsed light11, short pulsed carbon dioxide laser12, and fractional 1550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser13. Ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) thus began as the combination of the 10600nm CO2 laser with the fractional photothermolysis (FP) system. This achieves controlled tissue vaporization and thermally-induced dermal coagulation extending to depths beyond those reached by traditional CO2 lasers or by nonablative lasers17.
Several studies have proven that AFR has been tested on mild to moderate rhytides, photoaging, and a variety of scars (acne scars, atrophic scars, hypopigmented scars, traumatic scars, cosmetic surgery scars, and other surgical scars successfully10, 17.
Ablative fractional resurfacing in the treatment of striae distensae have also been investigated. An AFR laser (Fraxel SR 1500) was tested on 22 Asian women with striae (rubra and alba) and comparing pre-and post- treatment photographs and skin biopsies. Results showed clinical (27%, all striae alba showed marked improvement in the striae) and histopathologic improvement (epidermal and dermal thickness were greater after treatment than at baseline)18. Another study using fractional CO2 laser on striae showed moderate (grade 3) clinical improvement (51.9%) and participants being very satisfied (51.9%) with the results19.
Another study, however, showed minimal improvement with the use of AFR in the treatment of striae. A recent multicenter clinical trial utilized fractional ablative CO2 laser (DEKA SmartXide DOT) in the treatment of striae and results showed minimal mean grade improvement scores at 1.00 (SD+/-1.41). There were inconsistent responses to treatment of striae alba with some subjects showing no improvement while others showed moderate-advanced improvement. Parameters used in this study ranged from Power of 14-15W, Spacing of 700-750 um, Dwell time of 600 us, 1 Pass, and with 3-4 number of treatments.20
The various outcomes mentioned on the use of fractional ablative CO2 laser on striae remains inconclusive. Further evidences as to the effectiveness of fractional CO2 resurfacing in the treatment of striae are needed. The safety of these fractional ablative lasers in the treatment of rhytides, photoaging, and scars, however, have been proven in several studies, where clinical improvement, less side effects, and less downtime especially among darker skin individuals are its greatest advantages compared to traditional ablative laser resurfacing10,17,20.
The purpose of the study is to, therefore, determine the efficacy and safety of fractional ablative resurfacing using 10,600nm CO2 pulse wave in the treatment of striae distensae among Filipino women with skin types III-V.
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the efficacy and safety of using Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing system in the treatment of striae distensae among Filipino women with Skin Types III-V.
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY:
A 10,600nm CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing System from Florence Italy was used throughout the study. The machine works with a scanner in DOT mode. The machine emits a CO2 laser with 30-watt maximum power capable of releasing energies in pulsed mode.
Participants’ Selection Criteria
All patients enrolled to this preliminary trial were given clear and complete instructions about the goal and study design; the test materials and mechanisms of action; expected outcomes from the treatment and what this means; possible side effects; how these side effects will be reported, immediately addressed, and followed up by the investigators; and the appropriate post-study care to be given.
They were initially assessed using an Eligibility criteria checklist prior to enrollment into the study (Appendix 1). Upon meeting the Inclusion/Exclusion criteria, participants were asked to sign an Informed Consent Form (Appendix 2) and were interviewed for their Medical History (Appendix 3). Digital photographs of the areas with striae were taken using a Nikon D80 camera.
Inclusion
•Healthy females from the general community.
•Filipino.
•Ages: 25-40.
•Skin Phototypes III-V.
•Presence of striae distensae on the following areas: abdomen, arms, thighs, breast, thighs, buttocks.
•All types of striae distensae (striae alba, striae rubra).
•At least 2 months post-partum (if stretchmarks due to pregnancy).
•Free of any systemic or dermatologic disorder which, in the opinion of the investigative personnel, will interfere with the study results.
Exclusion
•Use of other topical products such as retinoids or topical steroids on the test site, or of systemic medications known to alter skin responses in the past 1 month.
•History of keloid scar formation.
•Compromised wound healing or presence of systemic diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Circulatory problems.
•Pregnant women.
•Allergic to Antiviral medications, Paracetamol, or to Lidocaine (topical or injected).
•Debilitated or immunocompromised patients.
•Unable to follow-up once a month (4-6 weeks interval) for 3 month.
•Participating in any other clinical study during the study period required to complete the study.
The Participants enrolled in this preliminary trial were
subjected to one or more treatments with the Fractional Laser System.
The interval between treatments is 4-6 weeks depending on the assessment of the investigators.
Laser Treatment
Prior to the laser procedure, the area with striae was cleansed with mild soap and water. Topical anesthesia (13% Lidocaine cream) was applied to the area to be treated and then wrapped with a transparent wrapper and left on for at least 30 minutes before the procedure. Concomitantly, participants were asked to take a mild analgesic (Paracematol 500mg) 30 minutes to minimize pain.
After 30 minutes, the topical anesthetic was then removed using clean gauze soaked in normal saline solution, the area has been dried, and the laser procedure then commenced. The size and shape of the laser was adjusted to the size and shape of the striae such that the area involved included 2mm of normal adjacent skin. The parameters used were Power of 15W, Spacing of 800-1000 µm Dwell time of 600-800 µs and Stacking/Passes of 2-4. During the procedure intermittent application of cooling gel on the treated area were done to soothe pain. After the laser procedure, a cold compress over the treated area was done for 10 minutes then an antibiotic (Mupirocin ointment) was applied thereafter. Before leaving the center, the participants were asked to rate the pain from the procedure using a 10-point Universal Pain Scale (Appendix 4). Participants were advised regarding post-laser skin care and were given Post-laser Instructions (Appendix 5).
The participants were asked to follow-up monthly in the next 3 months for re-assessment of their striae using the quartile grading scale rated by both the Participants and the Investigators. Digital photographs were taken prior to giving the next laser treatment. The Universal Pain Scale was answered by the participants after every laser procedure.
At the end of the study, the photographs taken were used for the visual assessment rated by 2 independent Dermatologists using the same quartile grading scale.
RESULTS:
The Fractional CO2 Laser System was used in this preliminary investigation to verify its effectiveness in the treatment of striae distensae.
The results tabulated are just initial results of this preliminary investigation which are examined visually using pre and post treatment photographs with follow ups varying from 4 weeks to 6 weeks from the last treatment. Additional trial is underway to examine more carefully the effect of this treatment on a higher number of subjects and longer sudy period.
The first case is of M.S a 38 y/o female who had striae distensae in her abdomen. She had 3 cesarean sections and her last delivery was May 2011. She had her first session with Fractional Laser Treatment last July 22,2011. Already after her first session there was a reduction in the widened spaces of the striae and a decrease in the associated pigmentation.
Fig.1 Abdominal Striae. Pre and Post 1 session with SMARTXIDE DOT at 15W,
a distance of 1,000um between spots, 200us dwell time and stacking of 4.
The parameters used were 15W, a distance of 1,000um between spots, 200us dwell time and stacking of 4(Fig.1)
Figure 2 and 3 is also that of MS taking a closer look on the left and right sides of the abdomen. Notice the lightening of the abdominal area and the narrowing of the previously widened stretchmarks.
Fig 2. MS’ Left side of the abdomen.
Fig 3. MS’ Right side of the abdomen
The second case is that of E.M a 40 y/o woman who have stretchmarks in her buttocks due weight gain and weight loss secondary to pregnancy. She had 2 cesarean sections and her last delivery was October 2005. EM received her first fractional laser treatment on August 2, 2011.
Fig 4. EM’s Left Buttocks. Arrows showing lines of striae
Figure 4 and 5 showed pre and post treatment photographs of the left and right buttocks of EM respectively.
Fig 5. EM’s Right buttocks
Notice the reduction in the striae even after only the first session. The Post treatment photograph showed Laser mark as exhibited by the dark pigmented areas surrounding the striae. The skin pigmentation/ discoloration will fade through time.
EM was also treated with Fractional laser on her knee scar using a different parameter: 25W, spacing of 1000um, dwell time of 800us and stacking of 4.(Fig.6)
Fig. 6 EM’s Knee Scar. Pre and Post 1 session of Fractional Laser treatment at 15W, spacing of 1000um, dwell time 800us and stacking of 4.
Although the study concentrated on the striae, it is good to note that the knee scar showed marked improvement. The formerly deep scar leveled with the normal surrounding skin. The dark areas surrounding the scars mark the treatment area. The pigmentation will fade spontaneously through time or lightening can be hasten with lightening creams. It can be assumed that the marked improvement is a result of collagen stimulation and formation beneath the treated areas.
The third case is that of R.A a 33 y/o who had 2 ceasrean deliveries. Her last delivery was January 2011. Aside from the stretchmarks caused by pregnancy, RA has a very lax abdomen.
Her pre treatment photograph showed a CS scar and a markedly relaxed abdomen. After only 1 session of fractional laser treatment, there is marked improvement not only on the significant reduction of stretchmarks but also on the laxity of her abdominal skin. Focus on the area around the umbilicus.The post treatment photograph showed skin tightening.(Fig 7)
Fig.7 RA Abdominal Striae pre and post 1 session photograph showing marked improvement on both stretchmark reduction and skin tightening.
A closer look on the left side of the abdomen will also show a dissappearance of the darkly pigmented areas near the flanks. (Fig 8 )
Fig 8 RA’s Left side of the abdomen
Fig 9 RA’s Right Flanks Pre and post treatment
Figure 9 is a photograph of RA’s right flank taken at a different angle. Notice the narrowing of the previously widened areas of the stretchmarks making the skin tighter and smoother.
The fourth case is of A.L a 34 y/o who had 3 cesarean deliveries. Throughout her pregnancies she acquired stretchmarks(striae) on different parts of her body like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and breast.
She had her first fractional laser treatment on August 13,2011. The first session resulted only to minimal improvement. She also exhibited prolonged skin discoloration, one of the laser’s noted side effect.(Fig 9)
Fig 10. AL’s abdomen. Pre and Post 1 session at 15W, spacing 1000um, dwell time 800us and stacking 4.
DISCUSSION:
The evolution of striae starts from being erythematous to purplish, raised wavy lesions (striae rubra) eventually fading to become white atrophic and wrinkly lesions (striae alba) 4. The exact pathogenesis of striae has yet to be elucidated. The pathology, on the other hand, shows early stages of development with elastolysis, mast cell degranulation, and macrophage engulfment of elastic tissue 5. Histologic features substantiating striae as being forms of scars are the densely packed eosinophilic thin collagen bundles parallel to the epidermis, effacement of rete ridges, and the lack of adnexal structures 6.
Old school has taught that there are no cure for stretchmarks. Once you have it you will have it for life, not until the advent of Laser technology.
Laser skin resurfacing has evolved since the 1980’s from ablative, nonablative, and fractional ablative technologies. Ablative technologies (Er:Yag, CO2 lasers) cause uniform patches of epidermal and dermal injury. Though having the advantage of predictability in the depth of tissue ablation and thermal damage, ablative lasers have shown longer downtime, higher incidences of side effects such as prolonged erythema, dyspigmentation and scarring, especially among darker skin types apart from needing effective anesthesia, intensive post-operative care, and prolonged avoidance of sun exposure14.
Nonablative technologies were then created as an alternative to ablative lasers. Nonablative lasers induce dermal neocollagenesis without epidermal disruption, thereby limiting adverse effects and virtually eliminating downtime. Results from these nonablative lasers, however, were less dramatic compared to their predecessors15. Fractional ablative lasers, on the other hand, uses the concept of fractional photothermolysis (FP) where light is emitted in a pixilated fashion into the skin producing microthermal zones (MTZ), thus causing small microscopic columns of thermal injury16. These leave adjacent columns of intact skin, which stimulate re-epithelialization and repair, which heals quickly thus reducing downtime. Dermal repair is hastened due to the presence of healthy fibroblasts, which cause an increase in collagen production that migrate into the treated dermis, thus causing collagen remodeling17. Other advantages of fractional laser include a decrease in postoperative edema, erythema, and a decrease in the risk of dyschromia. These lasers are said to be more suitable for darker skin types14.
Over the recent years, the market has therefore been oriented towards less invasive and less problematic systems and methods. This has led to the wide-scale production of a myriad of non-ablative devices for skin resurfacing to skin rejuvenation.
Despite the fact that all these machines are based on the same principles, they present significant differences with regard to the parameters used to achieve a satisfactory result. The Fractional CO2 laser system uses FLSR treatment in scanner DOT mode causing less epithelial damage. There are normal tissue spaces in between treated areas that hasten healing process faster than the traditional laser skin resurfacing resulting to reduced or minimal downtime.
CONCLUSION:
The Fractional CO2 laser system is a very promising machine. It has proved to be an extremely versatile instrument in aesthetics. Excellent results were obtained in this preliminary investigation and in 90% of cases patient satisfaction was achieved.
The parameters used in each patient are tailored depending on the skin type, pain tolerance and reaction to previous treatments.
The occurrence of the typical side effects like dark pigmentation which we addressed accordingly is considered negligible provided the patient followed the post treatment instructions given to them.
We established that in this preliminary investigation the parameters of 15W power, dwell time of 200-800, spacing of 800-1000 and stacking of 2-4 will result to a very favorable response even after the first session.
We surmised that the treatment of striae using the fractional CO2 laser system in DOT mode is achievable without any significant complications.
LIMITATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
The final result of this preliminary investigation is on going awaiting the final 2 photograph from each subject.
The study did not include objective parameters and did not involve any invasive procedures such as a skin biopsy. The focus of the study was on the clinical changes (if any) of the striae after fractional CO2 laser treatment. It is recommended that in future studies, a skin biopsy be done to determine any histologic changes supporting the clinical improvement. Other objective parameters that can help determine clinical improvement would be a Mexameter to detect changes in erythema and pigmentation are also recommended.
The study was limited to 3 months of follow-up. It is also recommended to increase the duration of the study to 6 months to help determine if more treatment is necessary for more significant improvement.
REFERENCES
(1) Lawley TJ, Yancey KB. Skin Changes and Diseases in Pregnancy. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed, Freedberg IM, Elisen AZ, Wolff K, Austen KF, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, McGraw-Hill NY U.S.A., vol.2, 142: 1362.
(2) McKay, M. Physiologic Skin Changes of Pregnancy, Obstetric and Gynecologic Dermatology, 2nd ed, M. Black, M. McKay, P. Braud, S.Vaughan Jones, L Margesson, Mosby NY U.S.A., Chapter 3: 18.
(3) Alaiti S. Striae Distensae. Medscape Reference: Drugs, Diseases, & Procedures. [Updated August 17, 2011] Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article
(4) Garcia Hidalgo L. Dermatological complications of obesity. Am J Clin Dermatol 2002;3:497-506.
(5) Sheu HM, Yu HS, Chang CH. Mast cell degranulation and elastolysis in the early stage of striae distensae. J Cutan Pathol 1991;18:410-6.
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(8) Ash K, Lord J, Zukowski M, McDaniel DH. Comparison of topical therapy for striae alba (20% glycolic acid/0.05% tretinoin versus 20% glycolic acid/10% L-ascorbic acid). Dermatol Surg. 1998 Aug;24(8):849-56.
(9) Jimeenez GP, Flores F, Berman B, Gunja-Smith Z. Treatment of striae rubra and striae alba with the 585nm pulsed dye laser. Dermatol Surg 2003;29:362-5.
(10) Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Bernstein LJ, Friedman PM, Geronemus RG. The safety and efficacy of the 308 nm excimer laser in pigment correction of hypopigmented scars and striae alba. Arch Dermatol 2004;140:955-60.
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(12) Nouri K, Romagosa R, Chartier T, Bowes L, Spencer JM. Comparison of the 585 nm pulsed dye laser and the short-pulsed CO2 laser in the treatment of striae distensae in skin types IV and VI. Dermatol Surg1999;25:368-70.
(13) Stotland M, Chapas AM, Brightman L, Sukal S, Hale E, Karen J, Bernstein L, Geronemus RG. The safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis for the correction of striae distensae. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Sep;7(9):857-61.
(14) Goel A, Krupashankar DS, Aurangabadkar S, Nischal KC, Omprakash HM, Mysore V. Fractional lasers in dermatology – Current status and recommendations. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2011; 77(3):369-379.
(15) Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of Laser Skin Resurfacing: Nonablative, Fractional and Ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;58:719-37.
(16) Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: A new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med 2004;34:426-38.
(17) Hunzeker, CM, Weiss ET, Geronemus RG. Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Our Experience with More Than 2000 Treatments. Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2009; 29: 317.
(18) Bak H et al. Treatment of Striae Distensae with Fractional Photothermolysis. Dermatologic Surgery 2009 August. 35(8): 1215-1220.
(19) Lee SE et al. Treatment of Striae Distensae Using an Ablative 10,600nm Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser: A Retrospective Study of 17 Participants. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36(1683-1690.
(20) Alexiades-Armenakas M, Sarnoff D, Gotkin R, Sadick N. Multi-center Clinical Study and Review of Fractional Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing for the Treatment of Rhytides, Photoaging, Scars and Striae. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2011 April;10(4):351-362.