Comparison of the 585 nm pulse dye laser and the short pulsed CO2 laser in the treatment of striae distensae in skin types IV and VI.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Striae distensae, or stretch marks, are a very common cosmetic problem. The successful management of stretch marks has long been a source of frustration and curiosity for both the clinician and the researcher. Recent studies suggest lasers may have a role in their management. As yet, no study has reported on the effects of either of these lasers in the treatment of stretch marks on persons with skin types 4 to 6.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of short pulsed CO2 laser and pulsed dye laser for the treatment of stretch marks in skin types 4, 5, and 6.

METHODS:

Four patients were initially enrolled in the study. All were female with abdominal stretch marks, present for a range of 8 to 19 years. The patients had skin types ranging from 4 to 6. The test area consisted of a stretch mark long enough to be divided into three contiguous 2 cm sections, labeled A, B, and C. Section A served as the short pulsed CO2 test site, section B served as a control, while section C served as the 585 nm pulsed dye site. Patients were seen for evaluation after 1 week, then every 4 weeks for a total of 20 weeks. Patients were evaluated subjectively by the investigators, and the patients' own self-evaluation was reported as well.

RESULTS:

Following the 585 nm pulse dye laser, at 20 week follow-up patients with type 4 skin showed no improvement, while type 6 skin showed hyperpigmentation. The short pulsed CO2 test site showed persistent erythema in type 4 skin and marked hyperpigmentation in type 6 skin.

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients with types 4, 5, and 6 skin, laser treatment of striae should be avoided or used with great caution.

• Authors: K Nouri, R Romagosa, T Chartier, L Bowes, J M Spencer
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 25 Issue 5 Pg. 368-70 (May 1999) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10469073 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carbon Dioxide

Topics

• Carbon Dioxide
• Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
• Elastic Tissue (pathology, surgery)
• Erythema (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (etiology)
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects, instrumentation, methods)
• Lasers (adverse effects)
• Skin (pathology, physiopathology)
• Treatment Outcome