Striae distensae are dermal atrophic
scars with epidermal thinning and decreased
collagen and elastic fiber. There is no 'gold standard' treatment modality in the treatment of
striae distensae.
Collagen is a major extracellular matrix component and is important in wound healing. The ablative CO(2) fractional
laser is effective in various cutaneous
scars and this study was attempted to evaluate the effect of succinylated
atelocollagen and ablative CO(2) fractional
laser in the treatment of
striae distensae. Participants were divided into two groups and received three
laser treatments at a 4-week interval. Clinical improvement was evaluated by participants and two blinded physicians by observing the comparative photographs. Skin biopsies were randomly taken from six participants. The ablative fractional resurfacing
laser was effective in the clinical improvement of
striae distensae. Statistically significant differences were partly observed between the
collagen and placebo groups. Clinical improvement scored by doctors showed more improvement in the
collagen group. However, scoring by participants did not show significant differences between the
collagen and placebo groups. In conclusion, the ablative fractional resurfacing
laser is effective in the treatment of
striae distensae and succinylated
atelocollagen may also be effective for
striae distensae treatment. However, to prove the effect of succinylated
atelocollagen, further research with a larger group of participants is needed.