A Comparative Study of Picosecond Fractional 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser Versus Fractional 10,600-nm Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Abdominal Striae Alba: A Randomized, Prospective, Assessor-blinded, Split-abdomen Trial.

BACKGROUND

Striae distensae are common disfiguring atrophic dermal scars. Fractional lasers have been utilized to improve the appearance of this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of picosecond fractional 1064-nm Nd:YAG (PS Nd:YAG) laser versus fractional 10,600-nm Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser in treating abdominal striae alba (SA).

METHODS

Thirty-two women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V and abdominal SA participated in a split-abdomen study, receiving four sessions of fractional PS Nd:YAG and CO2 laser treatments on each side at four-week intervals. Striae texture, atrophy, clinical improvement, and satisfaction were assessed for each side at one and three months, with striae length and width compared pre- and post-treatment. Adverse reactions were noted at each visit.

RESULTS

Abdomen treated with both lasers had significantly improved skin texture, atrophy and clinical improvements (assessed by physicians and patients) at both follow-ups (p < 0.05), with no difference between the two. Striae length and width did not change significantly (p = 0.203 and p = 0.558). Patients reported greater improvement on the CO2-treated side at 1 month, but not at the final follow-up. High satisfaction was noted for both lasers. Adverse reactions noted after both lasers include erythema, edema, crusting/scaling, pruritus, pain and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The PS Nd:YAG laser was associated with greater pain (p < 0.05), but shorter healing time of 10.26 days.

CONCLUSION

Both fractional PS Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers were effective, well-tolerated and safe treatment options for SA.