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Brief Report
Striae Distensae: Clinical Results and Evidence-Based
Evaluation of a Novel 675 nm Laser Wavelength
Alice Verdelli 1 , Paolo Bonan 1 , Irene Fusco 2, * , Francesca Madeddu 2 and Domenico Piccolo 3
1 Laser Cutaneous Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Unit, Villa Donatello Clinic, 50121 Florence, Italy
2 El.En. Group, 50041 Calenzano, Italy
3 Skin Centers, 67051 Avezzano, Italy
* Correspondence: i.fusco@deka.it; Tel.: +39-3286853105
Abstract: Background: A current popular aesthetic problem, especially among younger women, is
striae distensae (SD), also referred to as “stretch marks.”. Aim: The potential use of the 675 nm
laser has been investigated in the treatment of SD. Methods: Patients underwent three sessions of the
675 nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. A total of three sessions were performed.
The Manchester Scar Scale was used to assess stretch mark changes, and the mean scores related to
each parameter at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were measured. A clinical
photographic evaluation was performed to show the aesthetic improvement of SD. Results: The
patients’ treated areas were the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Mean scores related to
each Manchester Scar Scale parameter, with their relative percentage change, at baseline and 6M
FU after the last treatment session were significantly improved. The total mean Manchester Scar
Scale score significantly diminished from 14.16 (±1.30) to 10.06 (±1.32) at 6M FU (p < 0.01). The
clinical photographs showed promising aesthetic SD improvement. Conclusions: 675 nm laser therapy
demonstrated a good tolerance for the treatment of stretch marks applied to various body areas
preventing any discomfort for the patient and with a significant improvement in skin texture.
A proven effect of this laser system has been reported also for facial rejuvenation
in Asian population [9]. From this perspective, the 675 nm laser could have a potential
use also in the treatment of SDs. On these bases, this work investigates the findings of
a prospective, pilot study on the efficacy and safety of 675 nm laser on SD management.
2.5. Statistics
Paired Student’s t-test was used to test all the outcome data for statistical significance
with the SPSS program version 25.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The level of significance for
statistical tests was (p < 0.01). Data were represented as means ± standard deviation (SD).
3. Results
The patient’s treated areas were the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Mean
scores related to each Manchester Scar Scale parameter, at baseline and 6 M FU after the last
treatment session significantly improved (p < 0.01) showing excellent results as reported in
Table 1 and Figure 1. Color significantly reduced from baseline 3.44 (±0.50) to 2.50 (±0.50)
at 6M FU. Finish was significantly lower from baseline 2.00 (±0.00) to 1.37 (±0.50) at 6M
FU, as well as the contour from baseline 2.37 (±0.50) to 1.53 (±0.50) at 6M FU. Additionally,
distortion and texture lowered from baseline 3.47 (±0.50) to 2.5 (±0.50) at 6M FU and from
baseline 2.87 (±0.87) to 2.16 (±0.72) at 6M FU, respectively. The total mean Manchester Scar
Scale score significantly diminished from 14.16 (±1.30) to 10.06 (±1.32) at 6M FU (p < 0.01)
(Figure 2). The clinical photographs showed promising aesthetic improvement of SDs, as
shown in Figures 3 and 4. None of the monitored side effects were detected except for mild
erythema, which normally represents an endpoint of the treatment which resolves within
24 h.
Table 1. Mean parameter scores of Manchester Scar calculated at baseline and 6M FU after the last
laser treatment session.
Parameters of
6M FU
Manchester Scar Scale Baseline Mean ± SD (Significance)
Mean ± SD
N = 32
Colour
3.44 ± 0.50 2.50 ± 0.50 (p < 0.01)
(Score range, 1–4)
Finish
2.00 ± 0.00 1.37 ± 0.50 (p < 0.01)
(Score range, 1–2)
Contour
2.37 ± 0.50 1.53 ± 0.50 (p < 0.01)
(Score range, 1–4)
Distortion
3.47 ± 0.50 2.5 ± 0.50 (p < 0.01)
(Score range, 1–4)
Texture
2.87 ± 0.87 2.16 ± 0.72 (p < 0.01)
(Score range, 1–4)
Medicina 2023, 59, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 8
Total score 14.16 ± 1.30 10.06 ± 1.32 (p < 0.01)
Figure 1.
Figure 1.Histogram
Histogramofof
patient’s mean
patient’s of each
mean parameter
of each score of
parameter the Manchester
score Scar Scale.
of the Manchester Scar Scale.
Medicina 2023, 59, 841 4 of 7
Figure
Figure1.1.Histogram
Histogramofofpatient’s
patient’smean
meanofofeach
eachparameter
parameterscore
scoreofofthe
theManchester
ManchesterScar
ScarScale.
Scale.
Figure
Figure2.2.Histogram
Histogramofofpatient’s
patient’stotal
totalmean
meanscore
scoreofofthe
theManchester
ManchesterScar
ScarScale.
Scale.
Figure 2. Histogram of patient’s total mean score of the Manchester Scar Scale.
Figure
Figure3.3.
Figure Analysis
3. Analysisofof2D
Analysis ofphotographs
2D photographs
2D ofofpatient’s
photographs patient’sstriae
striaeaffecting
of patient’s striae abdominal
affecting zone
zonefrom
frombaseline
abdominalabdominal
affecting (A)
baseline (A) baseline
zone from
toto6MU
6MUFU FU(B)
(B)revealed
revealedan anaverage
averagereduction
reductionininthe
thestriae
striaevolume,
volume,texture,
texture,redness
rednessand
andcolor
colorfol-
fol-
(A) to 6MU FU (B) revealed an average reduction in the striae volume, texture,
Medicina 2023, 59, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 8 redness and color
lowing
lowing675
675nm
nmlaser
lasertreatment.
treatment.
following 675 nm laser treatment.
Figure 4. Pre-treatment (A,B) and post-treatment (C,D) of 2D Images analysis of the same patient’s
Figure 4. Pre-treatment (A,B) and post-treatment (C,D) of 2D Images analysis of the same patient’s
buttocks treated zones. An overall reduction in the color, redness, volume, and texture of striae after
buttocks treated
three treatments zones.
with 675 nmAn overall
laser reduction in the color, redness, volume, and texture of striae after
is observed.
three treatments with 675 nm laser is observed.
4. Discussion
Stretch marks’ treatment is still difficult even though several therapeutic options are
currently available. Accordingly, the available treatments for SD work mainly on collagen
synthesis, but despite a multitude of options, no single treatment has yet proven effective
[11]. They include topical agents, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and ablative and
non-ablative energy devices [12–18]. Currently, the most used treatment for SDs are
Medicina 2023, 59, 841 5 of 7
4. Discussion
Stretch marks’ treatment is still difficult even though several therapeutic options
are currently available. Accordingly, the available treatments for SD work mainly on
collagen synthesis, but despite a multitude of options, no single treatment has yet proven
effective [11]. They include topical agents, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and ablative
and non-ablative energy devices [12–18]. Currently, the most used treatment for SDs
are fractional lasers and Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) [19–22]. For the treatment of SD, a
number of ablative or non-ablative laser strategies are employed, as well as photodynamic
therapy [23–25]. Specifically, lasers with wavelengths between 524 and 904 nm have been
demonstrated to speed up the wound-healing process, boost collagen synthesis, enhance
epithelial differentiation, and stimulate dermal vascularity in many wound models [26–28].
Different laser parameters have been tested for SD treatment, either alone or in conjunction
Medicina 2023, 59, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 8
with other treatment modalities. In our research, three treatment sessions with the non-
invasive 675 nm laser led to a positive effect on SD management. This non-ablative laser
system emits a 675 nm wavelength through a 13 × 13 mm scanning system capable of
This diode
generating laser with
sub-ablative a wavelength
microzones of 675
on the skinnm
withgenerates
selective1 thermal
mm microzones
damage,ofreaching
thermal
adamage
depth ofthat,
more thanks
thanto1the cooling
mm, and selectivity
inducing of the dermal
minimal thermal layer,
effects. Baseddo not damage
on its spectralthe
epidermal layer. Thanks to the increased focus on small spots, microscopic
absorbance, this new device with a wavelength of 675 nm acts directly on the collagen necrotic
epidermal debris
component [4], and orthe
dermo-epidermal detachment,
heat is transferred directly towhich is typicalfibers
the collagen of thewithout
post-operative
hitting
other chromophores (see Figure 5). The selectivity of its emission allows it to act pointed
course of Near Infrared (NIR) systems, were not observed. Our study findings within an to
a notable SD improvement for all patients, as well as a significant improvement
optical window that maximizes the affinity with collagen fibers and minimizes interactions in finish,
texture,
with the color,
vascular distortion, and contour,
component. along with
This mechanism a significant
of action increase
translates into ainprocedure
skin elasticity
that
as clearly
uses shown
minimal in thelevels
energy photographic evaluation.
that facilitate Due to the
the execution ofpreventive
the treatmentcooling
andofdoes
the skin,
not
the procedure is also relatively painless. The
require special preparations of the skin at the same time.treatment is simple to administer, non-
invasive and did not have reported side effects or complications.
Figure5.5.Absorption
Figure Absorptionspectrum
spectrumofofthe
thevarious
variouschromophores
chromophores inin
human
humantissue. AnAn
tissue. optical window
optical windowis
observed andand
is observed includes the wavelength
includes of 675of
the wavelength nm, with
675 nm,high absorption
with by the concomitant
high absorption collagen.
by the concomitant
Courtesy
collagen. of DEKA MELA.
Courtesy of DEKA MELA.
The energy
Limitations of the delivered
Study to the collagen can induce regeneration, promoting the pro-
duction of dermal collagen, and the straightening of elastic fibers. Indeed, the newly
Limitations include the limited number of patients and the lack of a histologic
created thermal column diffuses heat to the surrounding areas causing immediate shrink-
investigation.
age and denaturation of the collagen with subsequent new collagen formation through the
stimulation of fibroblasts and neocollagenesis activation.
5. Conclusions
The efficacy of 675 nm laser for treating stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs,
buttocks, and breasts showed good tolerance with a significant improvement in skin
texture and quality of stretch marks, and temporarily and minimally restricts the patient’s
daily activities preventing any discomfort for the patient.
Medicina 2023, 59, 841 6 of 7
5. Conclusions
The efficacy of 675 nm laser for treating stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, but-
tocks, and breasts showed good tolerance with a significant improvement in skin texture
and quality of stretch marks, and temporarily and minimally restricts the patient’s daily
activities preventing any discomfort for the patient.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, P.B., D.P. and A.V.; methodology, P.B., D.P. and A.V.;
software, P.B., D.P. and A.V.; validation, P.B., D.P., A.V., I.F. and F.M.; formal analysis, P.B., D.P., A.V.,
I.F. and F.M.; investigation, P.B., D.P. and A.V.; resources, P.B., D.P. and A.V.; data curation. P.B.,
D.P., A.V., I.F. and F.M.; writing—original draft preparation, A.V., I.F. and F.M.; writing—review and
editing, P.B., D.P., A.V., I.F. and F.M.; visualization, P.B., D.P., A.V., I.F. and F.M.; supervision, P.B., D.P.,
A.V., I.F. and F.M.; project administration, P.B. and D.P.; funding acquisition P.B. and D.P. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration
of Helsinki. As the device has already been CE-marked since 2019, ethical review and approval were
waived for this study.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: Data supporting this study’s findings are available on request from the
corresponding author (IF).
Conflicts of Interest: I.F. and F.M. are employed at El.En. Group. The other authors declare that the
research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be
construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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