Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Combined With Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment for Striae Distensae

Background and Objectives To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser treatment for striae distensae and to compare the results to those of FRM alone and those of FCO2 alone. Study Design/Materials and Methods Adult women (Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV) with striae distensae on the abdomen or calf were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was divided into three regions, with each region assigned to one of the three treatments (FCO2, FRM, or combined FCO2 and FRM). Global photographic assessments were performed by three dermatologists and by patients using a scored visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, each lesion was evaluated using a skin imaging analyzer and a diagnostic ultrasound system. Results All 19 female subjects had an average body mass index of 23.85 kg/m2. The global assessment by dermatologists indicated a significant improvement in the combined treatment group (6.1) compared with the other groups (4.3 and 5.1 in the FRM and FCO2 groups, respectively; P