Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae)

INTRODUCTION

Stretch marks or striae distensae (syn. striae gravidarum) are common cutaneous adverse reactions caused during pregnancy affecting approximately 50–90% of pregnant women. Stretch marks are seen in other conditions as well, such as rapid weight gain (obesity), muscle hypertrophy (bodybuilders), endocrinopathies (such as Cushing syndrome), breast augmentation, or as a side effect of topical corticosteroid use and abuse. They are a rare complication when using tissue expanders. Stretch marks are most commonly seen on thighs, abdomen, female breasts, and upper arms in males.[123456]

In pregnant women, independent predictors of stretch marks have been identified: Younger age, maternal and family history of stretch marks, increased pre-pregnancy and predelivery weight, increased birth weight, and the absence of chronic disease.[789] In pregnant women, itching stretch marks may be a sign of herpes gestationis.[10]

Histological studies argue for a primary disruption of the normal elastic fiber network. Instead of normal fibrils, short, disorganized, thin, threadlike fibrils emerge in the mid-to-deep dermis. These fibrils are rich in tropoelastin and persist into the postpartum period without forming normal-appearing elastic fibers. This is accompanied by increased gene expression of tropoelastin and fibrillin-1.[11] The disruption of elastin fiber network results in changes in viscoelastic properties of affected skin, which is significantly less firm, less elastic, and less deformable than normal skin. Light scattering values are significantly lower in stretch marks compared to adjacent skin. Scattering values suggest an altered collagen fiber structure in the dermis with parallel collagen bundles.[12] No difference was observed in skin barrier function and a slight difference was observed in skin hydration between the stretch marks and uninvolved skin. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed no differences in the apparent hemoglobin concentrations between stretch marks and controls.[13] Skin pigmentation is significantly lower in stretch marks compared to adjacent skin.[12]

Immunohistochemical studies suggested a significant increase of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors in stretch marks.[14] Pregnant women with stretch marks have lower serum relaxin levels compared to those without stretch marks at 36th gestational week, 330.8 ± 175.2 vs. 493.8 ± 245.8 pg/mL (P = 0.037). However, there is no correlation between the severity of stretch marks and serum relaxin levels.[15]

There is a characteristic feature of maturation of stretch marks, which emerge as striae rubrae but eventually shift to striae albae. Although striae rubrae are erythematous, sometimes edematous, striae albae are depressed atrophic scars with wrinkling surface.

Treatment targets are dermal collagen production, vascularity (in striae rubrae), wrinkling, and roughness of skin.[16]

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

LASER-BASED TREATMENTS

Several treatments have been proposed in an attempt to obtain esthetic improvement of striae. Depending on their extent, location, and the personal perception of the patients, stretch marks may cause great esthetic dissatisfaction and have a profound negative impact on their self-esteem. Laser therapy has represented a breakthrough in the approach to striae, in particular striae rubrae.

The natural course of stretch marks argues for an increased vascularity in the early lesions (striae rubrae). Hence, here, vascular lasers should have a beneficial effect, as hemoglobin is working as a chromophore for specific lasers acting in this vascularity.

The 585-nm pulsed dye laser with a 10-mm spot size using 3.0 J/cm² fluence improved the appearance of striae in a small study. Histologic evaluation argued for the restoration of normal elastin fiber network.[33] The effect has been scored as moderate for striae rubrae, but there is no beneficial effect on striae albae.[34] Other groups observed some beneficial effects using the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm). Striae width was decreased and skin texture was improved. Collagen expression was increased with the exception of collagen I.[35] In ethnic skin (skin types 4–6), such treatment should be avoided because of the risk of permanent pigmentary changes.[36]

The copper bromide laser (577–511 nm) has been evaluated in an Italian pilot trial for female patients, Fitzpatrick phototype II–III, with a 2-year follow-up. The authors described a mild beneficial clinical and histologic effect on stretch marks.[37]

Three treatments carried out 6 weeks apart with a 1450-nm diode laser, 6-mm spot size, fluence between 4 and 12 J/cm², and dynamic cooling device, to protect the epidermis, did not result in any improvement of stretch marks.[38]

A trial with the 1064-nm long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, spot size of 2.5 mm, fluence of 80–100 J/cm², and a frequency of 2 Hz in 20 patients with striae rubrae resulted in excellent results in 40% (physician’s assessment) and 55% (patient’s assessment) [Figures 1–4]. The average number of treatments carried out 3 to 6 weeks apart was 3.5. Observed side effects were mild and temporary such as minimal edema and erythema, which lasted from a few hours to a maximum of 3 days.[39]

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Figure 1

Striae gravidarum in the abdomen. Before (a) and after (b) single session of 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

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Figure 2

Stretch marks in the breast in a 17-year-old patient. Before (a) and after (b) two sessions of 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

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Figure 3

Breast striae after cosmetic augmentation. Before (a) and after (b) two sessions of 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

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Figure 4

Stretch marks in the abdominal region. Before (a) and after(b) two sessions of 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

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In a trial with 45 patients, efficacies of two fluences (75 and 100 J/cm²) of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser on stretch marks were compared. Spot size was 5 mm, pulse duration was 15 ms. Clinical and histological evaluation was performed 3 months after treatment. A significant improvement in the appearance of striae albae was seen with 100 J/cm² fluence, whereas striae rubrae showed a better improvement with 75 J/cm². Histologically, the dermal content of both collagen and elastin fibers increased.[40]

A trial comparing the efficacy of 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and 2940-nm variable square pulse erbium yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of striae albae could produce histological improvement but no significant clinical improvement with either treatment modalities.[41] A variable square pulse Er:YAG laser resurfacing was performed in 21 women of Fitzpatrick phototype ≥III with short pulse or smooth mode twice with an interval of 4 weeks in between. Skin roughness, skin smoothness, and surface of stretch marks improved by both the modes. An adverse event in ethnic skin is hyperpigmentation lasting as long as half a year.[42] The 2940-nm Er:YAG ablative fractional laser can be combined with other treatment modalities to improve striae albae. In a study with 30 females with stretch marks, ablative laser was applied 6 times at 4-week intervals. This treatment was followed by topical application of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor for 1 week. This was followed by red light-emitting diode once every week for three sessions between the two laser treatments. Clinical improvement was noted for up to 12 months posttreatment. Post-procedural skin biopsies demonstrated an increase in epidermal and dermal thickness, collagen, and elastin density compared to baseline.[43]

In a comparative trial, patients with striae albae treated with either 1550-nm fractional Er:glass laser or ablative fractional CO₂ laser achieved clinical and histologic improvement.[44] A smaller group of patients with striae rubrae after breast augmentation also benefited from the 1550-nm Er:glass laser.[45]

Treatment of stretch marks in Asian women with a 1550-nm fractional laser improved stretch marks clinically. Skin elasticity was found to be partially normalized. Skin biopsies argued for a significant increase in epidermal thickness, collagen, and elastic fiber deposition after fractional laser therapy. Adverse effects included mild and transient pain and hyperpigmentation.[46] The Er-doped fractionated 1550-nm laser has been recommended for the treatment of stretch marks in a consensus conference.[47]

Ten women with stretch marks (striae albae) and Fitzpatrick skin types III–V were treated with non-ablative 1540-nm fractional laser four times at 4-week intervals. The fluence was 50–70 J/cm². There was a clinically appreciable improvement in striae ranging from 1% to 24%. Three months after the final treatment, patients showed noticeable improvement in the striae, when compared with baseline. Mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in a single patient.[48] This laser type has also been used successfully in patients with stretch marks because of topical corticosteroids.[49]

A non-ablative fractional 1565-nm laser was used in 12 Caucasian patients with stretch marks. All participants achieved three treatments. Good clinical improvement (between 51% and 75%) was observed in all patients. Most patients showed improvement in the volume of depressions and in lesion color. The average downtime was 4 days.[50]

A small study compared non-ablative fractionated lasers of 1540 and 1410 nm. Nine patients were treated with six laser sessions with intraindividual comparison. In all patients, a clinical improvement was seen. Histologically, increased epidermal and dermal thickness, and collagen and elastin density were seen compared to baseline. Clinical and histopathological differences between the two wavelengths were comparable.[51]

A non-fractional 1550-nm laser was used for the treatment of abdominal striae rubrae and striae albae in 16 females. They were treated with five sessions at 1-month intervals. The mean width and length of striae decreased with a more pronounced effect on length. There was a further improvement from 1 month after treatment to 1 year follow-up.[52]

Fractional 10,600-nm CO₂ laser was effective in striae albae in patients of skin type III and IV. The laser parameters were as follows: fluence 16 J/cm², dot cycle 2, pixel pitch 0.8 mm. The treatment was performed in five sessions with two passes, 2 to 4 weeks apart. The clinical improvement was significantly better than topical treatment with 0.05% tretinoin cream and 10% glycolic acid peels.[53]

In a pilot trial, 44 striae albae were treated with a combined approach using fractional CO₂ laser and pulsed dye laser and compared to 44 lesions treated with fractional CO₂ laser only. The investigators scored the efficacy of combined treatment as higher without any increase in unwanted side effects.[54]

In another trial, 40 patients with stretch marks were treated with fractional CO₂ laser or intense pulse light. The CO₂ laser worked faster and was more effective.[55]

In our opinion, the fractional CO₂ laser represents the first option in the treatment of striae albae. Unfortunately, the results are poor and the improvement very limited. We also use Er:YAG laser here, but the results are limited and the redness aspect consequent to laser action lasts a very long period.

Limited experience exists with the use of fractional Er:YAG laser.[56]

In conclusion, laser therapy of early stretch marks (striae rubrae) targets vessels. The treatment of early and later (striae albae) stretch marks aims to increase collagen production, restore elastin fibers, and epidermal thickness. Skin texture improvements also contribute to clinical effects of laser therapy.[57585960] The number of studies with at least 20 patients is limited, and placebo-controlled studies have not been published [Table 1].

Table 1 Laser therapy of stretch marks (studies with at least 20 patients included)

DISCUSSION

Stretch marks are common. They can affect both men and women, but are more frequent among women. Although they rarely cause medical problems, stretch marks are considered a major esthetic concern and have negative impact on self-esteem and quality of life of an individual.[15]

The typical appearance of early stretch marks is redness and some edema, whereas matured stretch marks are linear type of atrophic scars. The clinical response to any treatment is better in early stretch marks.

Topical treatments have only mild effects. It is questionable, if creams and ointments with “specific ingredients” exert a significant and better improvement than moisturizers. Topical treatment cannot prevent the occurrence of stretch marks under specific circumstances such as pregnancy.[1617181920212223]

Laser treatment is a physical tool used in the improvement of stretch marks with a focus on early stretch marks [Table 1]. Owing to its physical characteristics, represented mainly by the 1064-nm wavelength and dye pumped laser, these lasers are very safe. Complications are rarely produced when the device and parameters are appropriately utilized, even in patients with dark skin. In addition, the cooling of the striae before and immediately after the use of the laser represents yet another factor in epidermal protection. Such cooling of the treated areas, however, should not be too long so as to avoid local vasoconstriction and the consequent decrease of the chromophore oxyhemoglobin. The treatment of erythematous striae using the 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser demonstrated clinical improvement of such lesions, probably due to the laser’s affinity toward the vascular target present in the striae. The absorption of the laser by its target, i.e., oxyhemoglobin, leads to an improvement in the redness. In addition, it has become evident that, like other luminous sources, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser also induces the formation of new collagen; this leads to an improvement in the atrophy of the skin and consequently, improves the appearance of immature striae. This improvement was evident for both the patients and doctors.[3539] The full clearance of the lesions is very rare and seems to be occasionally obtained in some isolated areas of recent striae. Hence, it is vital to start the treatment as early as possible.