Treatment of striae distensae with a TriPollar radiofrequency device: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Striae distensae are a frequent skin condition for which treatment remains a challenge. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of a TriPollar radiofrequency (RF) device for the treatment of striae in skin phototypes IV–V. Methods: Seventeen females with striae received six weekly treatments with a TriPollar RF device. The participants were evaluated using standardized photographs and a UVA-light video camera at baseline, and at 1 and 6 weeks after the final treatment. Side effects of treatment were recorded at every session. Results: At 1 week after the final treatment, 38.2% and 11.8% of the subjects were assessed to have 25–50% and 51–75% improvement of their striae, respectively. Compared with the 1-week follow-up, at the 6-week follow-up a higher percentage of the subjects were rated to have improvement of their striae. There were no significant differences in the striae surface smoothness at the 1- (p = 0.907) and 6-week (p = 0.057) follow-ups, compared with that of baseline. Twelve percent (2/17), 23% (4/17), and 65% (11/17) of the study subjects rated their satisfaction of the overall improvement as slightly satisfied, satisfied, and very satisfied, respectively. No adverse effect was reported. Conclusion: TriPollar RF appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of striae distensae.

Keywords::

• Collagen remodeling
• radiofrequency device
• striae
• volumetric heating

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha and Dr Sasima Eimpunth for their assistance in the clinical assessment of the treatment outcome of the study subjects.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.