SUMMARY
Summary: Striae Distensae (SD), or stretch marks, are dermal scars resulting from disrupted collagen and elastin because of mechanical stress. This prospective, single-arm pilot study investigates the safety and efficacy of combining Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a biostimulatory dermal filler, and fractional RF microneedling (Morpheus8 Body) in improving SD. Eight female patients with abdominal SD underwent 1 session of hyperdiluted CaHA injection, followed by 3 monthly sessions of RF microneedling. Outcomes were evaluated 6 months after the final session using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS), patient satisfaction scores, and adverse event monitoring. Mean MSS scores showed a significant improvement with dermal atrophy declining 51%, and a patient satisfaction score of 81%. No serious adverse events were observed. This pilot study suggests that the combination of hyperdiluted CaHA and Morpheus8 Body may be a safe and effective approach for the treatment of striae distensae, with significant improvement in scar assessment scores and high patient satisfaction.
TOPICS COVERED
- The challenges associated with treating both striae rubra and chronic striae alba.
- The use of Morpheus8 Body fractional RF microneedling to stimulate dermal remodeling and collagen and elastin production.
- A combination protocol pairing hyperdiluted CaHA with three monthly Morpheus8 Body treatments.
- Morpheus8 treatment parameters using two passes at different depths and energy settings to target multiple tissue depths.
- Assessment of changes in scar color, texture, contour and distortion using the Manchester Scar Scale.
- Six-month clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and treatment-related adverse events.
