Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study

Striae distensae (SD) is a common skin condition, with a prevalence ranging from 40% to 90%, depending on the population studied.

To evaluate the efficacy of superficial dermabrasion and compare it with that of topical tretinoin cream in the treatment of narrow and early SD.

Prospective, single-center, randomized, open-label study. Thirty-two women presenting with early, untreated SD (striae rubra) were included in this study. One group received 16 weekly sessions of superficial and localized dermabrasion, and the other used 0.05% tretinoin cream daily. Striae width and length were measured and compared between groups and over time. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores and subject satisfaction were also assessed. Biopsies were performed for subjects who agreed to undergo this procedure, followed by histologic analyses of the skin samples.

Both treatments were efficacious, with significant improvement in early SD from baseline, but there was no significant difference between the two treatments. Histologic assessment showed improvement in epidermal and dermal layers for the dermabrasion treatment group.

Both treatments had similar efficacy, but superficial dermabrasion had a lower frequency of side effects and better adherence of the patients.