Calcium Hydroxylapatite Combined with Microneedling and Ascorbic Acid is Effective for Treating Stretch Marks

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Stretch marks (striae) can cause psychological distress.
• Existing stretch mark treatments lack robust evidence.
• A novel combination therapy using calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler, microneedling, and ascorbic acid was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a combined therapy for treating both red and white stretch marks.
• To assess the impact of the treatment on stretch mark appearance and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 35 subjects with red or white striae.
• Treatment involved intradermal injection of 1:1 diluted CaHA filler, followed by microneedling and topical 20% ascorbic acid.
• Microneedling and ascorbic acid application were repeated at 1 and 2 months post-initial treatment.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in stretch mark appearance, with Manchester Scar Scale scores decreasing from 12.0 to 7.1 (P < 0.001).
• High patient satisfaction rates: 62.9% very satisfied, 22.9% satisfied.
• Histological analysis of skin biopsies revealed increased collagen and elastin fiber production.
• The combination therapy was well-tolerated by subjects.

Conclusions:

• The combination of diluted CaHA filler, microneedling, and topical ascorbic acid is a safe and effective treatment for stretch marks.
• This therapy leads to significant clinical improvement and positive patient outcomes.
• The treatment promotes dermal remodeling, evidenced by enhanced collagen and elastin.