GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Lifting / Laxity · Striae distensae

Fractional laser resurfacing evidence for Striae distensae

B 61.9 / 100 Supported 8 RCT/meta · 4 clinical/observational · 1 case · 31 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2022 Last 5 years 60% Positive results 69% Negative results 3 Korea/Asia 4

Known in Korea as

프락셀프락셀/피코프락셀

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Advances in the Treatment of Striae Distensae. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026 · PMID 41560402

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD) is a common cutaneous condition with an estimated incidence of 56%, associated with rapid skin expansion, hormonal changes, and genetic factors. While traditional treatments (e.g., topical tretinoin, various lasers) exhibit limitations, non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL), injectable fillers, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and combination therapies have emerged as promising...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Clinical Efficacy Comparisons Between Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injections and Non-Ablative 1565-nm Fractional Laser for Treatment of Striae Distensae-A Randomized Trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40662320

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Despite numerous treatment modalities for striae distensae (SD), a definitive gold standard therapy remains unidentified. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with a 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in treating SD located in the abdominal area. METHODS: 40 women with SD were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1)...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Evaluating CO2 laser and micro-needling therapies for striae distensae: a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40131559

Abstract summary (English) Striae distensae (SD), commonly known as stretch marks, are a prevalent cosmetic concern, particularly among women, with potential psychological impact. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction of two common SD treatments: Fractional CO2 10,064 nm (Fr CO2) laser and micro-needling. The primary focus is on clinical improvement, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)...

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

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tier1 Comparing fractional microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser for striae distensae treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in medical science · 2024 · PMID 39516426

Abstract summary (English) Striae distensae (SD) are a prevalent dermatological concern of women and approximately 90% of pregnant women experience these stretch marks. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and fractional CO2 laser (FCL) have gained substantial attention in the treatment of SD. In clinical studies, a clear superiority between FMR and FCL treatments is not found due to limited studies and sample sizes.

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Comparative Study

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tier1 Improving the outcome of treating striae gravidarum by combined therapies using topical β-glucan and 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser: A prospective randomized vehicle-controlled parallel group study. The Journal of dermatology · 2022 · PMID 35570397

Abstract summary (English) Striae gravidarum (SG) is a kind of dermal scar associated with psychosocial and therapeutic challenge. Topical reagents and non-invasive laser are more preferred than invasive procedures for less pain and shorter downtime. However, there are few studies on comparing and combining these two modalities.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Comparison of the efficacy of microneedling versus CO2 fractional laser to treat striae alba: A randomized clinical trial. Dermatologic therapy · 2021 · PMID 34796595

Abstract summary (English) Striae distensae (SD) are common skin conditions that have posed a significant challenge regarding their assessment and treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling in comparison to fractional CO2 laser therapy. Similar striae were selected and photographed.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Comparative study of treatment for striae alba stage striae gravidarum: 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser versus fractional microneedle radiofrequency. Lasers in medical science · 2021 · PMID 33411130

Abstract summary (English) Striae gravidarum is a common dermatologic condition for females caused by multiple factors during pregnancy. It remains a therapeutic challenge especially in the striae alba (SA) stage, generating psychological and emotional distress to those affected. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and fractional microneedle radiofrequency (MRF) for treatment of...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Efficacy of Microneedling Versus Fractional Non-ablative Laser to Treat Striae Alba: A Randomized Study. American journal of clinical dermatology · 2019 · PMID 30618025

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD), an unsightly cutaneous condition characterized by epidermal atrophy, can affect the quality of life of women. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-perovskite 1340 nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and the microneedling (MN) technique to treat striae alba (SA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NAFL and MN were used to treat striae...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Comparative Analysis of Laser Therapies for Striae Distensae: Fractional CO₂ vs Combined Q-Switch Nd:YAG. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research · 2025 · PMID 40114357

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND Striae, or stretch marks, are dermal scars caused by skin stretching, including striae rubrae (SR) and striae albae (SA), which are difficult to treat. Various lasers, including fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) and Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, have shown varying success rates. This study compared the efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser alone and in combination with...

Journal Article, Comparative Study

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tier2 Efficacy and safety of bipolar fractional radiofrequency vs. 2940-nm Er:YAG ablative fractional laser in striae distensae treatment: A split abdomen study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38385807

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD) is a challenging cosmetic condition. Ablative fractional laser (AFL) is an effective method for treating SD. Recently, fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has been shown to be a promising treatment for SD; however, few studies have shown the differences between FRF and AFL in the treatment of SD.

Journal Article, Comparative Study

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