Stretch marks: treatment using the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND Striae are frequent skin lesions that cause considerable aesthetic concern. The 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been used to promote an increase in dermal collagen and is known to be a laser that has a high affinity for vascular chromophores. OBJECTIVE This study aims to verify the efficacy of the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of immature striae. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients who had immature striae, i.e., red striae, were treated using the 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The analysis of treatment efficacy was performed by the comparison between the images taken before and after each treatment session as well as through a subjective assessment carried out by the patients themselves. RESULTS Results were considered satisfactory to both patients and doctors. A higher number of patients (55%) considered the results excellent when compared to the same assessment made by the doctor (40%). CONCLUSION The clinical improvement of immature striae can be obtained with the use of the 1,064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The low incidence of side effects makes this laser a good alternative in the treatment of these common skin lesions.