BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD), linear scars of derma, caused by disproportionate skin stretching, which indicates a cosmetic problem and even endangers individuals\' psychosocial health. Microneedling, representing a relatively new procedural therapy, has shown brightening but diverse results in the remedy of SD. Our study systematically investigates and further evaluates the efficacy of microneedling for SD.
METHODS: This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. According to the preplanned search strategy, four electronic databases were comprehensively searched for eligible clinical controlled studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for continuous data and dichotomous data, respectively.
RESULTS: According to the predetermined criteria, eleven eligible articles of six RCTs and five non-RCTs were included. Concerning clinical improvement, a significant difference was observed in the microneedle radiofrequency treatment subgroup (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI 0.20-0.94, P = 0.003). The pooled result of the second subgroup revealed that microneedling and lasers producing almost comparable effectiveness for treating SD with no significant difference (P = 0.35). The analysis result of the third subgroup of microneedling versus non-laser therapy indicated significant difference at the 5% significance level (SMD:1.01, 95% CI 0.51-1.51, P < 0.0001). With regard to patient satisfaction, the pooled estimate concluded that participants\' satisfaction with therapeutic effect between MRF and laser group was comparable (P = 0.26), whereas microneedling exhibited significant superiority than both laser (P = 0.04) and non-laser treatments (SMD: 0.95, 95% CI 0.52-1.38, P < 0.0001). Occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was not obvious in microneedling therapy compared to other treatments, and a statistically difference was observed (P = 0.0003). Microneedling treatment caused significant pain compared with laser therapy (P < 0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis has provided initial evidence of the efficacy and safety of microneedling technology for SD.
METHODS: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Striae (striae cutis distensae) are a common disfiguring skin condition, characterised by the appearance of linear bands on the skin, with an atrophic look. The striae development is still unknown, being more common in women than in men. The prevalence of this condition ranges from 50% to 90%. Regarding treatment, there are various treatment strategies currently available for stretch marks, including topical preparations such as tretinoin and glycolic acid, and also laser. The goal of this work is to discover the main treatments available for striae management. For that, a search was performed based on the definition of specific scientific keywords, by exploring PubMed, ScienceDirect and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). MeSH thesaurus (Medical Subject Headings) descriptors were used. The results indicate that, to date, no treatment is fully effective. More clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapies and their long-term use in this type of skin lesion.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are caused by rapid stretching of the skin. They are often secondary to obesity or pregnancy and can lead to significant cosmetic disfigurement.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy, indications, and side effects of commonly used energy devices in the treatment of striae.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed and Medline databases.
RESULTS: A total of 41 relevant articles were identified. Radiofrequency (RF) was the commonest employed modality (11 studies), followed by the CO2, and pulsed dye lasers (10 and 5 studies, respectively). The best results against striae alba were seen with a combination of RF, platelet-rich plasma and ultrasound (either excellent or very good results in 71.9%), followed by intense pulsed light in isolation (very good results in 40%). The response of SR was assessed by fewer studies. The best outcomes were seen after treatment with either the Nd:YAG (excellent results in 40% and good in 40%) or Er:Glass lasers (excellent results in 10% and good in 20%).
CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic measures for striae are multiple and no current treatment offers consistent and complete resolution. However, energy devices are a safe and potentially effective modality in the treatment of striae.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are permanent dermal lesions that can cause significant psychosocial distress. A detailed understanding of the numerous treatment modalities available is essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate and summarize the different treatment methods for striae distensae by linking their proposed modes of action with the histopathogenesis of the condition to guide patient treatment.
METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed with no limits placed on publication date. Relevant studies were assigned a level of evidence by the authors.
RESULTS: Ninety-two articles were identified, with 74 being eligible for quality assessment. The majority of treatments aim to increase collagen production. The use of vascular lasers can reduce erythema in striae rubrae by targeting hemoglobin, whereas increasing melanin through methods such as ultraviolet light is a major focus for treatment of striae albae. Despite some topical treatments being widely used, uncertainty regarding their mode of action remains. No treatment has proved to be completely effective.
CONCLUSIONS: Limitations of the study include low-quality evidence, small sample sizes, and varying treatment protocols and outcome measures, along with concerns regarding publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS: Further randomized, controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions and recommendations can be made.