Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency for the Treatment and Reduction of Stretch Marks

Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency for the Treatment and Reduction of Stretch Marks

This is a prospective, single centre, evaluator-blind study of the performance of fractional radiofrequency (RF) for the treatment and revision of stretch marks. The study will evaluate the progress of 15 subjects requesting treatment of stretch marks. The study will involve four treatments on both sides of the face with 4 week intervals between each treatment. Subjects will be followed at 12 and 16 weeks after their last treatment. Analysis will be performed on all subjects who receive at least one treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy, male or female subjects, 18-60 years of age who are seeking treatment for their stretch marks
2. Fitzpatrick skin type I-IV
3. Able to read, understand and voluntarily provide written Informed Consent.
4. Able and willing to comply with the treatment/follow-up schedule and requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pacemaker or internal defibrillator, or any other active electrical implant anywhere in the body (e.g. cochlear implant).
2. Subjects with any implantable metal device in the treatment area
3. Permanent implant in the treated area, such as metal plates and screws (excluding dental implants), or an injected chemical substance.
4. Current or history of any kind of cancer, or dysplastic nevi in the treated area.
5. Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders.
6. Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases, such as AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive medications.
7. History of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent herpes simplex in the treatment area; may be enrolled only following a prophylactic regime.
8. Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes.
9. Any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema, and rash.
10. History of skin disorders, such as keloids, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin.
11. History of bleeding coagulopathies, or use of anticoagulants.
12. Use of isotretinoin (Accutane®) or other systemic retinoids limited up to 10mg/day or as per investigators discretion.
13. Treating over tattoo or permanent makeup.
14. Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams within the last two weeks.