Galvano-puncture and dermabrasion for striae distensae: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of galvano-puncture (GG) and dermabrasion (DG) in reducing striae distensae in the gluteal region of women.

Methods: This randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted at the UNIFAL-MG. Participants were 48 female who had striae distensae alba in the gluteal region. They were randomly divided in GG; DG; and Control Group (CG). The length and width of the largest striae were measured (in millimeters) using a caliper. The same striae were assessed before and after treatment. Infrared thermography was performed in the gluteal region to assess local microcirculation.

Results: Intragroup analysis showed a significant reduction in the dimension of the striae between baseline and treatment session 10 in the GG and DG groups. Between-group analysis revealed a reduction in the width and length of the striae for both the GG and DG groups, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. When compared to the CG and the DG group, the GG group had significant improvements, as shown by thermography.

Conclusion: Both GG and DG are effective in reducing striae length and width. However, only the thermography results showed significant differences between GG and control, and between GG and DG.

Keywords: Striae distensae; dermabrasion; galvanic skin response; rehabilitation.