Carboxytherapy, platelet-rich plasma similar for stretch marks

(HealthDay)—Both carboxytherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are safe and effective for the treatment of stretch marks, with no significant difference between the two methods, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Abeer A. Hodeib, M.D., from Tanta University in Egypt, and colleagues compared the efficacy and safety of carboxytherapy with that of PRP for the treatment of stretch marks in 20 patients with striae alba. Each patient received a PRP injection in the right side and a carboxytherapy session in the left side every three to four weeks for four sessions.

The researchers found that there was a significant improvement in striae alba in both sides after treatment, although there was no significant difference between the treatments with regard to percentage of improvement, response (grading scale), or patient satisfaction. The fibronectin-stained area from skin biopsies was significantly higher in both groups after treatment compared with before, and it was significantly higher after carboxytherapy compared to PRP.

"Additional studies are recommended on a larger number of patients to get better evaluations, and trials combining both methods may give better results," the authors write. "More sessions to be carried out for excellent results for both carboxytherapy and PRP will be valuable."

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