Calcium Hydroxylapatite Combined with Microneedling and Ascorbic Acid is Effective for Treating Stretch Marks

Background:Stretch marks can have a negative psychological impact on some individuals. Methods are available for treating stretch marks, but high-quality evidence supporting their use is limited. We treat stretch marks using injections of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA, Radiesse) filler combined with microneedling and topical ascorbic acid. This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of this combined therapy. Methods:Subjects presented with red (n = 25) or white (n = 10) striae on their buttocks, thighs, knees, abdomen, and breasts. CaHA filler was diluted 1:1 with lidocaine 2% without epinephrine. A maximum of 3.0 mL of filler was injected per patient at all skin depths using a 23G needle. This was immediately followed by microneedling and topical application of 20% ascorbic acid. Microneedling with ascorbic acid was repeated after 1 and 2 months. Skin biopsies were obtained from a patient who later underwent abdominoplasty. Results:The mean (±SD) pretreatment Manchester Scar Scale scores were 12.0 (±0.8), decreasing to 7.1 (±1.4) 1 month after the final treatment, indicating improvement in stretch mark appearance (P