Subcutaneous Abrasion Treatment for Stretch Marks

Background

Stretch marks (striae distensae) are common skin scars that affect almost one-half of humans, including approximately 40% of males and approximately 70% of females. The market for stretch mark treatments is currently over $2 billion and expected to grow to over $5 billion in the next ten years. Stretch marks arise when the skin’s collagen and/or elastin is damaged and occur in many common circumstances such as growth spurts, pregnancy, or with rapid weight or muscle gain or loss. Stretch marks can be a cosmetic concern for some patients who do not like their appearance, but treatment options are limited in their efficacy. Currently, conventional stretch mark therapies include treating the exterior surface of the skin with topical medicines, microdermabrasion, lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, or radiotherapy. Such treatments have variable success and may require repeated attempts as they use a top-down approach, seeking to treat the dermis through the epidermis.

Technology Overview

Boston Children’s Hospital researchers have developed a minimally invasive approach to treat stretchmarks. Through the use of a subcutaneous abrasion device which is inserted through a small incision, stretchmarks can be treated from the underside of the dermis. The device abrades the inner surface of the dermis where the stretch marks are located, encouraging the skin to heal and promoting collagen production. By targeting the deeper reticular layer of the dermis, this method is more effective than traditional topical treatments and offers a promising and more permanent solution to stretch mark damage.

Applications

• Treatment of stretch marks that could be used alongside other dermatological treatments and clinics specializing in skin rejuvenation, medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers

Advantages

• Minimally invasive with reduced risk of significant dermal damage
• Directly targets the deeper reticular layer of the dermis for effective treatment
• Potentially faster and more effective than traditional "top down" treatments
• Designed to promote healing and collagen production from within
• Adjustable features to accommodate different treatment areas and depths
• Reduced treatment time compared to conventional methods