D1. Application Of Helium Plasma to Improve the Stretch Marks: Histological Evaluation and Long-term Patient Satisfaction

PURPOSE: The PURPOSE of this study was to demonstrate that the use of Renuvion can reduce stretch marks and improve skin quality. METHODS: Patients meeting the following criteria were included in the study: primary surgical procedure, skin laxity and stretch marks in each quadrant of the abdominal region, minimum of 1-year follow-up, proficiency in the Italian language, signed consent, and standardized pre- and postoperative photographic documentation. All patients were asked to complete the BODY-Q appraisal of stretch marks preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. For each patient, two tissue samples of sufficient quantity were taken from the lower abdomen during abdominoplasty; one sample was untreated, while the other was treated with Renuvion. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were enrolled, comprising 16 males and 18 females, aged between 20 and 50 years. All procedures were performed at the same time. The BODY-Q was analyzed using an equivalent Rasch-transformed score (0-100), showing a statistically significant difference in the patients’ body perception of stretch marks between the pre- and postoperative periods. The pathologist observed fibrosis within the stretch marks, with a reduction in space and inflammatory activation inside the marks. Postoperative photographs demonstrated that, over the long term, the stretch marks appeared improved and less noticeable. CONCLUSION: This study can be considered a pilot study and one of the potential applications of Renuvion in patients with inelastic skin and stretch marks.