Stretch Mark (Stria) Treatment with the Biodermogenesi® Method
Biodermogenesi® is a stretch mark (stria) treatment method performed with the Italy-origin Bi-One® 2.0 MD device. It combines electromagnetic field, vacuum and low-intensity electrostimulation (V-EMF therapy), is needle-free and painless, and allows uninterrupted return to daily life. Independent university studies show that the treatment increases collagen and elastin production in a histologically proven manner, is effective on both new (red/purple) and old (white/silvery) stretch marks, and can be applied to all skin phototypes without reported side effects.
Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are among the most common yet most difficult-to-treat skin concerns. These marks may occur due to pregnancy, rapid height growth during adolescence, sudden weight changes and muscle development after sports, and can become an aesthetic concern that people live with for years. In recent years, the Italy-origin Biodermogenesi® method and the Bi-One® 2.0 MD device used to perform this method have stood out in the scientific literature with histologically supported results. In this article, we explain in detail what the method is, how it works, which scientific studies support it and who it may be suitable for.
What Are Stretch Marks (Striae) and Why Do They Occur?
When the skin stretches rapidly, collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer break, and the normal repair process in this area remains insufficient. As a result, lines appear that are initially red or purplish (striae rubra) and gradually turn white or silvery (striae alba). The most common situations include pregnancy (striae gravidarum), rapid growth during adolescence, rapid weight gain or loss, and intensive strength training. White stretch marks are the most difficult type to treat with conventional methods due to the atrophic (thinned) structure of the tissue.
What Is the Biodermogenesi® Method?
Biodermogenesi® is a skin regeneration method developed by Expo Italia Srl, an Italian company based in Florence, and protected by international patents. The method is performed with a device called Bi-One® 2.0 MD and is referred to in the literature as “V-EMF therapy” (Vacuum + ElectroMagnetic Field). Bi-One® is the registered trademark and exclusive patent of Expo Italia Srl; the device is manufactured in Italy.
The method is based on the simultaneous use of three technologies:
- Low-to-medium frequency electromagnetic field: Stimulates the movement of electrical charges in the tissue and increases ion passage through the cell membrane.
- Vacuum (negative pressure): Supports blood circulation and tissue oxygenation.
- Low-intensity electrostimulation: Stimulates fibroblast cells and triggers collagen and elastin production.
How Does the Bi-One® 2.0 MD Device Work? (Scientific Mechanism)
According to a study conducted by the Universities of Chieti-Pescara and Verona and published in a peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2021), the applicator heads of the device are coated with a dielectric material that allows the skin to function like a capacitor. In this way, although the electrical signal does not pass directly into the skin, the movement of sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions across the cell membrane is stimulated. This ionic mobility leads to a controlled and safe increase in tissue temperature (within the 39–40°C range, kept stable by the device’s biofeedback system). The simultaneously applied vacuum (approximately -0.35 atm negative pressure) increases microcirculation.
As a result of this synergy:
- Fibroblast cells are stimulated and the production of type III collagen and elastin fibers increases,
- New vascularization (angiogenesis) is supported, improving tissue nourishment,
- Melanocytes are repositioned, allowing the stretch mark area to tan in the same tone as the surrounding tissue with sun exposure,
- Epidermal thickness and the number of basal cells increase, and skin layers are reorganized.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Clinical studies show that Biodermogenesi® may be effective in a broad patient profile:
- For newly formed red/purple stretch marks (striae rubra), as well as old and deep stretch marks that have become white over the years (striae alba),
- For very old stretch marks ranging from 7 to 38 years in age,
- For postpartum stretch marks, adolescent stretch marks and stretch marks associated with rapid muscle development in athletes,
- For all skin types within Fitzpatrick phototypes I–VI — unlike laser systems, no risk of hyperpigmentation has been reported even in dark-skinned or tanned skin.
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Parameter | Details |
Session duration | Average 30–45 minutes |
Session frequency | 1–3 sessions per week |
New (red) stretch marks | Average 8–10 sessions |
Old (white/deep) stretch marks | Average 12–20 sessions |
Pain / need for anesthesia | None — needle-free and painless procedure |
Recovery time (downtime) | None — immediate return to daily life after the session |
The procedure is performed with special applicator heads that come into contact with the skin; patients usually describe the session as a relaxing massage. The exact number of sessions is determined by the doctor after examination, according to the age, depth and location of the stretch marks. In the manufacturer’s clinical archives, it is stated that controlled sun (or UV) exposure after treatment may contribute to the regenerated tissue tanning in the same tone as the surrounding skin; therefore, the treatment plan is often evaluated on a patient-specific basis together with sun protection recommendations.
Who Should Not Have This Treatment? (Important Considerations)
According to the exclusion criteria used in published clinical studies, a physician’s evaluation is essential before treatment in the following situations; in some cases, the procedure may not be performed:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding period,
- Patients with a pacemaker,
- Those who have received cancer treatment within the last 5 years,
- Patients diagnosed with epilepsy,
- Vascular insufficiency in the treatment area (thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, prominent varicose veins),
- Open wound or active skin inflammation in the treatment area,
- Patients receiving anticoagulant (blood thinner) therapy,
- History of anorexia or bulimia within the last 2 years.
This list is for general informational purposes; personal suitability can only be determined by a dermatologist after an in-person examination.
When Are Results Seen, and Are They Long-Lasting?
Because tissue regeneration is a gradual process, visible change is usually observed as the number of sessions increases; in the 2021 clinical study, the results were reported to be maintained during the 90-day follow-up period. Since the increase in collagen and elastin achieved at the end of treatment represents a permanent tissue change, results are reported to be maintained for a long time in harmony with the skin’s normal aging process. However, the speed of response and longevity of results may vary in each patient depending on age, skin type, depth of the stretch marks and post-treatment skin care habits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Mark Treatment
Is Biodermogenesi painful?
No. The method is needle-free and painless; patients usually describe the session as a relaxing massage. No recovery time (downtime) is required after the procedure.
How many sessions are needed to see results with Bi-One 2.0 MD?
An average of 8–10 sessions is recommended for new (red/purple) stretch marks, and 12–20 sessions for old and white stretch marks. Sessions usually last 30–45 minutes and are performed 1–3 times per week.
Do stretch marks disappear completely, or are they only reduced?
Published histological studies show that the tissue is restructured in terms of collagen and elastin and that the stretch mark gains a texture similar to the surrounding skin; according to data from the University of Pisa, an average 82% filling effect has been reported in white stretch marks. The result varies depending on the age and depth of the stretch mark; the goal is to make the texture and color of the stretch mark more compatible with the surrounding skin.
Is dark or olive skin tone a barrier to treatment?
No. Bi-One 2.0 MD can be applied to all skin types within Fitzpatrick phototypes I–VI, and no risk of hyperpigmentation has been reported in published case series, even in darker phototypes; this is an important difference from some laser systems.
Can it be performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No, treatment is not recommended during active pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the postpartum period, it may be performed after a physician’s evaluation.
Is it more effective on newly formed red stretch marks or old white stretch marks?
Studies show that the method is effective in both types; regeneration has even been documented in very old stretch marks dating back 20–38 years. In general, early-stage (red) stretch marks tend to respond in fewer sessions.
How is it different from other methods such as laser, PRP or microneedling?
Biodermogenesi works through the synergy of electromagnetic field and vacuum without creating needle- or heat-induced tissue damage. Therefore, side effects that may be seen with laser or microneedling methods, such as pain, crusting and hyperpigmentation risk, have not been reported.
Is there anything to pay attention to between sessions?
No special restriction is required; patients can return to daily life immediately. Following the skin care and sun protection recommendations provided by your doctor supports the results.
Biodermogenesi® Evaluation at Dr. Seher Arı Clinic
It is not possible to state a definite number of sessions or expected result for any treatment method without evaluating the type and age of your stretch marks and your skin characteristics. At Specialist Dr. Seher Arı Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, a personalized treatment plan is created after examination. You can contact the clinic for appointments and information.
Legal Notice: This content is for informational purposes only, does not replace healthcare services and cannot be used for diagnosis or treatment. For a personalized evaluation, please consult a dermatologist.
References
- Scarano A, Sbarbati A, Amore R, Iorio EL, Ferraro G, Lorusso F, Amuso D. “A New Treatment for Stretch Marks and Skin Ptosis with Electromagnetic Fields and Negative Pressure: A Clinical and Histological Study.” J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021;14(2):222–228. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8423202/
- Veronese S, Bacci PA, Garcia-Gimenez V. “V-EMF therapy: A new painless and completely non-invasive treatment for striae gravidarum.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(6):2007–2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38549181/
- Laura S, Veronese S, Alberti G, Bacci PA, Beatini A, Fulgione E, Urbani C, Sbarbati A. “Vacuum and electromagnetic field in synergy for skin rejuvenation: A retrospective study on 217 patients.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(11):2989–2995. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37340588/
- Biodermogenesi — Wikipedia (English) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodermogenesi
- Bi-One® Official Website — Stretch Marks / Stretch Mark Treatment https://www.bi-one.it/en/stretch-marks/
- Bi-One® Official Website — Scientific Research https://www.bi-one.it/en/scientific-research/