Pilot Study of Microfocused Ultrasound, Incobotulinum Toxin, and Calcium Hydroxyapatite in Triple Therapy for Skin Tightening after Weight Loss

Abstract

Background: After significant weight loss, the abdominal skin can become permanently stretched, resulting in stretch marks, laxity, and thinning of the dermis. For many patients, surgical methods such as abdominoplasty are too risky due to the potential for complications, the lengthy recovery period, and the high cost. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to use microfocused ultrasound, calcium hydroxyapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A to improve the appearance of patients who were suffering from abdominal skin laxity after heavy weight loss. The combination of these treatments can provide comprehensive results with minimal downtime and lower risk compared to traditional surgical procedures. Methods: Our team treated four female Chinese patients with microfocused ultrasound, diluted calcium hydroxylapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A with different combinations, respectively. The first and second cases were only treated with 810 shots of microfocused ultrasound. The third case received 850 shots of microfocused ultrasound plus 5 mL of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite and 50 units of Incobotulinum toxin A on the left abdominal skin, and the fourth case was treated with 900 shots of microfocused ultrasound plus 5 mL of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite and 10 units of Incobotulinum toxin A on the left abdominal skin. All four patients received a single treatment session. Clinical photographs were taken before each treatment, and two individual blinded investigators were asked to assess photographs taken after 4 weeks and compare them with the pretreatment photos. Results: All four cases showed an overall clinical improvement, with the third and fourth cases demonstrating more significant skin tightening based on photographic analysis. The data indicate that the inclusion of calcium hydroxylapatite and Incobotulinum toxin A in microfocused ultrasound treatment yields superior results for abdominal rejuvenation. Conclusions: Abdominal skin laxity can be treated with a triple therapy combining microfocused ultrasound, diluted calcium hydroxylapatite, and Incobotulinum toxin A.