Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of this non-invasive treatment regime on buttock shape, fat layer thickness, and subcutaneous elasticity using quantitative tools including echography and elastography. To measure the level of patient satisfaction and buttocks perception.

Introduction: Combining ultrasound and RF technologies is a novel modality in treating subcutaneous fat. In this co-treatment, the acoustic pressure caused by the ultrasound selectively destroys adipocytes, while RF increases local metabolism causing collagen contraction and skin tightening. Dermal fillers allow the restoration of volume loss by filling the area concerned and improving contours.

Materials / method: This is a prospective open-label trial of ten female patients with an excess of local adipose tissue and laxity in the buttock area. On the first day of treatment, the participants were injected with one vial of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and Hyaluronic acid (HA). per side to improve the shape of the buttocks. The treatment course included one treatment session with the dermal filler and after 1.5 months, three sessions of ultrasound and radiofrequency conducted at two weeks intervals.

Results: The fat layer thickness was measured prior to treatment and at a 90-day follow-up. Patients showed an average decrease of 54±6.96% in full-fat layer thickness (p<0.001), 54.2±9.46% in areolar fat layer thickness (p<0.001), and 52.5±11.84% in lamellar fat layer thickness (p<0.001). Lamellar layer laxity improved by 67.5±12.08%, and areolar layer laxity improved by 55±15.8% (both p<0.001). Patient satisfaction ranged from 3 to 5 with an average of 3.9±0.7. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion: Quantitative measurements found that the treatment decreased fat layer thickness by 54% and improved elasticity by 55-67.5% three months following treatment. In line with this, patient satisfaction was high (3.9 out of 5). Notably, no adverse events were recorded. Although a longer follow-up and more patients are required, we propose that this new treatment modality presents a safe and efficient alternative to buttock augmentation surgery.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability