Clinical Evaluation of a Combination of Non-Invasive Technologies to Improve the Effectiveness of Postpartum Abdominal Treatment

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy induces a range of physical changes in the female body, some of which may persist long after delivery. This can result in body dissatisfaction and reduced quality of life. Skin laxity, diastasis recti, and stretch marks pose a challenge to achieving the desired appearance.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the potential benefits of the consecutive use of Radiofrequency (RF) + Targeted Pressure Energy (TPE) and HIFEM + RF for the treatment of postpartum abdomen and improvement of appearance.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 38 postpartum participants for the consecutive treatments of Targeted Pressure Energy plus radiofrequency and HIFEM plus radiofrequency on their abdomen. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3 months and 12 months. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) evaluation, weight measurements, and circumference measurements were performed at 3 levels corresponding with 5 cm above the navel (circumference A), at navel level (circumference B), and 5 cm below the navel (circumference C).

Results: The study results show a reduction in circumference. At 3 months post-treatment, circumference A decreased by 1.57 cm, circumference B by 2.09 cm, and circumference C by 1.83 cm. At 12 months post-treatment, circumference A decreased by 3.16 cm, circumference B by 4.69 cm, and circumference C by 4.06 cm. The GAIS evaluation at 3 months post-treatment showed average improvements of 1.53 points for stretch marks, 1.58 points for skin laxity, 1.77 points for muscle toning, and 1.64 points for slimming effect. At 12 months post-treatment, the GAIS evaluation showed improvements of 1.6 points for stretch marks, 1.8 points for skin laxity, 1.9 points for muscle toning, and 1.9 points for slimming effect.

Conclusion: The consecutive use of RF + TPE and HIFEM + RF has shown to be effective in the treatment of postpartum abdomen and has resulted in desirable effects. Overall appearance has improved significantly, which may also indicate an increased quality of life. The study results show that both devices complement each other, and their combined use leads to better outcomes than standalone therapy, particularly in terms of enhanced results in body contouring and skin tightening.

Keywords: postpartum abdomen; radiofrequency; skin laxity; stretch marks; targeted pressure energy.