Using the BODY-Q to Evaluate Appearance and Quality of Life Following Treatment of Skin Laxity of the Outer Thigh with Microfocused Ultrasound and Calcium Hydroxylapatite.

Abstract

Two procedures that have demonstrated collagen-stimulating properties and improvements in skin laxity in a variety of aesthetic indications are microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) and injection with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). By treating skin laxity with a combination of these therapies, it was hypothesized that our patients would experience improved appearance and quality of life as measured by the BODY-Q. A total of 60 consecutive female patients aged 30 to 60 years with body mass index less than 28 kg/m2 who expressed interest in treatment for skin laxity affecting the outer thighs completed selected scales (Body Image, Appraisal of Excess Skin, Satisfaction with Hips and Outer Thighs, and Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress) from the BODY-Q within 1 week of treatment. At the time of treatment, MFU-V was directed to the outer thighs (150 lines at focal depths of 3.0 and 4.5 mm per outer thigh). Immediately following MFU-V, patients received treatment with CaHA injected into the subdermis (1.5 mL diluted 1:1 with 1.5 mL of 2% lidocaine solution per outer thigh). At 90 days posttreatment, these patients repeated the BODY-Q. At 90 days posttreatment, with 100% follow-up among the 60 consecutive female patients treated, scores from the BODY-Q scales showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01). Following treatment of skin laxity on the outer thighs with a combination of MFU-V and CaHA, our patients reported a statistically significant improvement in appearance and quality of life at 90 days posttreatment. This protocol may be applicable to other areas of the body.