Non-invasive treatment options such as focused ultrasound has been used with success for the treatment of skin laxity in various parts of the body including the face, neck, décolletage, arms, buttocks, thighs, and legs. With the increasing demand for greater results, researchers have started combining modalities together such as focused ultrasound and intradermal filler, with promising effects for skin laxity and volume restoration. This study aims to elucidate the efficacy and added benefits of a combination therapy using focused ultrasound (Ulthera) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for the treatment of skin laxity and volume restoration of the lower thighs, specifically the lower anterior third of the thigh.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Patients will receive IFUS to a randomly chosen side. Immediately after IFUS treatment, patients will receive the first CaHA injection. Injections will be given in the lower, anterior third of the thigh, above the knee. Only dermatology faculty will perform the filler injections. The patients will be instructed to return to the office in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (+/- 5 business days) for their next appointment for follow-up and injection of CaHA if deemed necessary by the investigator. At all visits (Visits 1-4) patients will have photographs and unblinded physician/patient questionnaires will be completed. At Visit 4 (24 weeks +/- 5 business days), patients will be given the option to receive treatment for skin laxity to the previously untreated side. If the patient chooses to receive treatment, patients will receive their second IFUS and CaHA combination treatment at this time. They will not receive further treatment after this visit.
University of California, Irvine Dermatology Clinical Research Center
Irvine, California, United States
Efficacy of combined therapy at 12 weeks
To determine the efficacy of intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) + calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler for the correction of skin laxity of the lower thigh as assessed by a blinded and an unblinded physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (scale 1-7 with 1 being much improved and 7 being much worse) at 12 weeks.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Efficacy of combined therapy at 24 weeks
To determine the efficacy of IFUS and CaHA filler for the correction of skin laxity of the lower thigh as assessed by a blinded and an unblinded physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (scale 1-7 with 1 being much improved and 7 being much worse) at 24 weeks.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Efficacy with Merz Aesthetic scale at 12 and 24 weeks
To determine the efficacy of IFUS and CaHA filler for the correction of skin laxity of the lower thigh as assessed by a blinded and an unblinded physician Merz Aesthetic Scale (Grade 0-4 with 0 being no skin laxity and 4 being very severe skin laxity) at 12 and 24 weeks.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Patient satisfaction at 24 weeks
To determine patient satisfaction 24 weeks post-treatment of IFUS + CaHA for the treatment of skin laxity of the lower thigh as assessed on a scale of 0-10 (with 0 being not satisfied and 10 being very satisfied).
Time frame: 24 weeks
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