# Microwaves Versus Combined Microwaves and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Postpartum Abdominal Laxity Among Filipino Patients in a Tertiary Hospital: A Randomized, Prospective, Assessor‐Blinded, Simultaneous Split‐Abdomen Trial

## TL;DR

This study compares microwave therapy and a combination of microwave and laser treatment for postpartum abdominal laxity in Filipino patients, finding the combination more effective.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel split-abdomen trial comparing microwave and combined microwave-laser treatments for postpartum abdominal laxity in a specific population.

## Key findings

- Combined microwave and CO2 laser treatment showed significantly better aesthetic and patient satisfaction scores than microwave alone.
- Improvements were linked to epidermal thickening and collagen/elastin remodeling, confirmed histologically.
- Adverse effects were mild and only associated with CO2 laser treatment.

## Abstract

Postpartum abdominal laxity is a growing concern for women. Noninvasive options like microwave technology and fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser show promise, but their combined efficacy and safety require further investigation.

To compare the efficacy and safety of microwaves versus combined microwaves and fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity among Filipino patients.

Thirty‐two patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V and postpartum abdominal laxity received three microwave sessions, with one side randomly assigned an additional fractional carbon dioxide laser session (designated as Side B, while the other as Side A). Global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores and patient satisfaction (PS) scores were determined at every follow‐up. Baseline and completion anthropometric measurements were taken, and adverse effects were recorded.

Significant improvements in GAIS and PS scores were noted for both sides across all sessions (p < 0.001), with side B showing superior scores post‐CO2 laser (p < 0.001). A moderate correlation between metabolic equivalent (METs) scores and GAIS scores (p = 0.413, p = 0.019) indicated that higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher GAIS scores. These improvements were attributed to epidermal thickening and dermal collagen and elastin remodeling, the latter seen histologically in a representative patient. Adverse effects were mild and noted only with CO2 laser.

The combined use of the microwave system and fractional CO2 laser is safe and well tolerated and is superior to microwaves alone in the treatment of postpartum abdominal laxity.