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Acoustic wave therapy effective for saddlebag treatment but results not statistically significant

Although acoustic wave therapy was found to be effective for the treatment of localized adiposities in the saddlebag region, results were not statistically significant, according to researchers.

Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) was performed on the lateral thigh areas of 15 women using the planar and radial pulse handpieces for eight sessions within 4 weeks. Follow-up occurred at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after the last treatment. Each patient received treatment to only one thigh, with the other thigh was used as an untreated control.

Treatment comprised 1,500 pulses delivered by the planar handpiece followed by 3,000 pulses delivered by the radial handpiece. The researchers evaluated results through live assessment, photographs taken at baseline and subsequent follow-ups, and comparison of ultrasound images taken before the first treatment and at each follow-up visit.

Gradual improvement was observed by both the investigator and the patients up to the 4-week follow-up, with a slight decrease observed between the 4-week and 12-week follow-up.

The researchers observed decreases in the average thickness of the treated legs in increments of 1.3 cm, 1.1 cm and 1 cm, respectively, at the 1-, 4-, and 12-week follow-up visits.

A significant difference in average thigh circumference was first noted after 1 week of treatment.

Mean circumference of the treated thigh measured at the 1-week follow-up decreased from 53.4 cm to 51.7 cm at the 12-week follow-up; however, this was not considered statistically significant.

Overall, treatment was well-tolerated, and no adverse events were reported.

The researchers recommended an average of six to eight treatments spaced 3 to 4 days apart for significant results and patient satisfaction. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: Nassar reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors' relevant financial disclosures.