Photo Credit: iStock.com/Volodymyr Kalyniuk

The following is a summary of “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,” published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology by Wee et al. 

Postpartum abdominal laxity had emerged as a growing concern, with noninvasive options like microwave technology and fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser showing possibility but lacking evidence on combined safety and effectiveness.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy and safety of microwaves vs combined microwaves and fractional CO₂ laser in treating Filipino individuals with postpartum abdominal laxity.  

They included 32 individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) III–V and postpartum abdominal laxity. All underwent 3 sessions of microwave treatment, 1 side of the abdomen was randomly assigned an additional fractional CO₂ laser session (designated as Side B), while the opposite side received only microwave treatment (Side A). Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores and Patient Satisfaction (PS) scores were evaluated at each follow-up. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and upon completion and any adverse effects were documented.  

The results showed significant improvement in both GAIS and PS scores on both sides throughout all sessions (P< 0.001), with higher scores observed on the side treated with fractional CO₂ laser (Side B) (P< 0.001). A moderate correlation between GAIS and metabolic equivalent (METs) scores (r = 0.413, P= 0.019) suggested that increased physical activity levels were linked to better aesthetic outcomes. These effects were associated with epidermal thickening and remodeling of dermal collagen and elastin, confirmed histologically in a representative case. Mild adverse effects were reported only on the CO₂ laser–treated side.  

Investigators concluded that the combined use of microwave systems and fractional CO5₂ lasers were safe, well-tolerated, and more effective than microwaves alone for treating postpartum abdominal laxity. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.70237