Improving Aesthetic Results for GLP-1 Patients with Sofwave and Pure Impact

Improving Aesthetic Results for GLP-1 Patients with Sofwave and Pure Impact

  • Date

  • Written by

    James Bartholomeusz

  • Revised by

    Jessica Weiser, MD

GLP-1 therapies are driving unprecedented weight loss in patients, but they frequently result in a variety of issues ranging from muscle atrophy to skin laxity. For plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or clinic providers, advanced aesthetic interventions are available. These include Sofwave™, an FDA-cleared ultrasound device for multi-area skin lifting, and Pure Impact™, a non-impact muscle toning module.

Follow-Up Questions

What specific areas of the body are most affected by GLP-1-related skin laxity?

Commonly affected areas include the arms, neck, submental region, abdomen, thighs, and face, where rapid fat loss leads to visible sagging.

How does skin respond differently to weight loss from GLP-1s versus natural weight loss or bariatric surgery?

GLP-1 therapies often cause faster weight loss with less lean mass preservation, leading to more pronounced and sudden skin laxity compared to gradual or surgically managed weight loss.

How do these treatments compare to traditional surgical options?

While surgery offers more dramatic results, Sofwave™ and Pure Impact™ provide non-invasive, low-downtime alternatives ideal for patients with mild to moderate laxity or those not ready for surgery.

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Table of Contents

              What Causes Muscle Loss with GLP-1 Therapies?

              GLP-1 agonists facilitate rapid weight loss, averaging 15 to 25% of body weight. However, 15 to 60% of this can be lean mass, including muscle. This can lead to sarcopenia, reduced metabolic rate, and aesthetic concerns like sagging skin. In patients focused on aesthetics, this catabolism exacerbates skin laxity in the arms, neck, and abdomen. Clinical strategies emphasize resistance training and nutrition to preserve up to 97% of lean mass, positioning muscle toning devices like Pure Impact™ as essential interventions for both pre- and post-therapy.

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              How Has GLP-1 Adoption Increased Demand for Aesthetic Procedures?

              GLP-1-driven weight loss has led to an 11% increase in nonsurgical aesthetic spending, with 62.4% of patients seeking treatments for issues of laxity and volume. Conditions with nicknames such as "Ozempic Face" and “Ozempic body” have boosted demand for skin lifting procedures, with patients budgeting an average of $776 for this. Surgical volumes have increased, with fat grafting procedures seeing a 50% rise in 2024. For clinics, this is a prime opportunity to capture this market through more efficient and convenient non-surgical in-office solutions like Sofwave™.

              MetricValue
              Muscle Loss Proportion15-60% of total weight loss
              Aesthetic Spending Increase11% in nonsurgical treatments
              Average Procedure Spend$776 per patient
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              What Is Sofwave and Its FDA Clearances for Clinical Use?

              Sofwave™ has FDA clearances for skin laxity treatment across multiple areas, including the upper arms, neck, submental region, and brow. It's SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) ultrasound technology promotes collagen production for lifting, suitable for all skin types, and sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes. There is minimal downtime after a Sofwave™ treatment. For GLP-1 patients in your practice, Sofwave™ effectively counters compounded laxity in high-visibility areas. The liftHD applicator, now available to elevate treatment efficacy and patient throughput, further optimizes body contouring.

              How Does Pure Impact Mitigate Muscle Catabolism in Practice?

              Pure Impact™, an FDA-cleared electrical muscle stimulation module from Sofwave, replicates plyometric exercises to enhance muscle density and function without straining the joints. It delivers full-body targeting (including the arms, abs, and quads) in 30-minute sessions, making it ideal for preventing catabolism in GLP-1 patients. Because exercise is key to preserving lean mass, Pure Impact™ enables clinics to offer bundled protocols that support better patient outcomes and set their services apart. 

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              Combining Sofwave and Pure Impact for Superior Patient Results

              The most effective protocol for tackling GLP-1 patients’ concerns, particularly in the arm area, is combining Sofwave’s skin lifting with Pure Impact’s muscle toning. Ongoing studies, such as the "Arm Laxity and Loss of Tone" trial combining liftHD and Pure Impact™ (1-2 Sofwave™ sessions + 4 Pure Impact treatments), demonstrate outcomes of enhanced muscle strength, muscle toning, and skin laxity improvement. This promising early data indicates that these protocols, which can also be used on the abdomen and thighs, promise practice growth. Practitioners are advised to stay informed about further insights on integration.

              In Conclusion

              While they are highly effective at accelerating weight loss, GLP-1 therapies compromise muscle mass and skin integrity, leading to decreased tone, volume loss, and laxity. Sofwave™ and Pure Impact™ are FDA-cleared devices enabling clinics to deliver efficient solutions for optimized aesthetic results while expanding their business. 

              Elevate your practice by incorporating Sofwave™ and Pure Impact™ for GLP-1 patients. Contact Sofwave™ today to explore training, demos, and partnership opportunities.

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              FAQs

              How can resistance training integrate with GLP-1 protocols in clinics?
              Resistance training preserves up to 97% lean mass during weight loss. Devices like Pure Impact™ simulate plyometric exercise, helping prevent catabolism in GLP-1 patients lose without added staff burden.

              Is Sofwave™ suitable for post-GLP-1 patients in a medical setting?
              Yes. Sofwave™ is FDA-cleared, requires minimal downtime, and is proven to be safe for all skin types.

              What insights do ongoing studies offer for clinical adoption?
              Trials like "Arm Laxity and Loss of Tone" indicate strong potential for arm and body-wide enhancements. It is recommended that practitioners monitor this trial for updates on evidence-based protocols.

              References

              Image Parallax
              Medically revised by

              Jessica Weiser, MD

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