Introduction
Changes to the aging face result from a dynamic process involving thinning of the skin and loss of collagen,
fat redistribution, muscular recontouring and bone remodeling.1–3 The rate of change differs in the major facial compartments (skin, muscle, fat and bone)
and changes in one compartment affect all compartments.1,3 With increasing age, more prominent wrinkles, folds and furrows arise due to further loss of
skin elasticity and structural organization.1,3
Many patients require more than one type of aesthetic treatment to address these multiple etiologies and maximize
treatment outcomes.2,4,5 The variety of available treatments has greatly expanded the ability to reverse the visual signs of facial aging. Because each
modality has its own strengths and limitations, combinations of products may be required to achieve optimal outcomes. The purpose of this article is to
briefly review available soft-tissue augmentation modalities and to discuss relevant clinical experience with possible combinations of products.
Head-to-head comparisons have not been identified for most combinations mentioned in this review. Further combinations
of anti-aging treatments described herein have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Anti-aging Treatments
Numerous treatments are available for soft-tissue augmentation (Table 1). Each treatment, used appropriately, can help restore the youthful appearance of the face; the selection of treatments with complementary modes of action may produce a synergistic effect. Furthermore, application of different modalities can be varied either spatially or temporally, potentially optimizing outcomes and improving tolerability.
Numerous treatments are available for soft-tissue augmentation (Table 1). Each treatment, used appropriately, can help restore the youthful appearance of the face; the selection of treatments with complementary modes of action may produce a synergistic effect. Furthermore, application of different modalities can be varied either spatially or temporally, potentially optimizing outcomes and improving tolerability.
Botulinum Toxin Type A
Injection with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A; Botox®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, and Dysport® [abobotulinum toxin A], Medicis, Scottsdale, AZ) results in temporary denervation and relaxation of injected muscles and reduction in dynamic furrows and lines.6,7 BTX-A has been used widely to treat the glabellar area, crow's feet and forehead.4 Overcorrection must be avoided, as the full effect may not be apparent for seven to 10 days post-injection and persists for 90–120 days with BTX-A;4 and up to 180 days with abobotulinum toxin A.7 The safety record of BTX-A is good and most adverse events (AEs) are reversible without long-term consequences;6 an AE profile similar to placebo was noted with abobotulinum toxin A.7 Botulinum toxins may be used with volumizing treatments to enhance outcomes.
Injection with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A; Botox®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, and Dysport® [abobotulinum toxin A], Medicis, Scottsdale, AZ) results in temporary denervation and relaxation of injected muscles and reduction in dynamic furrows and lines.6,7 BTX-A has been used widely to treat the glabellar area, crow's feet and forehead.4 Overcorrection must be avoided, as the full effect may not be apparent for seven to 10 days post-injection and persists for 90–120 days with BTX-A;4 and up to 180 days with abobotulinum toxin A.7 The safety record of BTX-A is good and most adverse events (AEs) are reversible without long-term consequences;6 an AE profile similar to placebo was noted with abobotulinum toxin A.7 Botulinum toxins may be used with volumizing treatments to enhance outcomes.
