Overview

In this therapy, the doctor uses a combination of soft-tissue fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, Belotero) and neuromodulators injections (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) to temporarily smooth wrinkles and improve skin appearance. The procedure is minimally invasive.

During the soft-tissue filler component of the therapy, your doctor will mark injection points on your face before cleansing it with an anti-bacterial agent. A topical numbing agent, ice or a local anesthesia is applied to keep you comfortable during the injections. The filler – usually a form of hyaluronic acid or a collagen-stimulating chemical – is injected with a very small needle. Some patients experience stinging or burning as the filler is injected.

During the neuromodulator injection, a minute amount is injected directly into the underlying muscle, causing it to relax and gradually smooth out the appearance of the overlying skin.

Why choose a combination of soft-tissue fillers and neuromodulators for aging skin

This combination of minimally invasive therapies requires minimal downtime and is relatively inexpensive compared to other more comprehensive procedures. The combination of therapies can be used to:

• Improve the appearance of wrinkles.
• Improve frown lines.
• Improve crow’s feet.
• Plump lips.
• Elevate and fill deep folds.
• Fill shallow contours, such as sunken cheeks.
• Soften and smooth wrinkles and creases.
• Improve the appearance of scars and imperfections.

Possible risks

All medical procedures carry some risk. In the past, the most widely used soft-tissue fillers were based on collagen and sometimes required allergy testing prior to treatment. A newer class of hyaluronic acid fillers is based on a sugar found naturally in human skin. Allergic reaction is extremely rare for these fillers. Your ASDS doctor will discuss what filler would work best to fulfill your personal goals.

Neuromodulator injection risks include:

• Soreness
• Mild bruising
• Temporary weakness of surrounding muscles
• Headache

Estimated cost

The average cost for neuromodulators therapy is about $325, while the average cost of soft-tissue fillers ranges from $550 to $1,000. Actual cost can vary widely depending on the scope of treatment. Since most medical insurance companies consider neuromodulators and soft-tissue injections a cosmetic procedure, they usually are not covered, except in special cases.

How to prepare for the procedure

Before the procedure, an ASDS doctor will review the patient’s medical history. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. You should tell your doctor if you use or have recently taken:

• Blood-thinning drugs
• Previous neuromodulator injections
• Antibiotics by injection
• Muscle relaxants
• Allergy or cold medicine
• Sleep medicine
• Any other prescription medicines
• Any other over-the-counter medicines
• Herbal supplements

What to expect after the procedure

Patients may experience one or more of the following reactions at the injection sites:

• Bruising, which may last up to a week
• Swelling
• Redness

Patients should take care not to rub areas treated with the neuromodulators, which could cause it to migrate to another area.

All neuromodulator and soft tissue filler therapies are temporary, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, depending on type of procedure and other factors. Some patients require maintenance treatments to achieve the best results.

Find a doctor for your aging skin treatment

Visit “Find a dermatologic surgeon” and choose “Soft-tissue Filler” or “Botulinum Toxins Therapy” from the dropdown menu. In 2011, ASDS doctors performed nearly 831,000 soft-tissue filler procedures and 1.2 million neuromodulator procedures. Because ASDS doctors are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, they are the most qualified to evaluate and select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient’s condition.