Combining Fillers and Botox for Longer Lasting Effect

What if there was a way to make your in-office facial cosmetic treatments last longer? Recently released research indicates this may be possible, by combining fillers with Botox. Here at Raval Facial Aesthetics we know you’re interested in this subject, so we wanted to pass along the latest news – along with some cautionary comments.

Normally, once a facial filler such as hyaluronic acid is injected, it slowly degrades over time. Researchers wondered if using botulinum neurotoxin-A (Botox) in conjunction with the filler would extend visible results, because Botox temporarily reduces muscle activity. Movement causes the body to absorb fillers faster.

For the study, researchers injected an area on one side of the face with hyaluronic acid only and an area on the other side with the filler plus Botox. Three months later, the combination side showed dramatically less degradation. The volume differences were visible as well as measurable.

This combination cosmetic treatment could improve results around the eyes, the forehead and around the mouth. In fact, a number of cosmetic surgeons around the country already use Botox along with various dermal fillers to give patients longer-lasting results. One of those surgeons is our own Dr. Jeff Raval.

Medical Professionals Want to Know More

Results of this study are very exciting, but there is more to learn. The clinical study that produced these findings was conducted on rabbits, not people. Although current use of the products in combination has provided a great deal of anecdotal information about results in humans, these results have yet to be clinically verified.

A number of surgeons report using the two products in close proximity. Since Botox is more effective for dynamic wrinkles, whereas dermal fillers are more appropriate for static and/or deeper wrinkles, there are only a few areas of the face where both are present in the same location.

Dr. Raval says that while human trials are needed, the study confirms what he’s seen in his own clinical practice over several years. “When I combine Botox (or Dysport, another botulinum neurotoxin) with fillers (mostly around the eyes), I do notice that the fillers seem to last much longer than their FDA indication.” Sometimes, he says, the filler can last for several years.

Because Botox does paralyze muscle, it is not appropriate for some areas of the face that are often treated with fillers, such as the cheeks. Some areas of the face are not ideal for the placement of fillers either such as the frown area between the eyes. In this location using Botox or Dysport alone is the best option. So combination treatment might provide significant advantages for reducing forehead wrinkles or crow’s feet, for example. But it’s not something that could provide universal benefits for patients choosing injectable cosmetic treatments.

If you want to know more about which facial cosmetic treatments might be right for you, we invite you to give us a call.