With Botox 'Chemodenervation,' Dermal Fillers Last Longer
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a popular treatment for facial lines and wrinkles, but early degradation of fillers may limit how long their effects last. Experimental evidence supports a simple technique for prolonging the effects of HA dermal fillers: using them together with botulinum toxin, reports a paper in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
"Chemodenervation" using botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) can prolong the life of the HA fillers by reducing muscle activity in the treated area, according to the study by Dr. İsmail Küçüker of the Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine in Samsun, Turkey.
In Experiments, BoNT-A Muscle Paralysis Slows HA Filler Degradation
Dermal filler injection is one of the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, with 2.3 million procedures performed in 2014, according to ASPS statistics. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are most commonly used because they are natural, gel-based products that are highly compatible with the body.
However, early degradation of HA fillers limits the duration of the cosmetic improvement. Longevity is affected not only by the properties of the HA fillers, but also by forces applied to them—including contraction of neighboring muscles.
To reduce these forces, plastic surgeons sometimes use HA fillers in a combination procedure with BoNT-A—best known by the brand name Botox. This causes temporary paralysis of the muscles in the treated area, lasting a few months. Several studies have suggested that this chemodenervation procedure improves the clinical results of HA filler injection.
For a more objective demonstration of this approach, Dr Küçüker and colleagues designed a study in rabbits in which a small amount of HA filler was injected under the skin in front of each ear. This area was chosen because it corresponds to the forehead region in humans—a common area for dermal filler treatment.
On one side, HA filler alone was used. On the other side, HA filler was combined with BoNT-A to paralyze the muscle in that area. After three months, MRI scans were performed to compare the amount of filler remaining on the two sides.
The follow-up scans confirmed that BoNT-A slowed degradation of the injected filler. At three months, chemodenervation with BoNT-A decreased the degradation rate of the HA fillers by 42 percent.
At the same time, the remaining volume of HA filler was 50 percent greater on the side where BoNT-A was used. The difference was visible as well as measurable, supporting the clinical experience that BoNT-A injection provides longer-lasting outcomes in patients.
"This study showed that HA filler application in combination with BoNT-A significantly decreases the degradation process and increases the remaining volume at the end of the paralyzed period," Dr. Küçüker and colleagues conclude. They believe their study provides objective evidence to support the use of this combination procedure in patients undergoing dermal filler treatments.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Wolters Kluwer.
About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.
About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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