Combined Botox/Hyaluronic acid treatment
A STUDY THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF COMBINING BOTOX AND HYALURONIC ACID
A team of researchers from the University of Samsun in Turkey observed that the results of wrinkle filling were more visible and longer lasting when two well-known cosmetic products were combined: botulinum toxin, known as Botox, and hyaluronic acid.
These two cosmetic products are already well-known wrinkle treatments. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in our bodies, particularly in the skin, degrades over time – particularly with age – and its benefits are therefore not long-lasting owing to the contraction of muscles near the treated zone. As for botulinum toxin, it is used in low-dosage local injections to paralyse targeted muscles in order to temporarily ease wrinkles (for five to six months).
Researchers at the University of Samsun in Turkey discovered that combining botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid provided more visible and long-lasting results in patients, whilst significantly reducing the degradation process of hyaluronic acid.
Dr Küçüker and colleagues injected rabbits with a small quantity of hyaluronic acid under the skin in front of each ear. This area was chosen as it is similar to the human forehead. One ear was injected with hyaluronic acid only, the only with a combination of hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin.
After 3 months, via MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the researchers showed that the toxin slowed the degradation of the filler material, reducing degradation of the hyaluronic acid by 42%. Furthermore, the volume of the hyaluronic acid increased by 50% on the side where botulinum toxin was used, and the difference was visible and measurable.
This research, published in the medical journal American Society of Plastic Surgeons, therefore suggests that combining these two substances, which paralyse muscles in the treated area for several months, can significantly improve the clinical outcomes of the filler injection.
Only a doctor specialising in plastic surgery, dermatology, facial and neck surgery and maxillofacial surgery and trained in the technique can administer the injections.
