THE FAB FOUR

The Use of Multiple Treatment Modalities to Achieve the Best Results

Whether you're new to the aesthetic world or have been receiving treatments for many years it’s important to know the different modalities and their role in treating the skin. Many of us focus on one treatment option and expect it to address all of our concerns. It can take many different approaches to achieve our desired results!  Let us talk about four impactful treatment modalities that can be combined to most effectively enhance beauty, prevent aging, regenerate skin while allowing for optimal results. 

Four Impactful Treatment Modalities

• Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin,Jeauvue)
• Dermal Fillers (Restylane products, Juvederm, etc.)
• Biostimulators (Sculptra)
• Manual Microneedling (Skinpen) /Microneedling with Radiofrequency (Sylfirm X)

Neurotoxins:

Neurotoxins are used to relax the expressive muscles in our face that create or accentuate wrinkles. They are great for not only smoothing and diminishing lines but also preventing deep stubborn wrinkles from forming as we age. Expressive lines on our faces are often the first thing we notice during our aging process. Neurotoxins are a good option for those of us who want to prevent new wrinkles from appearing or help soften deep wrinkles that have already formed. With that being said, it's important to remember that neurotoxins are treating the muscle, not the skin. While they help our skin appear smoother, those deep stubborn lines may not completely disappear. Therefore, other modalities may be needed to help address the quality and texture of the skin.

Dermal Fillers:

Dermal fillers are specifically used to replace volume loss in the face. As we age our structural support and fat pads begin to dissipate which creates “sagging” or “hollowness” to our facial structure. In the younger population, fillers are often used to subtly enhance facial features such as lips, cheeks, and jawline. In the more mature population, fillers are often used to help with volume loss, which is usually most apparent in our mid and lower faces. For example, the flattening of our cheeks or the appearance of jowls. While fillers do an amazing job at perking up our cheeks, hydrating our lips, and providing structural support to our face it's important to know it is not always a fix-all solution. Especially in the older population, who have moderate to severe skin laxity, filler may help restore some volume, but the quality, structure, and laxity of the skin must also be addressed.

Collagen Biostimulator:

A collagen biostimulator is a substance that is injected into the dermis, which stimulates the body’s own collagen production. The first biostimulator launched on the market, known as Sculptra, uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is a substance that can be injected into the face or neck, which gradually stimulates collagen and replaces the structural support and skin laxity lost during the aging process.

Starting in your 20’s a person loses 1% of their collagen per year. By your 40’s your collagen production has decreased by 30% and by your 50’s by 40%. Biostimulators are a game changer for the older population who want to reverse the hands of time and give their face a more youthful appearance. You might be wondering what the difference is between filler and biostimulators. While they both replace volume, fillers can only do so much while still looking natural. Sometimes a person's volume loss requires both fillers and biostimulators. Fillers create the structure while biostimulators hold it all together!

Manual or Traditional Microneedling and Microneedling RF (Radiofrequency):

With all this talk about improving skin quality here is your solution! Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that injects tiny needles into the skin creating controlled micro-injuries, which stimulate collagen and elastin production. We can think of this as improving the structure or scaffolding of the skin layers, making it stronger and more supportive. This procedure can help with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.

Now let's take it up a notch and talk about Microneedling with radiofrequency. Microneedling with radiofrequency penetrates the dermal layer and uses heat to stimulate even more collagen production. Due to this, it can be used for skin rejuvenation, skin lifting and tightening, along with all the other benefits of traditional Microneedling. Microneedling is beneficial for all age groups. It is something that must not be forgotten when investing time and money into your face. While all the other modalities help the structural and deeper layers of the face your skin is the icing on the cake!

Why is it important to incorporate different modalities?

As discussed, each modality has its specific purpose in helping us achieve youthful facial features and healthy skin. While we all wish it was as simple as one treatment, it is unfortunately not the reality. It is important to know facial rejuvenation takes time and commitment, especially in the older population. Once you commit to taking care of your skin and preserving your youth it is a lifelong journey!

P.S. Don’t forget about medical grade skincare products!

References:

Galderma Aesthetics. (2023). How to restore aged skin with a collagen biostimulator. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.galdermaaesthetics.com/skin-news/restore-aged-skin 

Obagi, S. (2005, September 26). Why does skin wrinkle with age? what is the best way to slow or prevent this process?Scientific American. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-skin-wrinkle-wit/