A Randomized Study to Assess the Efficacy of Skin Rejuvenation Therapy in Combination With Neurotoxin and Full Facial Filler Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Although non-surgical treatment options for facial rejuvenation are well-established, the literature remains limited regarding the combined effect of topical skin treatment with filler and neurotoxin on patient appearance and satisfaction. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of a skin rejuvenation therapy in combination with neurotoxin or hyaluronic acid filler injection on skin quality and general aesthetic improvement as well as on short-term self-esteem.

METHODS: From 2015 to 2017, 20 female patients were enrolled in our study and were randomized into two groups. Patients in Group A used a basic skin care regimen following hyaluronic acid filler and neurotoxin treatment, while those in Group B utilized the Nu-Derm® skin care system (Obagi Medical Products, Inc) afterwards. Each subject and the principal investigator filled out various assessments pre- and post-treatment to evaluate for change in skin quality (Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Assessment Scale [FWAS] and Skin Quality Assessments [SQA]), aesthetic appearance (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale [GAIS]), patient satisfaction (Subject Satisfaction Assessment [SSA]), and self-esteem (State Self-Esteem Scale [SSES]).

RESULTS: Subjects in both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement in skin quality, as illustrated in the change in FWAS and SQA scores, at 12 weeks after initiating full facial rejuvenation treatment. However, there were no significant differences in FWAS and SQA ratings between the treatment groups. Regarding aesthetic appearance, a statistically significant difference in GAIS scores between Groups A and B was observed at 6 weeks after treatment only. In evaluating for patient satisfaction and self-esteem, there were no significant differences in SSA and SSES ratings over time within each treatment group or between the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that facial rejuvenation therapy involving hyaluronic acid filler and neurotoxin injections combined with a topical skin treatment regimen leads to improvement in skin quality and aesthetic appearance as well as to patient satisfaction. Additional larger studies are needed to better delineate the most ideal combination facial rejuvenation therapy for optimizing patient appearance and satisfaction.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(1):48-54.

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