Experts Demonstrate 'Advances and Refinements' in Neuromodulators for Facial Rejuvenation

The article and accompanying online video outlines a "stepwise approach for facial rejuvenation" using currently approved neuromodulators. The authors are Reza Kordestani, MD, Kevin Small, MD, and Rod J. Rohrich, MD, of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. Dr. Rohrich, Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, comments: "With comprehensive facial analysis and careful injection technique, FDA-approved neuromodulators such as Botox , Dysport, and Xeomin enable plastic surgeons to restore a more youthful facial appearance, in a safe and efficient office procedure."

Minimally Invasive Tools and Techniques for a Younger Facial Appearance The article presents some advances and refinements in the approach to minimally invasive facial rejuvenation using botulinum toxins. These products are purified proteins derived from bacteria that interfere with communication between nerves and muscles, causing local paralysis in the areas where they are injected.

Use of neuromodulators for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation has grown rapidly in recent years—by approximately 750 percent from 2000 to 2014, according to ASPS statistics. Cosmetic injection of onabotulinum toxin A—best known by the brand name Botox—is by far the most common plastic surgery procedure, with more than 6.5 million procedures performed in 2015.

Other currently approved FDA-approved products include abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) and incobotulinum toxin A (Xeomin). While all of these products have "equivalent success in appropriately trained hands," the researchers note that they are not interchangeable in terms of dosage and effects. All three products are specifically approved for treatment of "frown lines" and "crow's feet"; plastic surgeons may use them "off-label" to treat other types of facial wrinkles as well.

In the accompanying video, Dr. Rohrich demonstrates his step-by-step approach to facial rejuvenation with Botox. The technique begins with comprehensive analysis of the patient's facial appearance, including the effects of facial movement and any asymmetrical areas. The plastic surgeon must have an intimate understanding of the facial muscles—how they contribute to "dynamic" facial wrinkles and the proper neurotoxin dose and injection technique to produce the desired effect.

Dr. Rohrich then demonstrates his "top-down" injection technique, with recommendations for doses and depth of injection of the forehead, areas around the eyes, cheeks, corners of the mouth, the chin, and neck. His technique also includes the use of dermal fillers to treat "static" lines (not due to muscle movement) of the upper lip.

Patients can resume normal activities immediately after neuromodulator injection, although they should be careful not to massage the area after injection. The effects are temporary, lasting about three to four months.

While side effects and complications can occur, they are generally related to poor injection technique. Drs. Kordestani, Small, and Rohrich conclude: "Knowledge of facial anatomy, accurate facial analysis, and familiarity with neurotoxin characteristics will minimize complications and optimize results."

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Wolters Kluwer.

Click here to read "Advancements and Refinement in Facial Neuromodulators."

Article: "Advancements and Refinement in Facial Neuromodulators" (doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002569)

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About Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryFor more than 70 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (http://www.prsjournal.com/) 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 ASPSThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 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. About Wolters KluwerWolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services. Professionals in the areas of legal, business, tax, accounting, finance, audit, risk, compliance and healthcare rely on Wolters Kluwer's market leading information-enabled tools and software solutions to manage their business efficiently, deliver results to their clients, and succeed in an ever more dynamic world.

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