Short- and long-term dermal fillers are increasingly becoming popular treatment options for signs of facial aging. Complications, although not common, can be treated effectively and excellent outcomes achieved.

The use of botulinum toxin type A for facial enhancement is the most common cosmetic procedure currently undertaken in the United States. Overall clinical and study experience with botulinum toxin type A treatment for facial enhancement has confirmed that it is effective and safe in both the short and long term. Nevertheless, consistent guidelines representing the consensus of experts for aesthetic treatments of areas other than glabellar lines have not been published. Therefore, a panel of experts on the aesthetic uses of Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif.) was convened to develop consensus guidelines. This publication comprises the recommendations of this panel and provides guidelines on general issues, such as the importance of the aesthetic evaluation and individualization of treatment, reconstitution and handling of the botulinum toxin type A, procedural considerations, dosing and injection-site variables, and patient selection and counseling. In addition, specific considerations and recommendations are provided by treatment area, including glabellar lines, horizontal forehead lines, "crow's feet," "bunny lines" (downward radiating lines on the sides of nose), the perioral area, the dimpled chin, and platysmal bands. The review of each area encompasses the relevant anatomy, specifics on injection locations and techniques, starting doses (total and per injection point), the influence of other variables, such as gender, and assessment and retreatment issues. Factors unique to each area are presented, and the discussion of each treatment area concludes with a review of key elements that can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Summary tables are provided throughout.

Background: Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are routinely used for correction of soft-tissue volume loss and facial rejuvenation. Product differentiation has primarily been based on the rheologic parameter known as elastic modulus (G′), although other physicochemical properties are being explored to characterize potential product performance. As clinical data regarding product performance are lacking, the practical experience of injectors provides a valuable bridge in the knowledge gap between product rheologic data and product use. Methods: Rheologic and physicochemical measurements (swelling factor and cohesion) were collected for 18 products. To observe the impact of G′ and hyaluronic acid concentration on swelling factor and cohesion, proportional relationships were evaluated. Contributing authors were queried regarding their G′-based selection of products when considering skin quality, degree of correction, injection depth, and anatomical location. Results: Relationships were observable between G′ and swelling factor and G′ and cohesion only when limited to products manufactured by the same crosslinking technology and the same concentration. No relationship between isolated hyaluronic acid concentration and swelling factor or cohesion was apparent. Although rheological parameters and the assumptions of ex vivo data translating to in vivo performance are oftentimes not completely aligned, in the clinical experience of the authors, in general, higher G′ products are better suited for thicker skin and deeper injection planes, whereas lower G′ products are better for more superficial planes, although exceptions to these trends are also made based on technical experience. Conclusions: While rheologic and physicochemical characteristics can vary widely between products and the methods and measurements of these parameters are often difficult to correlate, G′ represents a useful and consistent parameter for product differentiation. Understanding how to select products based on G′ is valuable knowledge for customizing injection plans and contributes to an optimal aesthetic outcome.

Techniques for the administration of injectable fillers and neuromodulators for facial aesthetic rejuvenation and enhancement continue to evolve. As the number of physicians with limited experience in providing aesthetic treatments expands, the need for guidance and training from more experienced injectors has become apparent. The use of a slow, careful, and methodical injection technique is imperative in all treatment settings and for all facial areas. Constant attention to local anatomy, particularly arteries, veins, and nerve bundles, is critical for minimizing complications. This first article of a three-part series addresses techniques and recommendations for aesthetic treatment of the upper face. Traditionally, the upper face has been considered a basic area for treatment with neuromodulators but an advanced area for treatment with fillers. Injectable fillers may be used for temple volumization, eyebrow shaping, and forehead contouring. Neuromodulators are well suited for diminishing the appearance of dynamic facial lines such as forehead, glabellar, and crow's feet lines, and eyebrow lifting and eye-aperture widening. These techniques may be used independently or together, sequentially or concurrently, to address rejuvenation of individual or multiple facial regions. Overall, this series provides a practical framework of techniques for physicians who desire to perform safe and effective aesthetic treatments using a multimodal approach.

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This second article of a three-part series addresses techniques and recommendations for aesthetic treatment of the midface. Injectable fillers are important for rejuvenation of the midface by replacing lost volume and providing structural support; neuromodulators play a smaller role in this facial region. Fillers are used for volumization and contouring of the midface regions, including the upper cheek and lid-cheek junction and the submalar and preauricular areas. Also, treatment of the frontonasal angle, the dorsum, the nasolabial angle, and the columella may be used to shape and contour the nose. Neuromodulators may be used to treat bunny lines and for elevation of the nasal tip. The midface is considered an advanced area for treatment, and injectors are advised to obtain specific training, particularly when injecting fillers near the nose, because of the risk of serious complications, including blindness and necrosis. Injections made in the midcheek must be performed with caution to avoid the infraorbital artery.