By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Treatment Combinations – Power Duos and No-No’s
We get a lot of questions about which treatments can or should be completed in the same appointment.
Although there are no rules written in stone, we do have suggested sequencing to help you get the most effect and the longest effect from your procedures.
Top Power Duo: Ultherapy and Sculptra get the Thumbs Up
Ultherapy and Sculptra same day treatments. Why? The energy profiles of ultrasound at the 3 treatment depths start a powerful collagen building event. Sculptra is also based on collagen production, so the two work hand in hand with a synergistic action that is unparalleled. If they are both on your “to get” list, if you can do them together, you’ll see better results from both.
Same Day Duos: Relaxers and Fillers get the Thumbs Up
Dermal fillers and Botox (or Dysport or Xeomin) have always been teamed with one another. Why? The muscle relaxers help slow down filler breakdown – especially so with Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero when adjacent or same areas are treated with both filler and relaxer.
No-No #1: Botox same day with Fraxel or CO2 Laser Thumbs Down
Fraxel and CO2 lasers involve surface skin healing and we will seldom inject Botox at the same appointment as laser. If you plan to have Botox we suggest that you ideally have those injections a week or more before* laser treatments. *Botox will actually improve laser result as you are prevented from squinting and frowning during the healing process.
Exception: Botox injections immediately after Ultherapy, IPL or Thermage are not restricted.
No-No #2 : Fillers same day before Laser or other Heat-based Treatments Thumbs Down
Fillers should not be injected immediately before Ultherapy, Fraxel, CO2 Laser or Thermage. Why not? Superficially placed fillers may be impacted by the heat and not stand up as well. Filler placement AFTER these procedures are normally fine – but depending on your skin response, you may be advised to wait until any swelling subsides.
