The international standards Hands-on Workshop on “Botulinum Toxin, Hyaluronic Acid & Skin Boosters” was held on Saturday, November 23rd by ADV Cosmetics in collaboration with Cosmetic Derma Medicine Medical Group. The newest applications of Botox, not only on the forehead, midface and crow’s feet, but also on many different parts of the face, the “multimodal” hyaluronic acid that with the right application can “regenerate” the face and of course skin boosters, the much talked about new entries in aesthetic medicine, were the main topics of this interesting workshop that attracted the interest not only of doctors but also of journalists.
Hands-on Workshop: Communicating knowledge and technique
At the Cosmetic Derma Medicine Clinic in Athens, renowned physicians-trainers of the CDM Medical Group with many years of experience informed young physicians about less common techniques, new materials, advanced treatments and good practice in the application of facial injectable treatments. Participating physicians had the opportunity to see innovative applications and their techniques in practice, receive advice and training on real cases.
The theoretical part started with the presentation of the plastic surgeon Dr. Evangelos Soukos, who referred to the anatomy of the muscles and facial structures involved in injectable treatments, stressing that a thorough knowledge of them is essential to ensure the desired result and minimize the chances of adverse effects.
This was followed by the Scientific Director of Cosmetic Derma Medicine Medical Group, Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura, who focused on the applications of botulinum toxin in Aesthetic Medicine, the newest generation materials and treatment areas.
Botulinum toxin: The “unknown” areas of application
With over 3 million applications per year, botulinum toxin is the most popular aesthetic medicine treatment worldwide. But it is a mistake to believe that this treatment has given everything it has to offer: innovative formulations with proven results even in people over 65, new techniques and application areas open up a fan of possibilities for both practitioners and patients.
During her presentation entitled “Applications of botulinum toxin in Aesthetic Medicine”, Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura presented in detail the less widespread uses of botulinum toxin in the mid-face (nose, lips, nasolabial folds) and the lower third of the face (chin, marionette lines, chewing lines). As he explained, today botulinum toxin can be successfully applied to areas that until recently were outside of the available options, such as the lower face (sadness wrinkles, puffy wrinkles, chewing lines, muscular flattening wrinkles in the neck, crease elevation and upper lip eversion).
Two very interesting applications developed by Dr. Tsiatοura were that of Mesobotox/Microbotox, for smoothing fine wrinkles, improving acne, scars and keloids, reducing sweating and seborrhea, which appeals to all ages, and Trapezoid Botox or Barbie Botox, which gives the effect of a thinner neck but also relieves pain and tension in the neck and back.
Applications in these areas multiply the potential uses of botulinum toxin, which alone or in combination with other injectables such as hyaluronic acid or skin boosters, is indicated for different facial needs and raises the bar of treatment effectiveness.
Speaking about the “new” treatment points, Dr. Chiatura stressed that these applications should be performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons with extensive experience and a good knowledge of the anatomy of the area.
Hyaluronic acid: Polymorphic anti-aging material
Hyaluronic acid is one of the leading materials in Aesthetic Medicine with many different uses, not only in terms of injection sites but also in terms of its molecular weight which differentiates the application and the result. In her presentation entitled “Hyaluronic Acid: Applications in Aesthetic Medicine & Possible Complications” Dr. Sevasti Afantenou, Dermatologist – Venereologist & Scientific Manager Cosmetic Derma Medicine Glyfada and Rhodes, gave more information about this popular material and the new treatments based on its use.
As the doctor explained through her presentation, the areas of application and the desired treatment result depend directly on the classification, structure and size of the hyaluronic acid molecules and accordingly the needle or cannula injection is chosen. Thus it can be used as a filler to fill static wrinkles and scars, to enhance and replenish volume in areas such as the lips and cheekbones, and even for deep hydration and skin renewal as a mesotherapy or skin booster component.
As for its application as a filler, Dr. Afantenou pointed out that today it is used in many more places than in the past, on the face and body, covering different needs.
Skin boosters, collagen bio-stimulants and combination treatments
The theoretical part of the Workshop was concluded with the presentation of Dr. Konstantina Mamalis, Dermatologist – Venereologist and Deputy Scientific Director of Cosmetic Derma Medicine, entitled “Beyond Fillers”.
Dr. Mamali spoke at length about skin boosters, a new injectable “hybrid” treatment that combines the properties of mesotherapy and hyaluronic acid fillers and is used with impressive results for the face, neck, décolleté and body. Those present at the workshop listened with interest to the multiple benefits of the treatment, such as rejuvenation and reconstruction of the skin layers (thickening), stimulation of elasticity, deep hydration, correction of imperfections (expression wrinkles, dehydrated skin, acne scars, smoker’s lines) and prevention of the progression of the aging process. Dr. Mamali also presented eye boosters, a corresponding treatment with an innovative formulation that focuses on the eye area.
An important reference was made by the doctor to the treatments with collagen bio-stimulants, substances that stimulate the natural production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, resulting in the renewal, tightening and regeneration of the skin from within.
Finally, Dr. Mamali referred to polynucleotides that are currently distinguished as a cutting-edge treatment in dermatology practices with action supported by a volume of published scientific studies and abstracts. Evidence of treatment results show enhancement of skin hydration and natural tissue regeneration. Polynucleotides have also been found to fight free radicals, increase the lifespan and number of fibroblasts and enhance collagen production mechanisms – two building blocks that help to counteract sagging and improve skin elasticity.
The workshop concluded with the practical part where Cosmetic Derma Medicine’s physicians presented hands-on applications and techniques to patients, putting into practice the theoretical training they offered to the participants who, upon leaving, said they were excited by the opportunity to learn, solve questions and see the new application techniques in injectables.
