Four recommendations for improving aesthetic outcomes

Combination therapies, such as fillers and neuromodulators, are becoming widespread. If you find yourself offering these paired procedures more often, it’s imperative you know how to complete them in the safest, most efficient ways possible.According to Arisa Ortiz, M.D., the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of California San Diego, says that means using combination therapies to address more than just singular issues.“As we learn how to better improve aesthetics, we’ve realized we need to take a global approach to patients rather than fixing one wrinkle or one aspect to give a more improved outcome,” Dr. Ortiz says. “But, you must do it safely.”In her presentation, “Combining Fillers & Neuromodulators with Energy-Based Devices” at the 2018 AAD Summer Meeting in Chicago, Ortiz offered guidance on how best to combine various treatments in ways that benefit patients the most.Overall, Dr. Ortiz says, correctly combining fillers, neuromodulators, and energy-based devices can give your patients more satisfying dermatological experience. Additionally, combination treatments can minimize a patient’s healing time because they only come in one day for procedures. Pairing services can also reduce the likelihood patients will endure more invasive treatments, such as face lifts, in the future, she says.“Combining therapies can give you superior clinical results,” she says. “But, it’s important to know how to do it safely.”REFERENCEArisa Ortiz, MD. “Combining filler/neuromodulators with energy-based devices.” American Academy of Dermatology 2018 Summer Meeting, Chicago, Ill. July 26, 1-4p.m.