Facial ageing is a natural phenomenon and a compound effect of sun exposure, gravity, hormone variation, skeletal changes and chronological factors. Human face comprises different anatomical layers. It is a complex, multifaceted process wherein a change in any one layer also causes a cascade of changes to adjacent layers. The extrinsic skin ageing appears as pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, soft tissue volume loss leading to sagging of the face and neck. 

With ageing, there are multiple concerns, and therefore, dermatologists usually combine different treatments to address different issues. For example, a laser is going to work on the skin tone, but an injectable filler or botulinum toxin would work best on deep wrinkles or a chemical peel would be the best choice for age spots and sun damage, while a loss of facial volume is best fixed by a filler. 

Here are a few popular non-invasive combination treatments for one to consider:

Hydro-Oxy Facial with different acne peels: It is a specialised treatment that addresses multiple skin conditions. Unclog your pores, cleanse, exfoliate, and prepare your skin to be infused with hydrating serums. Treatments can help correct uneven skin tones, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This facial can be combined with different acne peels.

Powered IPL and chemical peeling: A combination of Intense Pulse Light technology (IPL) and chemical peel can be an effective treatment for various skin conditions such as dark spots, rosacea, and acne. Non-laser IPL technology is used to deliver a controlled amount of energy to the affected area, stimulating the production of collagen. When combined with a chemical peel tailored to the specific condition, this combination therapy can yield positive results. 

Black doll facial and peel: It is also called carbon facial or charcoal peel. A carbon laser facial is a superficial treatment that helps with acne, enlarged pores, oily skin, and uneven skin tone. Despite the name, a carbon laser peel is not a traditional chemical peel. Instead, dermatologists can add medicated peel according to the concern and requirement for the peeling effect.

Fusion facial and peel: Fusion facial is a uniquely luxurious facial treatment delivering immediate results. This treatment can be incorporated with a party or glow peel to reveal fresher, decongested skin and a smoother complexion. The hour-long facial restores a youthful glow by removing surface damage, replenishing the skin with antioxidants and stimulating collagen production through red LED light.

Super facelift and chemical peel: If looking to improve contour, tone, lifting and tightening without going under the knife, a super face lift may be a great option. Combining it with various party or glow peels will give a bright and fresh look at the same time.

Here are a few popular invasive combination treatments:

Combination of microneedling with PRP: This therapy involves creating tiny pricks into the dermis, which helps to increase the level of collagen and elastin giving glowing, smoother, smaller pores and tightened skin. PRP at the same time has the added advantage to fade dark spots and acne scars. 

Combination of dermal filler, botulinum toxin and dermal threads: When combining dermal fillers, botulinum toxin and dermal threads, patients experience results comparable to surgical facelifts. Dermal filler takes care of volume loss, botulinum toxin takes care of wrinkles, and dermal threads take care of sagging. Therefore, these address three main concerns of ageing when used in combination. Treating a crepey neck was always an area of concern, and the combination of hydrating filler, botulinum toxin and threads is a game-changer approach for neck rejuvenation.

Combining botulinum toxin with hybrid machines: In addition to smoothing wrinkles, botulinum toxin can be used to slim and contour the face. Radiofrequency with botulinum toxin has a synergistic result for the chiselled and contoured jawline. A combination of botulinum toxin with HIFU is also used for Australian flared brows.

Plasma pens with radiofrequency: Recently introduced cold helium plasma pens with radiofrequency energy help to resurface the skin by coagulating tissue. It reduces the appearance of sun damage and age spots, while also inducing tremendous tightening and lifting of the skin. 

When treatments are done in combination, we have several advantages. The patient requires fewer sessions, shortened downtime, synergistic effects, effective clinical results and increased patient satisfaction. As combination treatments require good clinical judgment, a skilled and specifically-trained board-certified cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon (especially for invasive procedures) should be chosen to perform the procedure.

About the author: Dr Sonia Tekchandani is a Consultant Dermatologist at Tender Skin International and has clinics in Mumbai and Pune. 

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.