{"id":21812,"date":"2022-01-18T13:10:24","date_gmt":"2022-01-18T21:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=21812"},"modified":"2023-10-17T16:08:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T23:08:37","slug":"microneedling-botox-filler-into-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/microneedling-botox-filler-into-skin","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Microneedling Botox and Filler Into the Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article has been medically reviewed for accuracy by Plano, TX facial plastic surgeon Dr. Vu Ho<\/a><\/em> on March 11, 2022<\/em>.<\/p>

Botox<\/a> and hyaluronic acid filler<\/a> injections are minimally invasive, require little to no downtime, and deliver consistently predictable results—what more could you ask for? One could say there’s no need to mess with a good thing, although a growing trend of using both Botox and fillers more superficially, “stamping” or microneedling them into the skin via treatments such as Aquagold<\/a> and SeruGlow MD<\/a>, is increasing in popularity. Turns out, these (off-label) uses can offer some very real benefits different from those that come with traditional injection techniques. Here’s what you need to know.<\/p>

The benefits of superficial neurotoxin are wide-ranging and extensive<\/h2>

Traditionally, neurotoxin is injected deep into the muscle, where it inhibits the neurotransmitters that cause muscle contractions and, ultimately, wrinkles. With Aquagold, SeruGlow MD, or manual superficial Botox injections, you’re injecting into the intradermal layer, right above<\/em> the muscle, says Dr. Amelia Hausauer<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Campbell, California. This won’t have an effect on facial movement or wrinkles but will do several other things, including decreasing oiliness and constricting blood vessels that cause redness, she explains. The same mechanism of action is responsible; it’s just happening in a different place in the skin. The Botox acts on the neurotransmitters that are responsible for vasoconstriction and weakens the muscle connected to the pilosebaceous unit, to decrease oil production, says Dr. Hausauer.<\/p>

And while the almost immediate wrinkle-smoothing effects of traditional Botox injections are well known, some data indicates that superficial use may have some long-term effects on skin quality as well. Dr. Hausauer cites one study<\/a> that found it increases the activity of fibroblasts, to stimulate collagen production. Similarly, she’s found superficial Botox injections to be beneficial for her patients dealing with hypertrophic scars and keloids. “It’s changing cell signaling and helping to control genes, for proper cell organization and function,” she says.<\/p>

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Superficial hyaluronic acid filler is already widely used in Europe<\/h2>

New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank<\/a> says the entire concept of using injectables more superficially started in Europe, where there’s  already a product dedicated for this purpose; Profhilo<\/a> is a very dilute form of hyaluronic acid that’s injected into the top layer of the skin, and it should eventually be making its way to the U.S. market, he says. Dr. Hausauer adds that Juvéderm Volite, a similar injectable that’s already widely available in other parts of the world,<\/a> will also likely be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) soon.<\/p>

As is the case with neurotoxin, the results of superficial hyaluronic acid filler injections are very different from the traditional ones. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant that plumps the skin. By placing it into the very top layers, it can improve skin quality and create more of a reflective glow,” explains Dr. Frank. “We’re not talking about volumizing or building structure—we’re talking about complexion enhancement,” adds Dr. Hausauer. “It can help with hydration, creating a suppleness and pillowiness to the skin.”<\/p>

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