In recent years, combined anti-aging treatments have received increasing attention in the field of dermatological cosmetic medicine. The so-called "combined anti-aging" refers to the combined use of multiple anti-aging methods or products to delay or reverse the skin aging process through synergistic effects. Common combined anti-aging methods include hyaluronic acid filling, botulinum toxin injection, laser treatment, radiofrequency skin tightening, thread lifting, antioxidant injection, etc. This multiple combination therapy has become an important direction of modern medical cosmetic anti-aging treatment due to its significant comprehensive skin beauty effect. However, with the widespread popularity of its application, controversies about its safety and side effects have gradually attracted attention. This article will systematically explore the possible side effects of combined anti-aging therapy and analyze its causes, prevention strategies and risk control mechanisms.
1. Mechanisms and types of combined anti-aging treatments
The core concept of composite anti-aging is "multi-level, multi-target, and synergistic effect". The aging process is driven by multiple factors, including collagen loss, hyaluronic acid reduction, skin barrier damage, free radical oxidation, slowed cell metabolism, etc. A single treatment method is difficult to comprehensively deal with all aging factors. By combining multiple methods, it is possible to intervene at multiple levels simultaneously to enhance the anti-aging effect.
Common anti-aging combinations include:
Hyaluronic acid + Botox : Hyaluronic acid is used to fill depressions and improve facial contours, while Botox reduces dynamic wrinkles by relaxing muscles;
Radiofrequency/ultrasound + thread lifting : non-invasive skin tightening technology and absorbable threads work together to lift sagging areas;
Laser skin rejuvenation + antioxidant injection : improve skin quality while enhancing skin repair and antioxidant capabilities;
PRP autologous serum + collagen stimulator : stimulate the regeneration of autologous collagen and delay the aging of the dermis.
These technology combinations can be flexibly customized according to the patient's age, skin condition, aging type and other factors to achieve personalized and precise treatment effects .
2. Analysis of potential side effects of compound anti-aging
Although combined anti-aging therapies have achieved remarkable therapeutic effects in clinical practice, the multiple interventions involved also bring a higher possibility of overlapping risks, especially in the case of improper operation or unreasonable treatment design.
1. Overtreatment leading to skin stress reaction
Performing multiple anti-aging treatments at the same time or frequently in a short period of time may cause a stress response in the skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, dryness and peeling, increased sensitivity, etc. For example, injecting botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid immediately after laser treatment may cause the skin barrier to accept new interventions before it is repaired, inducing an inflammatory response.
2. Treatment conflicts may lead to the cancellation of therapeutic effects or increase risks
There are conflicts in treatment logic between some anti-aging methods. For example, radio frequency treatment immediately after hyaluronic acid filling may cause the filling material to be decomposed faster by heat energy, thereby shortening the maintenance time ; or the use of active high-concentration antioxidants immediately after microneedle treatment may cause irritant dermatitis . Therefore, unreasonable treatment design is an important cause of side effects of combined treatment.
3. Increased risk of local complications
The combined operation of different techniques increases the problems of overlapping injection sites, repeated needle holes, and accumulated tissue trauma , thereby increasing the incidence of local complications. For example:
Congestion and swelling : Due to frequent vascular puncture, local congestion is more obvious;
Induration and nodules : uneven deposition of material, forming palpable or visible nodules;
Increased risk of infection : Multiple treatments cause cumulative damage to the skin barrier, increasing the chance of bacterial invasion.
4. Allergic or immune reactions caused by individual differences
Certain combined treatments require the use of exogenous materials, such as peptides, collagen, PRP, hyaluronic acid, etc. Different individuals have different immune tolerance to them, which may cause delayed allergic reactions, erythema, edema, and even skin necrosis , especially "compound injections" that have not been formally approved, which have higher risks.
5. Stiff and asymmetrical facial expressions
When Botox injections and facial contouring are performed simultaneously, if muscle distribution and expression mechanics are not accurately assessed, it can easily lead to the absence of expression forehead wrinkles on one side while they are still obvious on the other side, or the appearance of "unnatural smile" and "stiff eyes".
3. Cause Analysis and Risk Control Strategies of Side Effects
1. Doctor’s experience and technical operation are key
Combined anti-aging treatments must be performed by professional doctors with anatomical knowledge and experience in integrating multiple technologies . Otherwise, it is very easy to cause adverse reactions due to improper dosage, wrong levels or improper techniques.
2. Evaluate systemic and individualized treatment options
Before treatment, the doctor should conduct a detailed facial assessment, skin test and medical history investigation , and develop a clear treatment rhythm and sequence. Highly traumatic and irritating projects should not be performed at the same time , and a reasonable recovery period and transition stage should be set.
3. Strictly follow product source and usage regulations
Choose regular injection products and equipment approved by the National Drug Administration, avoid using "three-no" products, and all treatment records should be traceable, including batch number, brand, injection dosage, etc.
4. Establish a complete postoperative management mechanism
Postoperative management includes anti-inflammatory and repair care, regular follow-up evaluation, and emergency treatment of complications . Some procedures such as thread lifting and laser surgery require avoiding sun exposure and using anti-allergic and repairing topical medications in a timely manner to reduce the risk of inflammation.
5. Advance notification and informed consent
Patients should be fully informed of possible side effects and coping plans, and sign an informed consent form to reflect information equality and clear responsibilities between doctors and patients.
4. Typical side effect cases and implications
Case 1: Severe redness, swelling and fever after injection
A 35-year-old woman developed severe facial redness and swelling with mild fever within 24 hours after a combined injection of hyaluronic acid and PRP. Testing revealed that she was allergic to a certain PRP solvent component, which was later relieved by antihistamine and anti-inflammatory treatment. This suggests that allergy assessment should be fully performed when using multiple biological agents in combination.
Case 2: Asymmetric contour
A 42-year-old man developed mild facial asymmetry after receiving hyaluronic acid cheekbone augmentation and botulinum toxin face slimming treatment, with one cheekbone higher and one masseter muscle atrophy obvious. Postoperative follow-up analysis showed that this was due to inaccurate allocation of the injection volume. The implication is that facial muscle strength and volume balance should be considered simultaneously during combined injection.
Case 3: Local nodule formation
During a thread-lifting + hyaluronic acid lifting treatment, the patient felt a small lump on the cheek one month after the operation. Ultrasound examination showed that it was a nodule formed by hyaluronic acid retention, which was resolved after hyaluronidase injection. This suggests that multi-technique combination should avoid overlapping injection of fillers and foreign bodies in the same area.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
As an important trend in the field of modern medical beauty, composite anti-aging treatment has the advantage of achieving multiple effects and personalized treatment, but it is also accompanied by higher technical challenges and risks of side effects. Inappropriate combination or excessive treatment may cause skin inflammation, facial stiffness, infection, nodules, allergies and other problems. To carry out composite anti-aging safely and effectively, it is necessary to rely on the evaluation and operation of professional physicians, reasonable treatment rhythm design, selection of regular materials and comprehensive postoperative care management . For those who seek beauty, they should look at the effects and potential risks of anti-aging treatment rationally, and do not blindly pursue "quick effects" or "multi-effects", but should formulate a scientific, safe and gradual anti-aging plan under professional guidance.