Everything you need to know about Botox vs fillers
The world of injectables can be confusing. This is especially true if you’re a novice. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Xeomin, relax the underlying muscles that cause certain wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, by temporarily blocking signals from nerves. Dermal fillers, including Juvéderm and Revanesse, on the other hand, restore hyaluronic acid that’s found in the body naturally, restoring shape and volume to areas of the face. While both combat signs of aging, there are some important differences between Botox and dermal fillers, and both treat different kinds of dermatological issues.
The ins and outs of Botox
Botox, like dermal fillers, is an injectable medication that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But unlike dermal fillers, it temporarily relaxes facial muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles to form. Botox consists of botulinum toxin, a natural protein that attaches to nerve endings to prevent muscles from contracting.
Botox is only effective on dynamic lines and wrinkles. These are lines and wrinkles that occur when your face forms expressions, such as smiling or frowning. Botox is effective on a variety of dynamic wrinkles, including frown lines, and crow’s feet. Results tend to last a few months, and then you’ll need to have another treatment done.
Botox can also be used as a preventative method. If you start Botox early enough (i.e., in your 20s and 30s), you can atrophy the facial muscles, weakening them, which prevents dynamic wrinkles from forming in the first place.
Most people don’t experience significant side effects with Botox. You might encounter some slight bruising and swelling after a treatment, but this is only temporary. You’ll also be able to resume your normal activities by the next day. You’ll notice results within a few days after treatment, and results can last up to three to four months, depending on the dosage you received.
All about dermal fillers
While Botox is used to treat dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers typically treat static ones. These are lines and wrinkles that are present when you’re not forming facial expressions. They occur when collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid found in the body decrease with age. Dermal fillers can help improve the appearance of your skin by lifting and smoothing wrinkles and folds, creating more volume.
Most dermal fillers, like Juvéderm and Revanesse, are made from naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. When injected into lines, wrinkles, and folds, they help to draw moisture into the area. This reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. Juvederm and other dermal fillers can also enhance the size and shape of lips as well as add volume to cheeks— they aren’t just for treating wrinkles!
You’ll notice results immediately after treatment, and results can last up to 2 years, depending on the specific product used. Effects gradually soften over time, so you won’t notice a dramatic change as the dermal filler wears off.
Botox and dermal fillers actually complement each other
Because Botox and dermal fillers treat different types of lines, wrinkles, and folds, they actually complement one another. Combining Botox and dermal fillers helps treat multiple areas of the face and different aesthetic goals simultaneously.
Want to learn more about Botox and fillers? Visit the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatology clinic, LaserAway, here.
References
- “Botox vs. Fillers: Here’s Everything You Need to Know,” Marie Claire, August 23, 2018.
- “Botox vs. Fillers: Which One is Better for You?,” Byrdie, August 28, 2015.
