Botox vs. Fillers: Which is Better For You?
Difference Between Botox and Fillers
Are you considering Botox vs. fillers but not sure which is right for your specific skin concerns? While Botox and fillers are both minimally invasive injections used to treat signs of aging, that’s about as similar as they get. Despite having a similar end goal in mind, Botox vs. fillers work in different ways.
What is Botox?
Botox is a cosmetic procedure that can improve your appearance by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox injections paralyze the underlying facial muscles from moving, which stops more fine lines from forming.
So, how does it work? Botox blocks your nerves’ chemical signal that tells your muscles to contract.
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin, which is a microbe that causes botulism (a rare type of food poisoning). Although Botox was the first to use botulinum toxin, they aren’t the only drug that currently does. Dysport and Xeomin are two examples of injectables that work similarly to Botox.
What Can Botox Correct?
Over time, we all get wrinkles created by repeated muscle movements in the face area — also known as “expression lines.” These dynamic wrinkles are caused by expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting over time. The good news? Botox can correct that.
Botox injections are used to temporarily lessen the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes, forehead creases, and lines between your eyebrows. For best results, you’ll need to come back for a touch-up around every three to four months.
Some people also get Botox injections for non-cosmetic reasons, such as easing the symptoms that come with certain conditions. If you’re suffering from neck spasms, excessive sweating, or chronic migraines, Botox may be recommended by your doctor.
Botox Side Effects and Considerations
Botox is an incredibly safe procedure that has been used in cosmetic medicine for over 20 years. When done by a qualified professional, you should experience very few side effects. The most common are light bruising and swelling around the injection site.
However, some people with existing conditions will be at a greater risk for possible side effects, such as pregnancy. Your doctor should always go over your medical history and skin concerns with you beforehand.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler treatments work by filling in static wrinkles to replace lost volume that naturally happens over time. These static wrinkles are fine lines caused by a loss of collagen as we age. When it comes to Botox vs fillers, the effects of dermal fillers often last longer than Botox injections.
There are a variety of different fillers on the market, but one of the most common is Hyaluronic Acid, which is a natural component of our skin. Brands like Restylane, Juvederm, and Bolotero are hyaluronic fillers that can help you achieve that desirable smooth, plump look for anywhere between 5-24 months.
On the other hand, there are brands like Radiesse which is made up of calcium hydroxyapatite. If you have deep lines and lines that need filling (like nasolabial folds), then Radiesse is a great option that usually lasts between 12-14 months.
What Can Dermal Fillers Correct?
Dermal fillers are most commonly used to correct sagging or loss of plumpness in the face, neck, and jowl area. They can be used for a variety of cosmetic reasons, ranging from enhancing the lips to reducing the appearance of recessed scarring to filling in shallow areas on the face.
If you’d like to improve the look of sleep wrinkles, laugh lines, lip lines, or any deep folds from the undereye down, then dermal filler treatments are the way to go.
Dermal Fillers Risks and Considerations
Just like Botox, dermal fillers are safe when performed by trained and certified professionals. They have been performed on millions of men and women around the world. However, there are always some mild risks to consider with any minimally invasive treatment, such as bruising, swelling, or itching.
While dermal fillers can help most people achieve a more youthful rejuvenated look, keep in mind that they aren’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid getting them in any areas where you have a fungal infection or active acne. If you have cold sores (even if inactive), getting fillers injected into the lips can cause the virus to flare up.
Botox vs. Fillers: Which Is Better?
If you’re considering Botox vs. fillers, always opt for Botox to smooth fine lines of expression and prevent deep-set wrinkles from forming.
On the other hand, if you want to add volume to the lines at rest (aka muscles that aren’t contracting), fillers are the solution. A great example of a skin concern needing fillers is frown lines that are still noticeable even with a resting facial expression.
The Final Takeaway
When weighing the option of Botox vs. fillers, remember that they’re both effective. The most important factor is choosing the best option for your skin concern. A trained professional is the best person to advise you.
Are you ready for beautiful, youthful-looking skin? Book a consultation with Skin Technique today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Difference Between Fillers and Botox?
In short, yes. The difference between Botox and fillers is Botox paralyzes the facial muscles and smooths wrinkles. Fillers, on the other hand, fill in deep-set wrinkles.
What is Better Botox or Fillers?
Botox is better for tackling fine lines like crow’s feet, while fillers are incredible for restoring lost volume, such as smile lines.
Which Lasts Longer: Botox or Filler?
Dermal fillers usually last between nine months to two years, while most people see results from Botox lasting between three to four months.