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In recent years, BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers have increasingly asserted their dominance in the cosmetic world. These non-surgical injectables are used to eliminate the signs of aging skin, revealing a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance.
It’s not uncommon to see individuals conflicted on whether to go for BOTOX® Cosmetic or fillers in their quest to reverse the effects of facial aging. And, unfortunately, due to social media and other similar platforms, these terms are often (and incorrectly) used interchangeably.
While these two types of injectables seem similar, the truth is they are very different and cannot be used to treat the same problem. BOTOX® Cosmetic (along with the similar product Dysport®) and dermal fillers tackle different problem areas in very different ways, so it is important to know what these injectables are and how they work in order to make the right decision.
What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are derived from botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator that blocks the action of facial nerves, relaxing the muscle tension on the skin. They address fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated or excess muscle movement (dynamic lines), including crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal lines on the forehead, and furrows between the brows.
When injected, these products temporarily paralyze the facial muscles, resulting in reduced activity in the treated area. When the muscles relax, there is reduced motion and a lifting effect that helps eliminate moderate to severe wrinkles and furrows.
A typical neuromodulator treatment takes less than 15 minutes, with results that last three to four months.
What Are Facial Fillers?
As you age, your skin loses volume and elasticity, causing facial lines, wrinkles, and depleted facial areas (like the cheeks and tear troughs). Fillers restore facial volume by physically adding fullness and/or stimulating collagen production. They are available in different consistencies and forms (such as hyaluronic acid or calcium) for use in different areas.
Depending on the type of filler, they may be used to enhance shallow areas on the face, plump thin lips, or soften static wrinkles.
Facial fillers are injected in under an hour and can last anywhere from nine months to two years (depending on the filler).
How Do I Choose the Best Injectable for My Needs?
The simple rule in determining which treatment is best for your needs is understanding the type of wrinkles you have.
BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® is needed for dynamic wrinkles, which occur when making an expression, e.g., frowning, squinting, raising your eyebrows, etc.
Facial fillers are ideal for static wrinkles, those that are visible even when your face is relaxed or at rest. Unlike dynamic wrinkles that are brought out by facial movement, static lines develop due to the aging and thinning of the skin. This occurs naturally and increases with sun damage, smoking, unhealthy lifestyles, etc.
While BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® can be used on the lower portion of the face to minimize expression-causing wrinkles, they are more commonly used on the upper part of the face, where minimized movement is not as noticeable and, therefore, not as important.
On the other hand, dermal fillers are commonly used on the lower two-thirds of the face because they restore volume (and minimize wrinkles) without interfering with the muscles.
Some patients only get dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic; others do a combination of both treatments to promote a lifted and youthful-looking appearance.
Interested in Learning More?
Contact us today by calling our Folsom office at (916) 984-8585, our Stockton office at (209) 464-5656, or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our Medi Spa to determine which treatment option is best suited for your needs.
