Dermal fillers and botox are both great non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments that can minimize signs of aging, but they are not the same. Most people assume that they work in a similar manner, but the truth is that fillers are very different from botox. So what’s the difference between dermal fillers and botox?
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers are cosmetic injectables that are injected below the skin to fill in lines and wrinkles, and restore volume to sunken areas. Fillers can also be used to augment the lips. Dermal fillers are uniquely formulated and vary in terms of density and texture, so particular fillers work better for specific areas of concern.
How dermal fillers work
There are a variety of dermal fillers on the market that target wrinkles on different areas of the face, and some last longer than others.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a popular category of fillers that can dramatically improve the appearance of the skin. HA is a substance that is naturally produced by the body, and helps keep the skin hydrated and flexible. It has the ability to attract and bind water molecules, and so it moisturizes the skin and adds volume.
As a result, HA fillers can soften the appearance of wrinkles and folds, and restore facial volume. In addition, studies have shown that after repeated treatments, HA fillers stimulate collagen production, so long-time users notice that they can go longer between treatments. Collagen is a protein that keeps the skin plump and youthful-looking.
The Juvederm collection of dermal fillers is widely used for facial rejuvenation and they can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specific filler used. Options include Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm Volbella, and Juvederm Vollure.
What is Botox?
Botox is a prescription only drug that is made from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It is used in cosmetics to smooth wrinkles. Botox specifically targets dynamic facial wrinkles that are formed because of muscle action associated with expressions such as laughing, squinting, and frowning. The repetitive movement of the underlying muscles gives rise to crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.
How botox works
Botox is a neurotoxin that is used to treat the underlying muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles to develop. It is injected into the muscle using a tiny needle and disrupts the signal normally sent from the nerves to the muscle, thereby preventing muscle contraction. Since the muscles don’t contract, the overlying skin softens over time, and this reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after botox, but this usually resolves quickly, so downtime is minimal. Botox typically lasts 3-6 months.
If you are considering botox or dermal filler injectable treatment, it’s best to have the procedure done by a physician with extensive knowledge of the facial musculature and nerves. This will ensure that the procedure is done safely and precisely.
What’s the difference between dermal fillers and botox?
Dermal fillers and botox can both reduce signs of aging, but they work in different ways.
Dermal fillers create a more youthful appearance by working beneath the skin’s surface to smooth out wrinkles and add volume to depressed areas such as the cheeks and temple area. Fillers are therefore more versatile than botox since they address both wrinkles and volume loss.
Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles, and when there is less muscle movement the existing wrinkles soften, and new wrinkles won’t develop.
Dermal fillers and botox are sometimes combined to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation, as they target different parts of the face. Fillers are usually used to treat the wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, and to augment the lips. However, botox targets wrinkles in the upper third of the face.
Whereas botox treats dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers improve static wrinkles that are visible even when the face is at rest.
Are you interested in facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers or botox?
If you are in the Nashville, TN area, contact Image Surgical Arts for more information.
Call (615) 436-5992 today to set up a consultation.