- Do you want to look youthful?
- Do you want to eliminate and prevent the early signs of aging?
- Are you looking for a non-surgical option to achieve youthful looks?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you have come to the right place. We all want to preserve our youthful look for as long as possible and with as little trouble as possible. That often calls for a non-surgical option that will zap away the signs of aging and make us look fresh and rejuvenated, minus all the downtime and recovery.
The popularity of injectables has been on the rise for over a decade. While Botox still secures position number one, dermal fillers also fight for the spot. Either way, choosing the right one for you is a matter of pressing concern. Knowing the differences between the two, the pros and cons, and taking the expert’s opinion into account will help you decide. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into the article.
Botox
Botox is a brand name for anti-wrinkle injections, aka botulinum neurotoxin. There are four FDA-approved neurotoxins available; Dysport, Xeomin, Botox, and Jeaveau. Botox essentially works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles to prevent and smooth out fine lines that are caused by continuous facial expressions and age.
Apart from the cosmetic uses, Botox has plenty of non-surgical benefits. Migraines, treatment of excessive sweating, and prevention of grinding jaw are a few most popular functional uses. Botox typically starts to show its magic between 2 days and a week based on an individual’s reaction to the toxin.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers essentially treat the wrinkles and fine lines on the face. They are primarily used to target fine lines and plump up your cheeks and lips. Sometimes, they are also used to minimize the appearance of scars. They aren’t suitable for use in other body areas, though.
Dermal fillers come in different types. The effects of the fillers are temporary and used primarily for soft tissues in the face along the smile lines. FDA has approved the following options: calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse; a gel solution that lasts for 18 months), collagen (last for 4 months), hyaluronic acid (the effects typically last for 6 to 12 months), poly-L-lactic acid (manufactured fillers that last for two years), and polymethylmethacrylate beads (permanent fillers).
What can Botox/Dermal Fillers Correct?
Botox
- Botox minimizes the look of your wrinkles and fine lines.
- Botox prevents the formation of new wrinkles.
- It can reduce the look of your wrinkles on the forehead, frown lines, mouth, chin, and crow’s feet.
- It can work to treat many medical conditions such as migraines, bladder dysfunction, and muscle contractures.
- It works amazingly well if you have a lazy eye.
- Botox also corrects cobblestone skin on the chin.
Dermal Fillers
- Dermal fillers eliminate the signs of aging and make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
- They address fine lines and wrinkles.
- Dermal fillers minimize skin depressions and scars.
- They work amazingly well to add volume to certain areas of your face.
- Dermal fillers work wonders against under-eye hollows.
Risks and Consideration for Botox/Dermal Fillers
Whether invasive or non-invasive, every cosmetic treatment carries a certain degree of risk. Let’s explore the risks and concerns associated with Botox/Dermal Fillers:
Botox
For starters, Botox is only recommended for people in good health to curb the side effects. Some of the possible side effects of Botox include bruises at the injection site, droopy eyelids, redness in the eyes accompanied by irritation, and headaches. It is good to get eye drops before receiving Botox injections.
Moreover, you need to stop taking blood thinners a few days before getting Botox to prevent bruising. It is not recommended for you if you are pregnant, lactating, have weak facial muscles, deal with skin problems such as thick skin and scars, have multiple sclerosis or deal with another neuromuscular disease.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have more risks as compared to Botox. Severe side effects, however, are a rare occurrence. Moderate side effects will typically go away in one or two weeks. Serious adverse effects are typically caused by unregulated, needle-free injection devices for dermal filler procedures. Make sure you go to a licensed medical professional who administers dermal fillers using only FDA-approved fillers injected with the help of a syringe.
Some side effects associated with dermal fillers include allergic reaction, infection, redness, itching, bruising, sores, and scarring. It is important to get allergy testing done before getting dermal fillers. You can utilize ice packs to help with numbness and swelling post dermal fillers.
All in all, dermal fillers are not recommended if you smoke. Botox injections only work best if you are overall in good health.
Results
Results of Botox
Most people will start to see the effects of Botox in about three to four days after getting an injection.
However, complete results can take 10 to 14 days after the treatment. For most patients, the results of Botox will last for 3 to 4 months. Post that, you have to get the treatment redone.
Results of Dermal Fillers
You will see an immediate difference in your appearance upon the injection of the filler. It can take a few weeks to see the complete results of the treatment. Based on dermal fillers, the results can last anywhere from six to eighteen months.
Availability, Cost, and Procedure
Both Botox and fillers are widely accessible and available through specialists. These are relatively simple procedures that can be done in the professional’s clinic after proper consultation. Both of these procedures aren’t covered by insurance. Although, you can discuss financing and payment options with your healthcare provider.
Botox
Botox injections can be administered by healthcare providers who specialize in treating any part of the face. Most dermatologists, ophthalmologists, cosmeticians, and plastic surgeons offer this service. One of the most significant advantages of Botox is that they are safe for most people and don’t involve any recovery time. It is also a relatively affordable option. The average session will cost you around $500 based on the number of areas being treated, the service provider’s experience and expertise, and your geographical location.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are typically done by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and certified healthcare providers. The cost of the fillers varies significantly based on the type of the filler, no of units, experience and expertise of the service provider, treatment goals, and your geographical location. Expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2000 per treatment.
Please note that this is just an estimate. The actual cost may look very different based on the factors mentioned above.
Key Differences
In summary, the key differences between Botox and fillers are:
Botox essentially freezes your muscles to stop the creasing and wrinkle formation caused by facial expressions. It is typically used to treat signs of aging on the upper half of the face, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
Dermal fillers are used to fill in or plump up the areas on the face that have lost volume and smoothness. Dermal fillers are primarily used to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They can also be used to treat forehead wrinkles, scars, and other areas that could benefit from the added volume.
The results of Botox will last for 3 to 4 months. The results of dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years based on the type of filler.
Botox and fillers are different substances and have other uses. There are times when both of these treatments are combined to achieve better results. It essentially depends on the requirement of the patient.
Final Takeaway
Both dermal fillers and Botox are fantastic procedures to linger on to your youthful looks for longer. Both are non-surgical treatments and carry very low risks when performed by an experienced and skilled service provider.
The choice between the two can only be made once you book a consultation with an experienced service provider. Based on your aesthetic goals, the current state of your skin, and your health, the service provider will be able to recommend a suitable option.
The results of both these treatments are not permanent, and you need constant upkeep to maintain the results. We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any more questions or wish to with one of our experts, simply reach out to us.
