What are the main differences between Botox injections and fillers?

Table of contents

• Botox
• Dermal Fillers
• Determining what I should have
• More details about the components of Botox and Fillers
• Side Effects of Botox and Fillers

Botox

(Botulinum toxin A) is a muscle relaxant. It has been use for over 25 years in hospital situations. The muscles most commonly relaxed with Botox for cosmetic reasons, are the frown lines between the eye brows and the laughter lines around the eyes.

Relaxing the muscles with Botox using tiny amounts injected into the muscle, means that the muscles can't contract forming the lines and creases. Botox between the eye brows results in a smoother appearance taking away that worried or angry look. Botox round the eyes takes away the severe creases called crows feet.

Botox can be used to soften lines or take them away completely depending on the look you would like.

Many clients like the new fresh and happy look which helps them feel more confident.

It is important to have an experience health professional to do the treatments and it is very important to discuss the look you would like to achieve.

The treatment is quick and there is no down time. Occasionally there may be a small bruise which is easily covered by make up and will resolve in a few days. The result takes a few days to appear.

Botox lasts from three to six months before needing to be repeated.

Dermal Fillers

Filler is usually a liquid gel made from Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in the skin and so has a natural affinity with the product. There are many brands of filler and it is important that only reputable brands are used as they have been refined and tested world wide and are very safe to use.

Filler is injected under the skin immediately giving volume, filling out deeper creases and wrinkles. It is often called the lunch time face lift as the effect is immediate and the only side effect can be a little bruising which is easily covered by make up, or slight swelling which usually goes down overnight.

The areas usually treated with filler are the deep lines from nose to mouth, the lines from mouth to chin and also cheeks which have lost collagen. Filler can also bee used for lips. The softer natural look is very popular today.

The gel replaces lost collagen and recreates a younger fuller face which has been lost due to aging. Many clients feel 10 years younger as the sagging areas have been rejuvenated, filled and lifted.

Most clients report feeling much more confident and happy with the results

Determining what I should have

Botox works on muscles to reduce wrinkles and filler creates volume to plump up sagging skin and wrinkles. Both treatments have a place and need to be used appropriately. Your experienced Health Professional can guide you in choosing the correct procedure to give to the results you are looking for.

Deciding what is best for you should be undertaken with a thorough consultation with your Health Professional and you should only decide to commit when you feel very comfortable with the decision you make.

More details about the components of Botox and Fillers

Botox and derma fillers mark among the most popular and commonly requested cosmetic procedures available in the world of plastic surgery. Compared to more invasive and physically taxing plastic surgeries such as face lifts, facial fillers provide instant results for less money and less risk. There is virtually no recovery period and the results are temporary that last between four and six months. If you are dissatisfied you won't feel permanently trapped or full of regret.

The increasing variety and surge of brand name derma fillers have many people confused over the specifications of the products. Although they generally have the same purpose-facial rejuvenation by means of filling wrinkles and plumping hollow areas - there are some differences. Potential patients should not only consult with a cosmetic surgeon about the various possibilities and products available but should independently research these brand names in order to ensure the desired results.

Although not considered a filler, Botox is the most popular injectable facial treatment currently on the market and the most well-known too. Rather than filling in wrinkles, it uses a naturally occurring neurotoxin to paralyze the muscle that creates the unwanted facial lines.

It is most commonly used for the crow's feet (wrinkles around the eyes), forehead furrows, and frown lines. It is also one of the only injectables used to treat excessive sweating of the forehead, feet and underarms by blocking the pores.

Side Effects of Botox and Fillers

The risks and side effects of Botox are mild and rare. In extreme cases, some patients have complained of having a "frozen" expression that looks plastic and unnatural, which is why it is important to use the product in moderation and have the procedure performed by a highly skilled surgeon or aesthetician to ensure a natural outcome.

Other risks include bleeding, extended swelling, bruising, and tenderness. In extreme cases, eyelid droop has been known to occur when excessive Botox is injected into a single area near the eyes. It can cause difficulty blinking and mild discomfort; however, as the Botox fades, the problem will correct.

Restylane, a derma filler, is made from hyaluronic acid, which causes the skin to plump once injected. It is commonly used in deep folds such as the nasiolabial lines, as well as finer wrinkles. Radiesse is a similar product, except it is made primarily a from calcium-based microsphere that adds volume to the skin.

It is versatile, filling in not only facial lines but hollow areas below the eyes and around the cheeks. It is also one of the few derma fillers that have been known to last up to one year, as well as increase the body's natural collagen production, which means fewer products are needed with each subsequent visit.

Both Restylane and Radiesse have few risks involved. In rare cases, people have allergic reactions. If you have many allergies or sensitive skin, you may want to discuss options with a cosmetic surgeon and have a small, concealable area of your skin spot tested before committing to the procedure.

Extended bruising and swelling are generally the only concerns and in some cases irritated red bumps may develop, but usually subside within a week. Whichever you choose - Botox, Restylane, or Radiesse, be sure to visit with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon or certified aesthetician to administer any treatment.