When it comes to the world of beauty and the endless possibilities at our fingertips, we can’t help but take advantage of all the tried-and-true treatments that keep A-list celebrities looking young and youthful. In more recent years, there has been an increasing, widespread acceptance for cosmetic enhancement and anti-aging, as more individuals are taking control, not only over how they look, but how they feel. A younger, youthful appearance is no longer a product of traditional surgical procedures, like a facelift, as Botox and dermal fillers have become mainstream. But majority of patients don’t understand the true difference between the two, as Botox and fillers offer different uses for varying issues.
Botox Vs. Fillers
Both Botox and dermal fillers are extremely popular, making up more than 9 million procedures in the year 2015 alone, according to ASPS. However, their similarities end their. Many confuse the two, and although they both offer anti-aging benefits, they are extremely different.
What Is Botox?
Botox, a purified form of botulinum toxin derived from bacteria, is primarily used to help block nerve signals from repetitive muscle movement that cause fine lines and wrinkles. In 2002, Botox received FDA clearance to treat frown lines and has been safe and certified for medical and cosmetic treatment for decades.
Botox isn’t just limited to beauty. This product can also help treat a variety of issues such as:
- Chronic Migraines- experience 8-9 headaches a day
- Hyperhidrosis- excessive sweating
- Blepharospasms - abnormal muscle spasms in the eyelid
- Strabismus- misalignment of the eye
- Muscle Dystonia- involuntary muscle contractions resulting in slow, repetitive movements
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers, are primarily used to rejuvenate the skin, add fullness and volume, and reduce the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers are commonly confused with Botox as they can both be used to treat certain areas of the face, however, they serve two entirely different purposes. Where Botox reduces muscle activity, facial fillers work to fill in areas of the face with Hyaluronic Acid, stimulating growth in addition to adding volume to areas that have succumb to collagen depletion.
Dermal fillers are most commonly used in areas that have become thin and loose due to the natural aging process. As time goes on, the collagen in our body decreases, resulting in skin that is loose, dry and thinned out. As we get older, our skin lacks the necessary amount of Hyaluronic Acid needed for restoration. That’s where the beauty of fillers come in. Dermal fillers can be used to:
- Reshape or plump the lips
- Add volume to shallow hollows of the face
- Fill in fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes
- Soften or fill recessed scars
- Add volume to the cheeks
Botox Or Fillers: What’s Right For Me?
Choosing between Botox and Facial Fillers can be tricky, however, once you understand the difference and the benefits that each offer, you’ll be able to choose the right treatment that will suit your needs. Your specialist will also help guide you in the right direction, ensuring that what you’re looking to achieve is possible with injectables and, more specifically, will be the right option for you.
When it comes to dermal fillers vs. Botox, the two cannot be compared as they both offer different results for varying issues. Although the two are primarily used to improve your appearance by offering anti-aging benefits, they serve two different purposes; Botox is used best for temporary muscle paralyzation; Facial Fillers are used to add volume and fill in fine lines or wrinkles, resulting in a plump, fresh faced appearance.
