Botox Vs Filler: A Complete Guide
Cosmetic and aesthetic treatments have grown immensely
and so has their demand. For Wrinkle treatment, many options are available like
over-the-counter products and some turn up to their healthcare providers
for long-lasting and better results.
Botox and dermal fillers are both cosmetic treatments
using injection and are long-lasting treatments. The similarity in both
includes, both are for wrinkles and minimally invasive. Despite these two major
similarities, both have several differences which need to be considered while
choosing your area of treatment.
What is Botox?
Botox, a purified form of the Botulinum Toxin, and a self
muscle relaxer are obtained from bacteria. A regulated amount of Botox to
correct the fine lines or wrinkles has been used for decades now.
Botox is also used for neurological ailments like muscle
weakness, treat migraines, and other medical conditions as well.
Botox generally is used for lines and wrinkles that occur
with expressions or animations, also known as dynamic lines. These lines are
created, for instance, when you cry, your forehead gets parallel lines like 11
number, or when you smile you get the crow’s feet or lines around the mouth or
eyes, and when you worry or tense you get horizontal lines across the forehead.
With age, these dynamic lines become more noticeable.
How does Botox Works?
Botox and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are
also known as neuromodulators or neurotoxins.
Botox temporarily weakens or freezes the muscles. Botox
injections block the nerve signals of the muscles and which eventually,
temporarily paralyzes or freezes the muscles and relaxes them near these
wrinkles. With the obstructed movement of these selected facial muscles, the
appearance of the dynamic wrinkles is reduced, softened, or sometimes even
removed.
Botox is not used for static lines or fine lines caused
by collagen breakdown.
The dermatologists inject the muscles that contribute to
the specific wrinkles that need to be treated. The botox injection process
takes two to three minutes and you can expect noticeable results within 2
weeks.
Botox treatment requires repetitive sessions (depending
on your treatment, generally it lasts for 3-4 months) for effective results of
reducing wrinkles.
What are Dermal
Fillers?
Just like Botox, dermal fillers are also injectables and
treat wrinkles on the face. Dermal fillers, sometimes also called soft tissue
fillers, add volume and fullness after getting injected beneath the surface of
the skin.
Fillers are largely used for eliminating static lines,
that occur due to sun damage, smile lines, when there’s collagen breakdown due
to age, and also to fill lost volume on the face, lips, undereye, and wherever
the fat has been lost. Ther are designed to reduce wrinkle appearance, provide
volume, contour and revitalize the skin.
How does dermal filler works?
Dermal filler, using a cannula or a needle, inject a
gel-like substance into the targeted areas of the face. The filler then fills
the skin to restore the lost volume, smoothens the lines and wrinkles, plumps
the skin from inside out, works in the areas where fat and protein have lost and reduced skin elasticity.
Fillers are of various temporary or permanent materials.
Some common fillers are-
– Hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane, Juvederm,
and Belotero. These come in different thicknesses and last 5 to 24 months.
– Another type is composed of Calcium Hydroxyapatite, Allergan
fillers like Radiesse are suitable for deep filling and last about 12 to 14
months.
What are the side
effects of Botox and Fillers?
Like all medical treatments, the facial aesthetic
treatment also comes with certain side effects. For any procedure, be it Botox
or dermal fillers, you must discuss with your healthcare provider for all
possible outcomes and concerns.
Botox side effects –
Botox is generally recommended for people with good
health for reduced side effects. If you have a skin allergy, skin diseases, or
if your face muscles are comparatively weaker or even if you are pregnant, have
second thoughts before considering Botox. Consult your dermatologist/
physician/ healthcare prior is recommendable.
Possible concerns or side effects associated with botox
are –
– mild to moderate headache
– pain, bruising, swelling, numbness at the site of
treatment
– rashes, itching
– redness or irritation in the eye
– if injected near the eye, can cause drooping eyelids
– nausea, weakness
– flu-like signs, dry mouth
– sometimes blurry or diminished vision
Some healthcare providers recommend using eye drops
before the treatment for reduced concerns and also do not rub or continuously
touch the area post-treatment. Consult your dermatologists immediately if you
experience severe side effects.
Dermal Fillers side
effects
Dermal fillers have side effects that are mild to
moderate and go away within a few weeks. Severe side-effects in this type of
treatment are rare, but it’s always recommended to get your allergy testing
before. However, the person who smokes must avoid fillers, and also is
recommended for good health in general.
Only FDA-approved dermal fillers must be used by your
healthcare professionals.
Some possible side effects are –
– Bruising, numbness, scarring
– Rednessness, itching,
– Skin infecting, rashes, pimple-like bumps
– Loss of skin cells
– Vision problems
In severe cases, swelling lasts a little longer. To
relieve the swelling or soreness, ice packs would help.
For any aesthetic treatments, consulting healthcare
professionals is a must. Botox and Dermal fillers are great options for their
respective areas of treatment.
If you want to know more about your skin type or got any
skin or hair concerns, get in touch with our experienced dermatologists on the
toll-free number 1800120070000.