Since the early 2000s, the popularity of injectable cosmetic treatments has been on the rise. More and more people are seeing the convenience of erasing visible signs of aging and regaining their youthful glow with injectables like Botox® and dermal fillers. That said, how do you know which option is right for you? Both of them do the same thing, right? Well, not exactly. Botox® and dermal fillers both have their uses, and while they may overlap, these two injectables function very differently. Here is everything you need to know about Botox® vs dermal fillers, so you can make an informed decision when deciding which treatment is the best for you.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is the brand name of an non-invasive injectable created by Allergan Aesthetics. More specifically, Botox® is a form of Botulinum neurotoxin, one of four that has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic and medical use. The others include Jeauveau, Xeomin, and Dysport.
Often described as a neuromodulator, Botox® is used to relax the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Once the muscles have relaxed, the appearance of these fine lines and wrinkles is diminished. Botox® does this by preventing the release of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, causing paralysis of various nerves around the injection site.
Although “paralysis” is used to describe what happens to the muscles at the injection site, this does not mean that Botox® prevents you from making facial expressions. You will actually smile a whole lot more when you see the results of your Botox® injections!
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a type of cosmetic injectable that are used to add volume and fullness to the face, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial contours. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Some brands, like Radiesse, use other ingredients, such as Calcium Hydroxylapatite to boost collagen production and add volume to the skin.
When injected into the skin, dermal fillers help to replace lost volume and stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin. They can be used to treat a variety of concerns, including:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Thin or flat lips
- Hollow or sunken cheeks
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines (lines around the mouth)
- Under-eye circles and bags
Like Botox®, dermal fillers are non-invasive and non-surgical, often making them an affordable substitute for more extensive cosmetic surgeries, like facelifts.
Botox® vs Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?
First, let’s talk about how Botox® and dermal fillers are similar. Both of them are administered with a syringe and can be used in combination with one another. Other than that, there are more differences to discuss.
Both injectables reduce wrinkles and fine lines but through completely different means. Botox® eliminates wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that contract, allowing for the skin to smooth out. Meanwhile, dermal fillers literally fill the places under the skin where there has been age-related fat, collagen, and elastin loss.
Botox® is commonly used to treat lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows (frown lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet). Meanwhile, dermal fillers are used for wrinkles, fine lines, flat or thin lips, sunken or hollow cheeks, and under-the-eye bags and circles.
Which is More Effective: Botox® or Dermal Fillers?
If you are wondering whether to try Botox® or to get dermal fillers, the answer is not so simple. Botox and dermal fillers are both effective in their own ways, but their effectiveness depends on the specific concerns that they are being used to address.
Botox® is often used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive facial movements, such as frowning or squinting. These wrinkles tend to be more prominent on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around or at the corner of the eye. You could even consider Botox® as a preventative measure for counteracting the formation of wrinkles. For instance, many clients in their early or mid-twenties are using Botox®, even though fine lines have yet to form.
When you want to prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles that form because of facial expressions, choose Botox®.
On the other hand, consider dermal fillers when you want to add more fullness to the face or develop more contours. While dermal fillers can also be used for diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, they excel at plumping the skin around the mouth, along the nose, and the cheeks.
This is why Botox® injections and dermal fillers are usually combined into a single treatment session: they support one another. For you, this means natural-looking results that leave you feeling confident and radiant.
Potential Side Effects of Botox® vs Dermal Fillers
Now that you know what Botox® and dermal fillers can do, it is important to weigh the potential side effects of each. Both Botox® and dermal fillers should be administered by a qualified and experienced medical professional, such as the team at DrSkin Med Spa. Specialists have received the appropriate training to inject Botox® and dermal fillers properly, thereby limiting the chance of adverse effects.
With that in mind, here are some of the potential side effects of a Botox® injection:
- Bruising or swelling at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow (known as ptosis)
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Crooked smile or uneven facial expression
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Allergic reaction – a very rare occurrence
Compare the above to the known side effects of dermal fillers:
- Swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site
- Itching or tenderness
- Lumps or bumps under the skin
- Discoloration or unevenness in skin tone
- Infection or skin damage
- Allergic reaction
Reviewing your medical history is key in deciding which cosmetic treatment is correct for you. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of Botox® or dermal fillers, please do not hesitate to ask the professionals at DrSkin, Arizona’s premier medical spa.
Botox® or Dermal Fillers: The Options Are Endless at DrSkin
Both Botox® and dermal fillers are wonderful options for those who want to boost their confidence and erase visible signs of aging. If you want to either prevent or reduce the appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows, consider Botox®. On the other hand, dermal fillers are ideal for plumping and hydrating the skin. Young or old, you can enjoy the benefits of both these injectables, either alone or together.
There is no better time than now to book a consultation and begin your aesthetic journey with DrSkin. Every member of our team is professional, experienced, and friendly. From start to finish, you are in the best of hands when you choose DrSkin Medical Spa in Gilbert, AZ for your Botox® or dermal filler injections.
