BOTOX vs. Dermal Fillers
BOTOX and dermal fillers are two of the most popular injectables in the world of modern cosmetology. While these minimally-invasive treatments both achieve similar results, they differ in many ways.
What sets dermal fillers and BOTOX apart from each other is the ways in which they function. To put it simply, BOTOX freezes underlying muscles to stop wrinkle formation, while dermal fillers restore lost volume in areas affected by the aging process. Both of these products are considered essential in any anti-aging skincare regimen and are often performed together to elicit fantastic results.
Understanding the difference between them will help patients make better decisions regarding their skincare protocols.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a specific type of injectable, known as a neurotoxin. These products are used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It is derived from a toxin known as botulinum, which is harmless when administered by way of injection. While this substance is toxic when ingested, it is perfectly safe for cosmetic use.
Like all neuromodulators, BOTOX works by blocking nerve activity in the underlying musculature of the face (or another treatment area). This essentially limits muscle contractions, preventing the formation of wrinkles and lines. This treatment is most often employed around the eyes, on the forehead, or even around the mouth.
BOTOX has been employed as a cosmetic protocol for over 30 years and has a strong track record of safety. The neurotoxin was first approved by the FDA in 1989 and has been approved for various uses. Beyond wrinkles, it can also treat migraines, hyperhidrosis, and other chronic health conditions.
It’s worth noting that BOTOX isn’t the only injectable neurotoxin on the market that can address wrinkles. Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin have also become popular as a means of freezing muscle activity and reducing wrinkles. Nonetheless, BOTOX is still the most popular treatment option as it is featured in the catalogs of most cosmetic practitioners.
The results of BOTOX and other neurotoxin products can last for as long as four months.
What are Fillers?
Another injectable product, dermal fillers work by restoring volume to areas that have seen volume loss over time. Common treatment areas for dermal fillers include the cheeks, lips, and mouth region. Filling in these regions of the face gives it a more youthful aesthetic by smoothing out fine lines and increasing volume.
Fillers are an effective way to:
- Boost volume in the lips and enhance their shape
- Restore volume loss in the cheeks
- Reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds
Beyond these uses, they have also been found to be effective at creating a sharper jawline and increasing volume in other areas.
Juvéderm and Restylane are two of the most popular filler products on the market today. Both of these products are derived from a naturally-occurring substance in the body known as Hyaluronic Acid, which adds plumpness to the skin and replenishes moisture. It is a common ingredient in multiple beauty products.
Approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2006, Juvéderm is a highly safe and reliable anti-aging treatment. Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that about 2.7 million dermal filler procedures were carried out in 2019, making dermal fillers the second most popular minimally invasive procedure of that year.
What is the takeaway?
Overall, BOTOX and dermal fillers are very different products and elicit different results. Patients are encouraged to undergo a thorough assessment to determine which treatment can better address their issues. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is highly recommended that patients refer to a certified, experienced practitioner before making any decisions.