Many people think that Botox injections and fillers are interchangeable, but the truth is they do very different things. We will break down Botox vs. fillers to help decrease confusion between the two and ensure that you are informed to make an educated choice when selecting a treatment that is right for your needs.
Why do we use Botox injections to smooth wrinkles?
Botox is neuromodulator that is used to relax overactive muscles of the face. Relaxing these muscles in very precise areas can stop wrinkles from forming or can smooth out wrinkles that are already there.
For example, when you make expressions with your eyebrows you can create lines on your forehead, or when you squint your eyes you can create crow’s feet.
Botox injections relax these muscles by blocking the signals sent from your nerves to your muscles. So, any wrinkles or lines that are caused by expressions or muscle tension are minimized.
Treatments are customized based on your unique needs. If your desire is a natural look, then your doctor will tailor your treatment to ensure that you are still able to see your facial expressions and emotions while avoiding plastic or frozen looks. Your muscles will move when you want them to but will not be as active when they are at rest.
There is typically no downtime after Botox treatments and the results usually last around six months.
Trivia: Botox is also effective in non-cosmetic treatments, like excessive sweating. This is because Botox blocks the neurotransmitters triggering your body to sweat.
What are facial fillers and when should we use them?
Here’s the big difference between Botox vs. fillers.
While Botox targets the muscles, facial fillers focus on adding volume where it has been lost (it has nothing to do with muscles).
Typical facial filler products are hyaluronic acid based and they work to achieve a plumping effect in your skin. Since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in your body, it is very effective at creating natural looking results.
Fillers come in gel form and are injected to treat concerns like thin lips, marionette lines, hollow cheeks and more. There are various types of products that can be customized to your specific esthetic needs.
Facial fillers are great for all areas of the face, such as around the mouth, on the cheekbones and the forehead. Meanwhile, Botox is used with more caution in the lower half of the face so as to avoid any issues with mouth movement.
There is typically no recovery time after filler treatments, however some patients can see mild bruising depending on their procedure. Facial filler results tend to last one to two years.
How to choose between Botox vs. filler
As we age, we lose volume due to a loss of collagen in the skin causing facial parts to drop and wrinkle. That’s why both treatments can actually work together to give a more youthful, plump and dewy effect. Botox can be used to prevent lines in the first place, while fillers are versatile and can treat all areas of the face.
Your doctor will consult with you on your desired look and together you will create a unique plan that addresses any goals that you would like to achieve. This plan may utilize one or both types of injections to effectively create the best results.
If you would like to revitalize your face, then find out more about Botox cosmetic and dermal fillers. Book a consultation or appointment with Vancouver Laser & Skin Care Centre and get the smooth, youthful skin you are looking for!