If you want to improve your appearance by smoothing out facial wrinkles, you may wonder which treatment is best—BOTOX® or dermal fillers. Both of these cosmetic treatments are safe, effective methods for reducing wrinkles. Learn the difference between Botox and dermal fillers to help you make the right choice for you.
Uses
Botox is an FDA-approved injection aimed at reducing dynamic wrinkles to provide a smoother, more youthful appearance. It’s the most tested and extensively used product of its kind, with decades of research to back it up.
Dermal fillers provide another approach to smoothing out your skin. They re-inflate saggy areas to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and decrease the appearance of scars and facial depressions. You can also use dermal fillers to plump up your lips.
How They Work
Botox works by using a purified form of the botulinum toxin. A careful, regulated dose blocks nerve signals to the injection site’s muscles to temporarily relax select facial muscles and prevent them from contracting. Without movement in the muscles between your brows and around your eyes, you can smile and laugh with softened frown lines and crow’s feet.
Dermal filler brand names include Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restalyne. The primary ingredient in these products is hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. It’s even possible to strategically inject your own collagen and fat to produce facial improvements.
Treatment Length, Effectiveness & Longevity
Botox injections typically take 10 to 15 minutes to administer. A single treatment’s effects typically last three to six months with an effectiveness rate well above 99 percent.
Depending on the treatment, more than one dermal filler session may be required to achieve the desired outcome. Each procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and the effects last up to 18 months. Most patients are highly pleased with the results.
Side Effects
In the hours following a Botox injection, you may experience slight bruising and swelling. There is no recovery time, meaning you can receive treatment on your lunch break and immediately resume your regular activities. Long-term side effects are rare. Less than 1 percent of patients experience drooping eyelids or brows and muscle weakness in the surrounding area. If you have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing after Botox treatment, seek medical help immediately.
As with other injectable treatments, dermal fillers may cause slight bruising or swelling at the injection site for a few hours after the procedure. No recovery time is required so that you can resume normal activities immediately. Potential side effects include rash, skin damage, lumpy skin appearance, and the ability to feel the filler substance under the skin. If you experience vision problems after receiving a dermal filler injection, seek immediate medical attention.
The aging process affects everyone differently, but with cosmetic facial treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, you can take control of what you see in the mirror! To learn more about these procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please call Arlington Dermatology at 847-392-5440.