If you stay up to date on skincare, you’ve probably heard a lot about both Botox and dermal fillers. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, both can provide outstanding results and significantly help enhance your appearance.
These two ubiquitous aesthetic treatments make up the vast majority of minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed by licensed medical professionals each and every year.
So what’s the difference between the two? That’s what we’ll delve into with this article.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX® (the brand name of botulinum toxin) is a wrinkle relaxer that’s used to facilitate a youthful appearance by treating an array of facial creases. BOTOX® is injected into the skin in order to minimize wrinkles and lines.
Treatment areas for BOTOX® include crow’s feet, frown lines, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows, aka “11’s”), bunny lines (on top of the nose), and forehead lines, among other areas of the face and neck. BOTOX® can also be used as a treatment for migraines, excessive sweating, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
READ MORE: BOTOX® – It’s Not Just for Your Forehead
BOTOX® is so popular that it has become the blanket term used to describe an entire group of muscle-relaxing substances including Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau, all of which serve the same purpose: to relax “dynamic wrinkles” (wrinkles created by repetitive muscle movements such as smiling, laughing, etc).
BOTOX® lasts between two and six months, depending on the individual.
4.4 million BOTOX® procedures were performed in 2020 (according to a study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), making them the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the country.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
In a separate class from BOTOX® are dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are also injected into the skin, but rather than relaxing wrinkles they’re used to plump up lost volume, smooth creases, and generally fill out the face, replacing the volume caused by bone and collagen loss due to the aging process.
They can significantly enhance the shape of the face, filling out cheeks, minimizing eye hollows, and much more.
Dermal fillers are gel-like and can be made of different substances including hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced by the body (such as the Restylane® and JUVÉDERM® families of fillers), Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA, such as Radiesse®), and Poly-L-lactic Acid (such as Sculptra®).
Dermal fillers vary widely in how long they last. Some only last from six to 12 months, while others can last for years.
What Makes Clarity’s Approach Special?
Kati, PA-C, is an exceptionally talented injector who has been practicing aesthetic medicine for over 15 years. Not only is she skilled, but she is an artist. She applies her artful, experienced eye to each individual, deciding where to add volume, what product to use, how much to inject.
It’s important to note that BOTOX® and dermal filler injections should ALWAYS be performed by a licensed medical professional such as a physician’s assistant (PA), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or registered nurse (RN). Both can be dangerous when injected by those without the proper training.
Are BOTOX® or Dermal Fillers Right for Me?
To decide which (or both!) products are right for you, talk to your experienced provider and get their opinion. A skillful practitioner will be able to advise you on what areas need treatment, which products are appropriate for your situation, and what kinds of results you’re likely to see.
Whether you opt for BOTOX® or dermal fillers, when applied by the right hands, you should emerge looking absolutely radiant, youthful, and glowing!
READ MORE: 3 Things to Know About Dermal Fillers If You’re on the Fence
Please note, results may vary. Your treatment options will be clearly reviewed with our medical professionals during your complimentary consultation.
