These days, you’ll find dozens of different treatments available for anyone who wants younger, firmer, glowing skin. There are surgeries and implants, of course, but there are also minimally-invasive procedures like Botox and fillers. Here, you’ll learn more about the latter two options, the differences between them, and when you should consider them.
Botox vs. Fillers – Similarities and Differences
There are two main similarities when it comes to Botox and fillers.
- They’re injectable. Botox and fillers are both injectable products, which means there’s no real recovery time afterward. Your doctor will likely provide a local anesthetic before using either product in the intended areas.
- They’re both designed to provide younger-looking skin. Both Botox and fillers were designed to make the skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While it may seem as if these two products are interchangeable, this is not at all the case. There are some situations in which Botox is the best solution, and there are others in which only a filler will do.
When to Consider Botox Injections
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injection of a purified protein that can temporarily cause the muscles in your face to relax. It’s primarily used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and some people use it as a preventative measure early on – even in their 20s – to prevent wrinkles from developing in the first place.
Botox is injected directly into the area to be treated with a very small needle, usually after a local anesthetic has been applied. Patients may experience a little swelling and perhaps some bruising immediately after the treatment, but these typically dissipate completely in one to three days. Botox is best for patients who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but it’s also well-suited for those who also want to prevent wrinkles in the first place. Because it relaxes facial muscles, it inhibits much of the repetitive motion that causes wrinkles. You can still laugh, smile, and frown, of course; Botox relaxes these muscles rather than paralyzing them completely.
When to Consider Filler Injections
Whereas Botox is an injection designed to limit muscle movement and prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fillers are quite different. They’re also injections, but they contain a compound known as HA, or Hyaluronic Acid, which assists the body in creating the collagen that supports the skin. It’s this collagen that makes skin soft, supple, and wrinkle-free, and our bodies naturally produce less and less collagen as we age.
Fillers are injected in much the same way as Botox. Your doctor will likely provide a local anesthetic, then inject the product directly into the area to be filled. Once again, patients may experience a bit of swelling and even bruising for one to three days after the procedure. While fillers are fantastic at treating the appearance of wrinkles like Botox, they can accomplish much more, as well. Fillers can be used to restore lost volume in certain parts of the face, including the lips and the cheeks, which can improve their overall appearance and make them look younger.
Botox and fillers are two completely different things, even though they’re quite similar in a number of ways. If you aren’t sure which one best suits your needs, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist near you to learn more. In some cases, patients benefit the most from a combination of fillers and Botox injections, but in others, only one is required to produce the desired results.