Botox cosmetic injections and dermal fillers are two of the most popular aesthetic treatments – and people tend to get them mixed up.
They’re both safe and effective, but they do have different functions. Botox is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily relaxing muscles to smooth active wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore or add volume to smooth out static wrinkles, folds, and creases in your skin.
Keep reading to understand how they work so you can choose the one that will provide you with the best possible results!
What is Botox?
Active wrinkles tend to form in places that crease when we smile, frown, laugh, or make other such facial expressions. Over time, these lines and creases end up getting etched on our faces.
Botox treatments work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to your facial muscles, considerably reducing their ability to contract (but still allowing you to move your face – only if it’s done by a trained and experienced injector, of course).
This relaxes the skin and smooths existing wrinkles, and as a bonus, also prevents new ones from forming.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectables that can be used to restore lost volume and fullness, while also helping to lessen the appearance of static fine lines and wrinkles, and folds. The most widely used FDA-approved fillers are usually composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that reduces the risks of rejection or allergic reactions.
These fillers are typically injected into the following areas:
- lips
- cheeks
- neck
- chest
- hands
- under-eyes
- nose
- forehead
- knees
Additionally, they can also be utilized as a follow-up procedure after a facial thread lift to further refine certain problem areas.
That being said, dermal fillers don’t offer the same degree of facial rejuvenation as a facelift, but it has no downtime and you can achieve lasting results through follow up treatments.
Key Differences Between Botox and Dermal Fillers
So, how does Botox differ from dermal fillers?
Botox is a muscle relaxant that addresses lines and wrinkles that form when you make certain facial expressions. They’re great for addressing existing lines and wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.
Dermal fillers address volume loss that leads to sagging skin and static wrinkles like marionette lines. They typically use hyaluronic acid to fill in sunken or thinning areas like the lips or cheeks, and can help plump up nasolabial folds.
Botox results usually last up to 3 months (depending on how quickly the body metabolizes the neurotoxin), while the results from dermal fillers last depending on the type of filler administered.
In short, Botox is great for addressing active lines and wrinkles, while dermal fillers are great for addressing sagging or thinning areas that need a volume boost to maintain that plump, youthful look.
While they perform different functions, Botox and dermal fillers can be used together as part of a customized treatment plan to address each patient’s unique needs and goals. Our qualified providers here at Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice in Lee’s Summit, MO, have helped countless patients of varying ages fight early signs of aging and restore lost volume using Botox and fillers so they can feel and look their best for much longer.
