Both Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic injections that renew and refresh the appearance. However, they are quite different in terms of the results they achieve. In general, there are two significant categories of cosmetic injections:
- Neurotoxin modulators, such as BOTOX, Dysport, XEOMIN, and Jeuveau; and
- Dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, and others.
Cosmetic injections are especially popular with patients seeking quick cosmetic enhancements without going under the knife, or who do not want to risk the complications associated with surgeries, such as infections or anesthesia risks. These are relatively simple procedures that provide quick results.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug that is made from a purified protein, formulated using the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Used in small, safe doses, doctors can use this to treat various medical and aesthetic concerns, including smoothing facial wrinkles and improving your overall appearance.
Botox injections temporarily relax targeted muscles or block specific nerves. When used cosmetically, the effects last between 3-4 months.. The most common side effects associated with Botox are pain, swelling, and/or bruising at the injection site.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, help reduce the appearance of fine facial lines and wrinkles and restore lost volume due to the natural aging process. Fillers can be used to shape, sculpt and plump areas of the face and body that appear hollow or gaunt. In addition to smoothing the skin and defining the facial features, such as the jawline, fillers are popularly used to achieve a full, supple pout, making the lips look more appealing and youthful. This is done to help you look and feel more youthful and personable. By replenishing hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring component of the skin that diminishes over time, dermal fillers help us look better while also improving the health and quality of our skin.
Which One is Right for Me, Botox or Dermal Fillers?
While Botox reduces fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the facial muscles, dermal fillers work by actually filling in the wrinkles and creating more elegant, appealing facial contours. Other differences include:
- Botox works to prevent and smooth wrinkles, while fillers are used to treat deeper wrinkles or facial volume loss;
- Botox treatments generally last 15 minutes, and fillers can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the areas being treated;
- Results from Botox can take up two weeks to reach optimal results, while the results of most dermal fillers are immediately visible; and
- Results from Botox last 3-5 months, while the results of dermal fillers last 8-12 months. or even up to five years.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Saigal, you can discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals, as well as which treatment options are best for you. He will examine your skin and understand your goals and help you come to a decision about the treatment that will best achieve the appearance you want. Call Dr. Saigal’s office today to schedule a consultation to determine whether Botox or dermal fillers would be the right choice for you!