According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, Botox, and fillers accounted for over 9 million procedures in 2015. These popular treatments are used to address cosmetic issues like wrinkles and fine lines. While they are both injectables, they are distinct in several important ways. Let’s review the difference between Botox and fillers Coral Gables.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator injectable treatment used to address issues like facial wrinkles. It temporarily disrupts communication in specific motor nerves to avoid muscle flexing. Primarily containing botulinum toxin, this treatment can treat the following:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis
- Chin dimpling
In wrinkle treatment, Botox is mainly used to address dynamic wrinkles that appear naturally around the mouth, eyes, and between your eyebrows by relaxing the muscles near them. It is not used to address fine lines resulting from collagen breakdown.
What Are Fillers?
Like Botox, fillers are injectable, although they are a different type of treatment. They are used to add soft volume to the injection site. Because they have a gel-like consistency, they often resemble natural tissue. Dermal fillers can produce the following results depending on where they are injected:
- Plumper cheeks and lips
- More volume in the hands
- More symmetrical face and lips
- Reduced wrinkles and facial lines
- Reduced recessed scars like acne scars
Dermal fillers are primarily used to address smile lines and small wrinkles. They can also be used for hand treatments, to reduce the appearance of scars, and plump up the cheeks and lips.
What Is the Efficacy of Botox?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOS), you should begin to see results within a week of your Botox injection. This treatment does not require downtime, and you can resume your activities immediately. Once the results kick in, they typically last between 3 to 4 months.
How Effective Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler results typically last longer than Botox. Still, like Botox, you will need maintenance treatments to maintain the effects.
Possible Side effects
Botox
The AAOS maintains that people in good health face very little risk of side effects from Botox. Nonetheless, possible side effects of this treatment include:
- Headaches
- Irritation and eye redness
- Drooping eyelids, which take several weeks to resolve
- Bruising at the injection site
You can reduce your risk of some effects by taking eye drops before the procedure. Most doctors also recommend you stop taking blood thinners several days before getting Botox. If you are pregnant, nursing, have skin problems like deep scars, have weak facial muscles, or have a neuromuscular disease, Botox may not be recommended for you. Consult your doctor about your suitability.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers carry slightly more risks than Botox, but severe side effects are rare and mild ones go away within several days. Possible side effects that you may experience include:
- Redness
- Scarring
- Numbness
- Itching
- Allergic reaction
- Bruising
You can alleviate swelling and numbness using ice packs. You can also reduce your risk of an allergic reaction by doing an allergy test with your dermatologist beforehand. Generally, dermal fillers are not recommended for people who smoke.
Botox and fillers are growing increasingly popular as go-to cosmetic treatments for many skin issues. While slightly different, they can significantly improve your appearance. Martha Viera, MD, or Martha Viera Dermatology, uses these treatments to produce unmatched results that flatter your natural features. Call her Coral Gables office to set up a consultation or book an appointment online today.
