Have you seen yourself in pictures lately and thought you looked tired and worn out? Have you passed yourself in the mirror and seen a wrinkle or two that you swore wasn’t there yesterday? While you might not be ready for a facelift, you do have options. Injectables like BOTOX® and fillers such as JUVEDERM, and BELOTERO BALANCE can rejuvenate your face for a fraction of the cost of a traditional facelift (and with little or no downtime). But, what is the difference between BOTOX® and facial fillers?
What they Do
Many people think of BOTOX® as the only way to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But, depending on where your lines and wrinkles are, and how established they are, dermal fillers such as JUVEDERM, and BELOTERO BALANCE might be a better treatment option. BOTOX® and facial fillers do not do the same thing. BOTOX® does not fill wrinkles — rather it is an injectable that works by paralyzing the muscles that contract to form lines. When you frown, the muscles that make that facial expression are the same muscles that create the frown lines. BOTOX® treats dynamic wrinkles (lines that are visible when you’re actively smiling, frowning or squinting) and stops new ones from forming, while dermal fillers treat wrinkles that are static (deeper, more established lines that are present when the face is at rest).
How the Procedures Differ
Temporarily blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, BOTOX® reduces muscle movement. With decreased muscle movement, facial wrinkles relax and soften. The injections are fairly painless and cause minimal bruising or redness. Typical patients can resume their normal activities immediately following BOTOX® injections.
Advanced dermal fillers plump and lift the skin while gently replacing the collagen that’s lost during the aging process. JUVEDERM and BELOTERO BALANCE also help stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. These fillers not only restore smoothness to your face but also volumize cheeks, jawlines, thinning lips, and even aging hands. A topical anesthetic is applied prior to treatment to ensure patient comfort. After the dermal filler procedure, expect to see some bruising and swelling, which typically diminishes over the course of a week to 10 days. It’s best to plan dermal filler treatments at least two weeks in advance of a big event.
Both BOTOX® and advanced dermal fillers are effective treatments; however, they can sometimes be used together to achieve optimal results in patients with both dynamic and static wrinkles. BOTOX® can also be used to extend the life of filler applications.
How Soon they Work and How Long they Last
Fairly quick-acting, BOTOX® results are usually visible within 3-5 days and last about 3-6 months. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, produce almost instantaneous results that can last anywhere from 6 months to two years.
Which is Right for You?
Not every injectable or filler is right for every wrinkle or every area of the face. Some fillers, for example, are too robust for certain parts of the face, such as the delicate under-eye area. That’s why you should consult with an expert who has training and experience using these products and who understands what each material is designed to do.
Generally, BOTOX® is best to treat glabella lines (forehead lines between the eyebrows), crow’s feet around the eyes, and some frown lines. Fillers can plump lips, smooth smile lines, and marionette lines (lines that extend down from the corner of your mouth).
The bottom “line” is that you don’t have to live with wrinkles that you’re not happy about. Discuss all of your treatment options with a trained professional. There is a customized solution that can make you look fresh, youthful, and vibrant.
