What Are the Differences Between Botox® and Fillers?

Aging causes the body to produce less collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s elasticity and hydration. As the skin becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile with age, wrinkles begin forming on the forehead, between the brows, the cheeks, and around the eyes and mouth. For this reason, Botox® and fillers in Solana account for more than nine million procedures in the United States. 

While most people know that minimally invasive cosmetic treatments such as Botox® and dermal fillers are given through injections, not everyone understands where their similarities end. Let’s take a closer look at these treatments so you’ll know the differences between both.

Botox® Vs. Dermal Fillers

What Is Botox®?

Botox® refers to the purified form of the botulinum toxin obtained from bacteria. Although dangerous when given in more significant amounts, regulated amounts of this purified bacteria can safely minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  

Moreover, Botox® injections temporarily freeze and paralyze muscles in the forehead and around the eyes by blocking chemical signals from nerves that cause these muscles to contract. As Botox® inhibits muscle movements in these areas, it softens, reduces, and removes facial expression lines. 

Cosmetic Issues Botox® Can Fix

It’s important to note that Botox® is only effective on wrinkles caused by years of squinting, frowning, smiling, and other facial expressions. Also known as dynamic wrinkles, these facial expression lines include the wrinkles on the upper face, such as the horizontal lines on the forehead, the “11s” or glabellar lines between the brows, and crow’s feet around the eyes.  

However, Botox® doesn’t work on static wrinkles as effectively as on dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are lines in the cheeks, jowl, and neck areas that make a face appear saggy. In addition, Botox® requires repeated treatments because its muscle-relaxing and wrinkle-reducing effects can last only three to six months. 

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Also known as soft tissue fillers, dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin’s surface to soften creases, restore lost volume, and enhance facial contours. Moreover, they contain biocompatible substances such as the following: 

• Calcium hydroxylapatite  
• Hyaluronic acid 
• Polylactic acid 
• Polyalkylimide 
• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) 

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found in bones that stimulates the skin to produce natural collagen. Hyaluronic acid is found in the body's fluids and tissues, making the skin stretchable and flexible. While polylactic acid reinforces the skin's structure,  polyalkylimide replaces facial volume lost due to age. Lastly, PMMA improves the skin's contours. 

It's worth noting that each substance addresses different signs of aging and other cosmetic problems. Furthermore, the time these fillers take to work and how long they last may vary. While some fillers last only six months, others last up to two years or even longer. For this reason, patients should discuss their goals and expectations with their doctors to help them determine the filler that best suits their needs. 

Cosmetic Issues Dermal Fillers Can Fix

Depending on the type of dermal filler a patient selects, they may enhance or fill in the face’s shadow areas, plump up thinning lips, and minimize or eliminate the wrinkles or shadow under the eyes. They can also soften or fill in the appearance of recessed scars and soften or reduce static wrinkles on the lower face.

Learn More About Botox® and Fillers in Solana!

At Inspire Smiles, we offer solutions to rejuvenate the face. If you’re ready to feel good about the way you look, contact us today to make an appointment.