What Is the Difference Between BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers?

If you are trying to decide if BOTOX or dermal fillers will be better for improving your age-related skin concerns, we are here to demystify the two procedures and help you pick the right one. What is the difference between BOTOX and dermal fillers? Which is the treatment that will best address your concerns? In this blog post, we’ll compare BOTOX and dermal fillers, looking at what they can accomplish, the duration of their results, and more.

How Does BOTOX Work?

BOTOX is injected into areas of the face to smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and horizontal lines caused by facial muscle contractions. It is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment that works to temporarily weaken or immobilize targeted muscles.

BOTOX is a highly versatile treatment that not only works for facial concerns but also alleviates excess sweating and migraine headaches. You can also combine your BOTOX procedure with other treatments such as chemical peels and facials. Together, these procedures can restore your youthful glow while eliminating wrinkles and folds.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Most dermal fillers are injectables containing hyaluronic acid that restore volume and elasticity to the skin and fill in or soften hollows in your face. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our body that helps skin retain moisture. Several different types of dermal fillers are available, including JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Restylane® Silk. Each offers benefits for specific facial concerns.

What You Need To Know When Choosing Between BOTOX or Dermal Fillers

BOTOX mainly works on wrinkles or expression lines on your face caused by muscle movement. These wrinkles are also called dynamic wrinkles, and they are found between the brows, on the forehead, and around the eyes.

However, if you have fine lines, wrinkles, and hollows on your face caused by volume loss, they are better treated with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can also restore or add volume to thin lips. Learn more about BOTOX and dermal filler wrinkle treatments from Medical News Today,

If you are experiencing dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles (wrinkles that stay in place even when your face is at rest), and volume loss in the face and lips, you can choose to combine BOTOX and dermal fillers. Not everyone is a good candidate to combine procedures, so it’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon about whether this is the right choice for you.

You can see some of our patients’ BOTOX and dermal filler before and after pictures in our photo gallery.

Dermal Fillers vs. BOTOX: Which Results Lasts Longer?

BOTOX results usually last 3 to 6 months, and you can schedule periodic maintenance treatments to maintain your results. Dermal filler results last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the areas treated, the thickness of the filler, and other factors. You can also get maintenance treatment for dermal fillers to prolong your results.

If you choose to get dermal fillers instead of BOTOX, prepare to see immediate results with minimal discomfort! With BOTOX, you will need to be a little more patient, as the results may not be evident for about 2 to 5 days and may take up to 2 weeks to develop fully.

What Is the Recovery Process for BOTOX and Dermal Fillers?

After your BOTOX treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These aftereffects should subside relatively quickly, and your plastic surgeon will provide guidelines for handling discomfort. There is minimal downtime for BOTOX, and you can resume your normal routine the same day.

Similarly, dermal fillers require little to no downtime after the procedure. You may notice minor redness and swelling, which should not last long. It’s a good idea to avoid strenuous activity right after you receive BOTOX and dermal filler treatments.

Are BOTOX and Dermal Fillers Safe?

Both BOTOX and dermal fillers are safe procedures when performed by an experienced provider. BOTOX is a minimally invasive procedure, but it does carry risks such as drooping of the eyelid and brow, hives, and rashes. An experienced provider will be aware of the side effects and know how to handle any unexpected complications.

Possible side effects of dermal fillers include acne-like bumps under the skin and a bluish cast to the skin. A board-certified plastic surgeon can give you a safe and comfortable experience regardless of whether you choose BOTOX, dermal fillers, or both.

When choosing between BOTOX and dermal fillers, you must consider what each procedure can do for you. Your plastic surgeon can help you evaluate your treatment options and pick the one that is best for your specific skin concern. If you are ready to rejuvenate your face with BOTOX or dermal fillers, request a consultation or call us at  (434) 924-1234 to schedule an appointment.