When fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear on your face, you might assume botox is the only solution. However, the right treatment will depend on the exact cause of these creases.

Both botox and dermal fillers can address wrinkles, but they work in different ways to solve the problem.

Join us as we discuss the benefits and uses of these revolutionary anti-aging treatments.

What is botox?

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, a byproduct of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Here’s a closer look at how it’s used in the skincare industry.

What can botox address?

Botox works by interrupting nerve signals at the injection site, which temporarily freezes or paralyzes the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles.

This mechanism makes botox great for so-called expression lines. It can target crow’s feet, which appear around your eyes when you smile, or frown lines that show up when you furrow your brow. Frequently, botox is used in the upper portion of the face, where these dynamic wrinkles tend to appear. It’s also used in the lower segment of the face to decrease the pull down effect of muscles that cause the “face to drop”. Botox used in the lower face helps slip the face as well as decrease the appearance of “jowls”.

It can also be used medically for migraines!

Side effects of botox injections

While this neurotoxin is deadly in large amounts, the highly regulated injections used for cosmetic treatments are generally considered safe.

Side effects are usually temporary and include pain and inflammation around the injection site, headache, blurred vision, nausea, and drooping or weakness in nearby muscles. More severe complications can include rare allergic reactions.

Frequency of botox treatments

Over time, that relaxing effect of botox wears off, and lines begin to reappear. Most patients find they need another round of injections every three to four months.

What are dermal fillers?

In the world of advanced skin care treatments, dermal fillers are another excellent way to restore your youthful glow.

What do fillers address?

While botox is a great solution for pesky expression lines, muscle movement isn’t the only cause of wrinkles. As we age, our bodies lose collagen and elastin, leading to static wrinkles. These can be particularly apparent in the lower half of the face.

Dermal fillers can improve the look of thinning lips, sagging jowls, and under-eye circles. They can also add definition to cheekbones, smooth nasolabial folds, and reduce the appearance of marionette lines. You can even use dermal fillers to return youthfulness to aging hands.

Side effects of dermal fillers

These injectables contain different ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and polyalkylimide, which are used for particular needs.

Depending on your chosen solution, common side effects can include rash, redness, and pain at the injection site. Infection and damage to blood vessels are rare.

How often do you need treatments?

In order to reduce fine lines–and keep them at bay–you’ll need to schedule occasional touch-ups with your treatment provider. These may be anywhere from six months to one year, depending on the specific formula you choose. Certain habits like excessive sun exposure and smoking can break down fillers more quickly.

Comparing botox vs dermal fillers

Your skincare specialist can help you decide whether botox or dermal fillers are best for your situation. Here are a few things to consider as you weigh your options.

Treatment goals

You already know that botox and dermal fillers work in different ways to deliver skin-plumping effects, but it’s worth mentioning again. After all, botox injections probably won’t plump up your cheekbones and fillers can’t freeze wrinkle-inducing muscle movement.

Discussing your ultimate goals with your treatment specialist is the best way to get the results you want.

Active ingredients

Understanding how these anti-aging treatments work will help you determine the right solution for your needs. For example, hyaluronic acid can drastically improve fine lines around the mouth and minimize the appearance of scars. On the other hand, fillers made with calcium hydroxylapatite are often used to target sunken cheeks and severe nasolabial folds.

Again, your skincare specialist can help you decide on a treatment plan that will meet your needs. Remember to discuss any allergies, even if you don’t think they’re relevant.

Results

Some patients worry that botox will make them look unnaturally stiff or that dermal fillers will leave them with a puffy face. Fortunately, a highly-trained injection specialist can strategically apply both solutions to restore your youthful, natural look.

Of course, if you’re unhappy with your results, many fillers are dissolvable. But with botox, you’ll need to wait for the effects to fade over time.

Consult with Neuva Aesthetics to find the right treatment for you!

At Neuva Aesthetics, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve the results they’re looking for! From botox and dermal fillers to chemical peels and microneedling, our knowledgeable skincare specialists can help you attain the skin of your dreams.

Contact us today or schedule an appointment online to get started!

Botox vs Fillers: Which Injectable Targets Your Concerns?