Botox and Fillers have a lot in common. The two injectable treatments are highly effective in smoothing out the first signs of aging; fine lines and wrinkles. But the two treatments use very different formulas for slightly different concerns. Find out which one you can benefit from!
Botox is a neuromodulator, used to treat fine lines and wrinkles in the upper face such as: frown lines, between the brows, or crow’s feet in the outer corners of the eyes. These lines begin to appear as a result of squinting and frowning over the years. Botox can be placed in the forehead and brow area to relax the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. With the muscles’ nerve pulses temporarily blocked, facial contractions are reduced, and fine lines are eliminated.
Dermal fillers come in many different formulas. They work by filling in wrinkles and folds, typically in the lower face such as parenthesis line around the mouth or by adding volume to the cheeks and lips. Wrinkles and folds can appear due to a loss of collagen and facial volume, resulting in lax skin. Fillers can be placed directly into wrinkles, cheeks, or lips to temporarily add volume and smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
The injectable formula you choose will depend greatly on the type of wrinkles you’re experiencing. If the wrinkles are only significant when you make a facial expression like frowning, then Botox might be the solution for you. But if your wrinkles and folds are present even when your face is relaxed, you will probably benefit more from fillers. The second thing you should consider is how long the results last. You can expect youthful looking skin from Botox to last about 3-4 months, while fillers can last a year or longer. Injectables can also be used in conjunction with topical and/or laser therapies to create a more youthful appearance.
Still can’t decide? Our board-certified dermatologists and aesthetics team are here to help! To schedule your consultation at Seattle Skin and Laser, contact our office today.