Botox and dermal fillers are common types of cosmetic treatments. Both are administered through injections right in the doctor’s office and are easy to receive while being minimally invasive. If you’re interested in getting one of these types of treatments for aesthetic reasons, it’s important to know the differences between them.
Botox is made from botulinum toxin, which comes from bacteria. It is used as an injectable for correcting issues like frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines and fine lines in the face. Botox smooths out the skin and eliminates wrinkles and fine lines by essentially paralyzing the muscles through blocking the signals sent by the underlying nerves in the areas into which it is injected. When these muscles are unable to move as much as normal, which smooths out wrinkles and fine lines.
It should be noted that Botox only works on those wrinkles and fine lines that are caused by the movement of facial muscles. These are wrinkles that are known as “dynamic” and that are generally known as expression lines. The most common areas on the face on which the injectable is most effective include the creases between the eyebrows, horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and crow’s feet. It can’t help with facial sagging (such as jowls) and is only a temporary solution. Botox is a treatment that must be repeated every few months to be truly effective.
Dermal fillers are injected directly into the area just below the skin’s surface. Unlike Botox, which aims to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, their purpose is to add more fullness to certain parts of the face. They are made up of various substances that work together to plump up the skin and stimulate the production of more collagen, which enables the skin to retain more elasticity.
Dermal fillers can correct the signs of aging and make parts of the face more vibrant and full. It may be necessary to receive repeated treatments for between six months and two years to see the maximum results.
There are different types of dermal fillers that do different things. Depending on which you choose, they can do the following:
Generally speaking, dermal fillers can address issues that Botox cannot. They can correct static wrinkles, whereas Botox can take care of expression lines.
If you are tired of having frown lines, smile lines or other types of expression wrinkles, Botox would be able to correct those issues. On the other hand, if you have sagging or sunken-in areas on your face, dermal fillers are the better option.
Contact Seattle Skin and Laser for an initial consultation.