Wrinkle reduction treatments are extremely popular right now. There are plentiful topical over-the-counter products, and there are also treatments available from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and med spas that provide long-lasting results. Botox and facial fillers can definitely diminish the signs of facial aging, but there are some key differences between these types of products. Understanding these differences is the first step in finding the most appropriate treatment for yourself.
Botox and Fillers: Fast Facts
- Botox targets facial muscles.
- Facial fillers plump and smooth the skin.
- Botox results last up to six months, while fillers last from six months to five years.
What is Botox?
Botox is essentially a muscle relaxer that consists of a type of bacteria contained within an injectable solution. It has been available for over two decades for both anti-aging applications and migraine headaches. Botox is also commonly used to treat excessive sweating – a condition known as hyperhidrosis.
In terms of wrinkle reduction, Botox differs a bit from fillers in where it is used. While facial fillers treat light to moderate facial wrinkles, Botox works on a deeper level by dealing with what are known as “dynamic wrinkles.” These types of wrinkles are typically found between the eyebrows, the eyes, and the mouth.
Botox works by blocking nerve transmissions from the brain to underlying facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. It is not intended to correct fine lines due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin within the skin.
What are facial fillers?
Facial fillers are injectable treatments that typically contain hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, plumping it and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. They are also sometimes used to minimize the appearance of scars.
Now let’s look at some of the differences between Botox and fillers:
Both Botox and fillers offer nice results, although the time that they take effect differs somewhat. If you receive Botox injections, you’ll likely begin noticing results within a week of your treatment. The full effects could take a few weeks longer. Some people also need a subsequent treatment soon after the initial treatment to achieve optimal results.
Facial fillers typically offer faster results than Botox. You should see some immediate improvement, with additional enhancement seen within a few days, as your skin draws in moisture or responds as expected to the injected product.
The duration of results also varies between the two products. As mentioned earlier, Botox typically lasts anywhere from three to six months, while facial fillers can last up to five years, depending upon the individual product.
One way that Botox and fillers are alike is that you will eventually need follow-up injections after your body has metabolized and absorbed the injected products. In the case of Botox, facial muscles normally start regaining normal movement in around three months. This is the time when most patients go ahead and have a subsequent treatment so that there is no noticeable reduction of their results.
Schedule Your Consultation
Still undecided about which product is right for you? Or would you like to consider your other treatment options? We’d love to hear from you! To book a consultation for any of your skincare or plastic surgery questions, contact the office of Queen City Plastic Surgery at 704-751-4595 or use our simple online form. Our conveniently located Charlotte office welcomes patients from throughout the region