The number of cosmetic procedures a person can get is overwhelming. How do you decide? Which is best for you? Should you mix and match? Will they ruin your face?
These are some of the most common questions that come up when comparing botox v fillers.
Everyone wants to put their best face forward and evade the signs of aging. So, how do you choose between the two most popular cosmetic options-and how do you know if you chose the right one?
You can start by getting all the facts on botox and facial fillers here. Keep reading to learn more.
Botox v Fillers: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference between botox and facial fillers is how they act. Botox essentially "freezes" your facial muscles, while fillers are used for plumping. However, they're both used to help keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay.
Another huge difference is the cost. Dermal fillers cost a bit more than botox. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're better. Ultimately, the choice between having botox done and getting facial fillers comes down to your needs and goals.
Let's start by defining the two cosmetic injectables:
Botox
Botox is essentially a purified form of the neurotoxin botulinum. The neurotoxin comes from a bacteria that belong to the group known as Clostridium Botulinum. The terms neurotoxin and bacteria may seem off-putting. But, we can assure you that in its purified and diluted form, botox injections are perfectly safe.
Botox injectables work by blocking the nerve signals in your muscles. This helps to temporarily paralyze your muscles, which ultimately softens or reduces your wrinkles. It's also used as a preventative wrinkle treatment.
You'll find most botox products under the familiar names of Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin.
What Does Botox Correct?
Botox will only work on the wrinkles caused by your muscle movement. The worry lines in your forehead, the furrow in your brow, your crow's feet, and laugh lines. These are often referred to as "expression lines."
Unfortunately, Botox does not work on static wrinkles. Static wrinkles refer to the lines caused by the loss of plumpness or sagging off your skin. Those areas include the cheeks, jowls, and neck. Wrinkles caused by sun damage also won't respond to a botox injection.
Botox isn't just for cosmetic purposes. It's also sometimes used as a medical treatment to reduce neck spasms, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), a lazy eye, and an overactive bladder. It's also used to combat chronic migraines.
What Are the Effects of Botox?
Botox takes up to 14 days to show its full effects. However, you'll start seeing results in as early as three or four days. Those results will last for up to four months, sometimes longer.
The effects of a botox procedure will vary from person to person. Overall, you can expect a lack of visible muscle movement in your face. You'll be able to feel some movement when you make certain facial expressions, it just won't be that noticeable in the mirror.
Facial Fillers
Facial fillers are also referred to as dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers. These cosmetic fillers don't block any muscle movement. Instead, they're injected beneath the skin's surface to add volume and soften lines.
There are several different types of facial fillers, but the most popular are Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane. Typically anything with hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid is the most sought after since our bodies naturally produce these ingredients.
What Do Fillers Correct?
There are a variety of facial fillers designed to target the various signs of aging. Depending on the filler, you can correct:
- Lip plumpness
- Enhance shadow areas and contours
- Decrease lower lid wrinkles
- Fill in or soften the look of scars
- Fill in or soften static wrinkles (the jowls, neck, and cheeks)
Many people "mix and match" their facial fillers to give their cheeks more definition, plump up their lips, and soften wrinkles.
What Are the Effects of Fillers?
Facial fillers can take several weeks to adjust within your skin. Depending on the type of filler you receive, you may not see results for up to two weeks. Of course, if you get volumes fillers, such as in your cheeks or lips, you'll likely see immediate results.
With fillers, you'll still be able to make visible facial expressions. Depending on the filler (or fillers), results will last up to three months to two years. Semi-permanent fillers will last much longer whereas hyaluronic acid fillers are reabsorbed by the body quickly.
Which Is Right For Me?
Choosing between botox and fillers ultimately comes down to what you're trying to achieve. Botox is more of a preventative measure against wrinkles. Botox injections are something you want to start before the wrinkles appear or when they first begin to crop up.
Facial fillers are meant to plump up your skin to restore its volume and enhance its dimensions. it also works to soften those pesky static wrinkles.
Since botox guards against expression lines and fillers against static wrinkles, it's often recommended to get both cosmetic injections simultaneously. The combination of the two can reduce the years on your face significantly. However, one injectable will not replace the job of the other.
Do it for the Right Reasons
Regardless of which you think is better in the competition of botox v fillers, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Especially when you're young, you have plenty of other options, including powerful topical retinoids and resurfacing treatments.
If you do decide to try out fillers or botox, make sure you find a reputable cosmetic doctor who will look out for your best interests.
For more informative articles on skin, hair, and makeup, check out the rest of our blog.
