Botox® VS Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Lines and wrinkles can appear on the face for several reasons. Botox® and dermal fillers treat different types of wrinkles. Depending on the wrinkles that bother you most, you may need Botox®, fillers, or both in different locations. Only an assessment can determine which one will best address your concerns.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for expression lines and wrinkles. These wrinkles form in areas where facial expressions pull the skin into folds when you laugh, smile, or frown. Botox® treats crow’s feet around the eyes, glabellar lines between the brows, and forehead lines. It usually lasts three to four months. Botox® wears off without any lasting effect on the nerves or muscles.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that enhance facial volume and smooth wrinkles. Dermal fillers can address a range of concerns. At Willow Aesthetics, we offer a wide variety of fillers to correct different areas of the face. Our providers specialize in full facial balancing resulting in a natural, youthful look.
Botox® VS Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between Botox® and dermal fillers is how they work. This determines which types of wrinkles they can treat.
Botox® works using a compound called botulinum toxin. It stops facial nerves from sending signals to muscles. As a result, the skin can relax, and the lines disappear. Botox® can also calm muscle activity to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming.
Our Dermal fillers, consisting of hyaluronic acid, help fill and smooth unwanted lines. Overtime, age-related volume loss can cause the cheeks to flatten and the skin to sag. Filler is designed to add volume, lift and contour those areas. Another added benefit is dermal fillers are reversible, unlike plastic surgery.
These treatments also have several things in common. Both are FDA-approved, widely tested, and proven to be safe and effective. Both treatments are popular worldwide due to their effectiveness and the convenience of having a “lunchtime” treatment that fits in a work lunch break.
Is There Any Downtime With Botox® or Dermal Fillers?
After injections with Botox® or dermal fillers, you may experience minor redness, bruising, or swelling. These effects typically fade within a day or two. You can return to your usual activities 24 hours after your treatment.. However, your Willow Aesthetics injection specialist may advise you not to rub your face or engage in strenuous activities for up to a day. Both are quick procedures with minimal discomfort.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox® or Dermal Fillers?
Most people make good candidates for injectable wrinkle treatments. You may be a good candidate for Botox®, dermal fillers, or both. Your Willow Aesthetics provider will assess your areas of concern and determine which one will work best for your needs. They will also determine whether you have any medical conditions that would affect the safety of treatment. You should not have Botox® or fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning more about Botox® and dermal fillers? Schedule your consultation with Willow Aesthetics today by calling our office at (210) 267-8882 or filling out the form below. We are proud to be San Antonio’s Premier Aesthetic Medical Spa.
