What’s the Difference Between Botox ™ and Dermal Fillers?

Our clients often ask “what is the best way to get rid of wrinkles?”

There are many methods to smooth skin and soften the signs of ageing, including clinical facials and medical grade skin care. Perhaps the most common method is with Botox or Dermal fillers, or perhaps both. Working in different ways, what is the difference between Botox and Dermal fillers?

Botox works with the muscle to relax the treated area, resulting in a smooth wrinkle free skin.  Dermal fillers are injected into the facial skin layer to plump out, give volume or, in some cases, re-contour the area.  A lip filler works in the same way – it volumises with insertion into the lip pockets.  Both help to give a youthful appearance.

ARE DERMAL FILLERS BETTER THAN BOTOX?

Botox is ideal for treating fine lines and wrinkles in the skin, whereas Dermal Fillers are used to plump, contour and rejuvenate areas that have lost volume. Depending on the look you are wanting to achieve will decide on which treatment we will recommend for you. Often, a combination of both cosmetic treatments is best. Typically, fillers last longer than Botox injections, but both treatments will have a positive impact on your look when administered correctly.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox™  is actually a trade name of Allergan, but we use the name as if it was the treatment. The correct terminology, perhaps, is to say you’re having a botulinum toxin A treatment. There are many brands of Botulinum toxin A – Azzulure, Dysport, amongst others. A practitioner shared a story with the team here at Changes Clinic to say how she was shopping for products on the web and came across a site selling her chosen filler and Botox filler much cheaper than her usual supplier. She guessed at the price it was – half of her normal – it must have been fake! (Who knows what else is being sold on the web!)

If you’re not sure what your practitioner is using, just ask!

WHAT ARE FACIAL FILLERS?

There are a lot of filler brands around such as Juvederm Volbella, Volift, Ultra, Juvederm Smile, Princess. Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally found in the skin. Some last longer than others, some perform and give more volume than others. If they’re significantly cheaper, it’s normally for a reason!

There’s an art to where you place a filler. Whether you’re looking for a lip filler treatment, want to create fuller cheeks, redefine your jowl or fill nasolabial or mouth to chin lines. Filler treatments are a cosmetic procedure so always choose a medic who has been trained, worked with many models prior to going live, and have had lots of experience. We’ve all seen an odd looking face – whether it’s on tv or amongst friends? There’s absolutely no need for this aesthetic treatment to do anything more than beautify you rather than trout pout you!

Botox and Dermal Fillers: Quick Comparison Table

BOTOX VS. DERMAL FILLERS FOR LIPS

If you have smokers lines and wrinkles around the mouth, wrinkle injections are a great way to smooth these out. If you lips have started to become thin, fillers will plump and define your lips to their former glory. Many people opt for both treatments together for a more youthful look.

BOTOX VS DERMAL FILLERS FOR EYE AREA

As we age, the skin around the eyes and facial muscles can start to droop. Eye bags and saggy lids can be treated with fillers (hyaluronic acid) to plump out uneven skin and encourage the skin to produce natural elastin. Around the eyes you will also get ‘crows feet’ lines. Anti Wrinkle Injections  (botulinum toxin) is used to treat these (as well as frown lines). When the muscle relaxes, lines look less deep and more smooth.

JAWLINE AND JOWLS

Facial muscles especially around the jaw can lose elasticity and skin can therefore look as though it is starting to sag. Dermal fillers will define the shape of the jawline. This non surgical facial treatment is especially popular with men as it is seen as masculinising the face or gives women the Angelina look.

SO, WHAT’S THE SECRET TO FINDING THE RIGHT PLACE TO HAVE YOUR BOTOX INJECTION OR DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT?

Don’t choose from social networking, don’t base it on price and do choose a trusted reputable clinic. After all, it is your face we’re talking about!

For more information on Botox Injections and Dermal Filler Treatment or to speak to our experienced, knowledgeable team, contact us here at Clinical Academy today.

COSMETIC MEDICAL TREATMENTS

There is a skill and art to conducting both treatments as you have to know where to go to get the best result. Knowing which areas of the face to inject or avoid is also crucial.

All of these anti wrinkle treatments must be carried out by a skilled medic who has a great understanding of the anatomy of the face, as well as the products they’re using. They study for many years to gain this knowledge. Anybody who has learned to carry out Botox injections in a few weeks or months with no medical background would be off my list of choice! Do you really want to risk it?!

AVOID DROOPY EYES

Some people have said they’ve had a droopy or dropped eye when having Botox elsewhere,. This is when the practitioner has administered the wrong quantity of product to a muscle area. This could be due to a lack of understanding or care.  At Changes Clinic we always offer reviews with Botox to allow the Botox to work, then you can return for more if required.  This eliminates the over use of product giving the undesirable outcome of dropped lids or brows, a forehead depression, when the practitioner doesn’t understand muscle movement & anatomy.

There are many patients who say that they wouldn’t have a Botox injection. It’s been around for a long time – decades and was used in medicine to correct muscle areas way before it was used in aesthetics.