Fillers vs Botox

Fillers Vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?

Patients looking for younger, more rejuvenated skin and a radiant, smoother appearance often come to us a bit confused about what exactly differentiates Botox from dermal fillers. Which is better? Which is right for them? We get asked a number of questions about the effectiveness and process involved with both Botox and fillers. We thought therefore, we’d offer a quick primer from a dermatology point of view on understanding the difference between Botox and fillers.

What is Botox?

Cosmetic dermatology is often about helping clients to feel better about themselves. As such one of the most popular procedures that consequently enables patients to feel younger and to have an overall smoother appearance is Botox. Botox—or botulinum toxin—is basically a natural protein that, when injected into the muscles, helps to relax the face and thus prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles, while making the treated area—that in which muscle contraction is now prevented—appear much smoother and completely lineless.

Where on the Face do You Get Botox?

There are a number of sites on the face that are appropriate for Botox treatment. Most often, patients will want to focus on those areas of the face most susceptible to the formation of wrinkles because of constant movement over time. So for instance, a cosmetic dermatologist might suggest getting Botox in the area around the eyes where you tend to develop “crow’s feet.” Perhaps also around the mouth, thus helping to stave off the usual frown lines. Another poplar Botox injection site is in between the eyebrows (aka the elevens, for those two lines that look like the number 11) where deeply etched wrinkles love to appear.

What Does a Botox Procedure Involve?

It’s very simple as far as the injections go and can be done over your lunch hour right at the dermatology office. The full effects of the Botox treatment generally take right around a week. Many have come to think of Botox as a sort of miraculous nonsurgical lifts as the effects truly are that amazing.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal Fillers also address the issue of wrinkles and lines as they smooth out the skin and refresh one’s appearance, but the process is a bit different from that of Botox. They are injectable like Botox products, and are generally used around the mouth and also to give the cheeks and the lips a fuller and plumper appearance. Some of the most popular brands of dermal filler on the market currently are Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra.

How Are Fillers Different from Botox?

Botox works to relax the muscles, and fillers add volume to the targeted areas. Deeper wrinkles and volume loss can make your appearance seem tired and older than it should be. This type of condition is precisely what a dermal filler is meant to address in an effective nonsurgical way.

Is a Filler Procedure Different from that of Botox Injections?

A filler injection is very much the same. As with Botox you can resume normal activity right after your dermatology visit, and you will start to see an improvement immediately. The best dermatologists especially, know exactly how to maximize the value of the filler, as they are highly skilled in these types of cosmetic procedures.

Are There Side Effects with Either Botox or Dermal Fillers?

As with any cosmetic dermatology procedure there is always a slim chance for side effects to occur. Among them are mainly bruising or redness at the injection sites, potentially some numbness and in rare occasions headaches or other such bodily pain. Usually though, we most often see in patients just some initial redness at the injection site which quickly goes away. Both Botox and fillers have proven to be safe and effective cosmetic treatments when performed by a skilled cosmetic dermatologist.

So What are the Fundamental Differences between Botox and Fillers?

It really comes down to a question of your needs, preference, and budget. On the plus side, fillers do tend to last longer than the effects of Botox. Both will require regular maintenance in order to maximize the results. It is important to consult with a board-certified dermatology provider who has experience when it comes to both procedures. The best dermatologist can guide you toward the cosmetic solution that will make the most sense for you.

Interested in Botox or fillers? Call 844-DERM-DOC or schedule an appointment.