It is not unusual for Botox and dermal fillers to be confused. They both have the same purpose: to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. However, they work in very different ways.
BOTOX
How it works: Botox is used to block signals from your nerves to your muscles, preventing them from contracting. This causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. Botox is most useful in treating forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines.
How it is administered: Botox injections take just a few minutes and don’t require anesthesia. A numbing medication or cream can be applied to the skin beforehand if you’re worried about discomfort. Your provider will use a thin needle to inject a small dose of Botox into your skin or specific muscles.
Results/Maintenance: Results usually take a few days to appear and will last anywhere from three to twelve months. Maintenance injections are needed if you wish to continue treatment beyond the initial dose.
FILLERS
How it works: Dermal fillers rejuvenate skin by restoring volume to facial lines and wrinkles. Fillers help reduce the appearance of aging by plumping thin lips, enhancing natural contours, softening facial creases and reducing the appearance of scars.
How it is administered: Filler injections only take a few seconds. Your provider will inject the filler, massage the area and evaluate the immediate result. More filler may be injected at each site as needed. The whole procedure may take fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on how many injections you and your provider agree on.
Results/Maintenance: Results appear immediately and will last anywhere from six months to two years. Maintenance injections are needed one to four times per year, depending on the filler.
BOTH
Botox and fillers are ideal for those who are generally physically healthy and have realistic goals for the procedure. It is also important to remember that Botox and fillers are not substitutes for a facelift surgery, as they cannot achieve the same results and do not last as long.
If you are considering Botox or fillers, call us at (916) 736-3399 to schedule a consultation.