Today, Botox® Cosmetic and facial fillers are two of the most popular — and most effective — cosmetic procedures designed to address deep facial lines and wrinkles.
Both treatments are injectable, and both are used to treat age-related lines on the face. But that’s where the similarities end. Botox® and facial fillers work in very different ways, targeting specific types of wrinkles.
How Does Botox® Work?
As we age, the decades of smiling, frowning and squinting begin to show on the face. Repetition of these and other facial expressions causes wrinkles to form. Eventually, the deep lines become permanent, visible even when the muscles are relaxed.
Botox® is a neuromuscular toxin that is injected into the muscles that form facial lines. The medication blocks signals from the nerves, which stop the muscles from contracting. After Botox® injections, the wrinkles relax and become much less obvious.
Dysport® and Xeomin® work in the same manner as Botox, partially paralyzing the targeted muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
How Do Facial Fillers Work?
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and we produce collagen and elastin at a slower rate. As a result, the skin sags and wrinkles form, causing the lack of fullness we associate with older people.
Unlike Botox®, which is injected into muscle, facial fillers are injected into the soft tissues of the face. Also known as dermal fillers, these products work to add volume to thin areas, filling out the face and smoothing wrinkles.
Trained medical professionals use different types of dermal fillers to meet different needs. Hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm® and Restylane®, are among the most widely used. However, Sculptra® and Radiesse® can provide longer-lasting results. In addition to filling out wrinkles, these products can stimulate new collagen production.
Should You Choose Botox® or Facial Fillers?
Botox® is usually used for active facial wrinkles or lines that have recently formed. If you have crow’s feet, frown lines or forehead furrows, Botox® could be an effective treatment.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are usually most appropriate for wrinkles that are firmly established. If your lips or cheeks are thinning, or you want to reduce deep lines and sagging skin, fillers may be a better answer than Botox®. However, Botox® and facial fillers are often used together to produce a smoother and more youthful face.
It’s important to remember that the results of Botox® and dermal fillers can vary significantly among patients. Scheduling a consultation with a professional aesthetic plastic surgeon is the only way to determine the best treatment approach for your specific goals and concerns.
Are you ready to explore your facial treatment options? The Beauty Now team at Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures for age-related wrinkles. Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a consultation to learn more about Botox® and facial fillers.
NOTE: The information provided here is of a general nature and is not intended to substitute for personal advice from an experienced cosmetic surgeon.