You stare into the mirror, looking deep into the eyes of the person in the reflection. You study the fine lines and deeper wrinkles—years of laughing, concern, and concentration etched into that face. Everyone says these grooves are a natural sign of aging, but it’s only natural to want to turn back the clock.
You’ve heard about things like Botox and fillers, but you might not know where to start with your questions.
So let’s get into it and talk about the differences between Botox and fillers and what to expect with each treatment.
What Exactly Is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin. It is injected into the upper layers of the skin and relaxes the muscle to reduce wrinkles. Botox is used to treat “dynamic wrinkles,” ones that come from facial movement and expressions like smiling, frowning, and squinting.
It can also be used to treat other health issues, including excessive underarm sweating, uncontrollable muscle spasms, TMJ, and even migraines.
Types of Botox and Alternatives
Though Botox is the most common name, there are several brands of neuromodulators on the market, including:
- Botox® (OnabotulinumtoxinA)
- Dysport® (AbobotulinumtoxinA)
- Xeomin® (IncobotulinumtoxinA)
- Jeauveau® (PrabotulinumtoxinA)
- Daxxify® (DaxibotulinumtoxinA)
These brands all have subtle differences, but all are approved for cosmetic wrinkle treatment.
Outcomes and Possible Side Effects
You can expect to see results from a Botox treatment within 3-7 days. The effects typically last about 3-6 months. Since your body naturally breaks down the injection, you’ll need to continue receiving treatments to see the results. It is recommended to receive Botox about every 3-4 months.
Though serious side effects are rare, more common ones include:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site.
- Headache, aches, or flu-like symptoms.
- Asymmetry.
- A crooked smile.
- Redness or infection at the injection site.
To avoid serious side effects, it’s important to have any Botox treatment done by a certified dermatologist. If you experience any mild side effects for more than a few days, consult your doctor.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
When comparing Botox or fillers, it’s important to know which areas they target. While Botox affects the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers are used to treat “static wrinkles.” These wrinkles, usually around your lips, cheeks, and hands, are usually signs of fat loss beneath your skin. Dermal fillers use substances found naturally in your body (like hyaluronic acid) to add volume to those areas. They are gel-like substances that can be injected into treatment areas.
Where Can I Get Fillers?
Dermal fillers are very versatile. Some of the most common places people get these injections are:
- Lips: Enhance fullness and shape and smooth lip lines
- Cheeks: Restore volume and contour.
- Nasolabial Folds: Smooth, deep lines running from the nose to the mouth.
- Forehead: Reducing lines and wrinkles.
- Under-Eye Hollows: Erase dark circles and hollows.
- Jawline: Define and contour.
- Hands: Restore lost volume.
The Finer Details of Fillers
There are several brands of dermal fillers, and each one has its unique properties. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular, though collagen-stimulating alternatives are also widely used.
- Juvederm: Made of hyaluronic acid (attracts and holds water)
- Restylane: Also hyaluronic acid-based
- Sculptra: Made from poly-L-lactic acid (collagen stimulation)
- Radiesse: Composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (collagen stimulation)
Risks and Results
You’ll see visible results from fillers almost immediately, and the results can last 6-12 months, with some lasting 2-5 years. Results vary based on the type of filler, how much was used, the location, and your body’s metabolism.
Some possible side effects of dermal fillers include:
- Bruising, redness, and swelling around the injection site
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching or rash
If you experience more serious side effects like an allergic reaction, open wounds, an infection, or sores at the injection site, contact a doctor.
Botox vs. Fillers: Which One Is Right for You?
Both Botox and dermal fillers are non-invasive, effective treatment options for wrinkles and other signs of aging. The solution you choose is up to you and your dermatologist. In summary:
- Botox uses a purified toxin to relax the muscles and reduce dynamic wrinkles.
- Dermal fillers use natural substances to add volume to the skin and fill in static wrinkles.
If you’re considering Botox or dermal fillers, book an appointment with Utah Valley Medical Spa. Our certified dermatologist has performed hundreds of Botox and dermal filler injections. Explore our treatment options today and start feeling like yourself again.
