We’ve all seen celebs like the Kardashians and pop stars talking about cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers, but have you ever thought about trying them out for yourself?
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be a simple and safe way to change the appearance of your face, helping you look younger and feel more confident in your appearance. If you’re looking to start dating again, starting a new job, or approaching a milestone birthday, it might be just what you need!
However, do you know much about dermal fillers vs Botox? Both terms are used interchangeably but actually mean two completely different things.
To learn more, keep reading to discover the difference between Botox and dermal fillers—plus, work out which is right for you!
How Are Fillers and Botox Used?
Fillers and Botox can help you look younger. Although Botox and dermal fillers have different mechanisms and compositions, their combined usage may provide good results for a wide range of skin concerns. Botox is an excellent choice for the facial regions where there is muscular activity. Botox smoothes out dynamic facial lines such as forehead rhytides, crow’s feet, and glabellar frown lines by affecting the underlying muscles.
Fillers, by contrast, intersperse throughout the epidermis to restore it to its youthful and smooth condition. They are effective for deep wrinkles, even when facial muscles do not relax. Fillers, on their own, may assist you in looking young and rejuvenated, but they tend to last longer when used with Botox. In rare circumstances, the combination of these injectables is required, for example, when treating deep forehead rhytides and glabellar wrinkles.
Are dermal fillers safer than Botox? Fillers and Botox are both extremely safe if administered by an experienced and qualified practitioner.
To answer your question, yes—Botox and dermal fillers are very different treatments.
However, they do have some similarities. They’re both injectable cosmetic treatments performed by a doctor or trained cosmetic surgeon.
Botox is a cosmetic treatment used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles from the face. Dermal fillers, in comparison, are used to add volume to the face and replace volume lost as part of the aging process.
Many cosmetic patients will choose to have both treatments if they’re looking to both reduce wrinkles and increase facial volume. However, you can also have treatments independently from one another.
If you’re unsure about which option is right for you, book a consultation with a cosmetic clinic and let them know about your areas of concern. They can then advise on which treatments would give you the best results.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is an anti-wrinkle treatment that’s made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. It causes a chemical reaction when injected into the skin, freezing nerves that connect to muscles.
For example, when injected next to the eyes, it will stop your eye muscles from contracting when you smile or laugh, getting rid of crow’s feet wrinkles. Once the muscles can no longer contract, your skin will be wrinkle-free, making you look younger and more refreshed.
Botox is commonly used for crow’s feet lines, forehead wrinkles, smoker’s lines, and frowns. Botox is also proven to help with certain medical conditions, including migraines and excessive sweating.
Injecting a neurotoxin into your skin might sound weird, but the process is extremely safe, as long as it’s done by a trained professional.
Once injected, you should start noticing your wrinkles disappear in about 1-2 weeks. Then, you can enjoy about 3-4 months free from wrinkles!
It’s possible to experience some redness or soreness after getting Botox. Although, most people feel completely fine right after and can even return to work afterward.
How Do Fillers Work?
So, how now that we underhand Botox, how do dermal fillers compare?
Dermatological fillers are an injectable treatment made from Hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. It works to add volume and plumpness to your face, restoring your skin to a beautiful, elegant, and youthful look.
Fillers can be used in plenty of areas on the face, including the lips, cheeks, jawline, chin, and even nose. They’re a versatile treatment that can be used as a liquid facelift, filling in skin creases, creating plumper lips, or designing more sculpted cheekbones.
Most cosmetic centers charge by the ml, but often offer discounted prices if you’re having multiple areas treated.
Once injected, you’ll notice results right away. For most patients, filler lasts around 6-12 months, but this varies based on your body’s metabolism.
While most people absolutely love their fillers, it is possible to have them dissolved if you don’t like the results.
After you’ve had dermal fillers, your skin might feel tender and swollen for a day or two. This is normal, so don’t worry—lips are particularly notorious for swelling, but will even out within a few days.
However, if you love the full, plump look of your lips while they’re swollen, you can also go back and add more dermal filler in a few weeks.
Are Botox and Fillers Painful?
Many first-time patients worry about the discomfort—will it be painful to get dermal fillers or botox?
While both procedures can cause the feeling of a slight pinch, the discomfort should be minimal. This is because you can prepare the skin in advance, using local numbing cream, which means you won’t feel as much.
Ice can also help reduce pain, as can laughing gas. When having fillers, most dermal filler products also have a local anesthetic included in them, which helps with numbing.
If you’re feeling nervous, always talk to your doctor. They can let you know exactly what to expect and can talk you through all of the options for managing discomfort.
Both procedures are also over very quickly, so there’s very little to worry about!
Use This Guide to Understand Dermal Fillers vs Botox
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about dermal fillers vs Botox. Both can be extremely effective and safe treatments, so why not try them out for yourself?
To get started, do some research online and look for local cosmetic centers, looking for an experienced and reputable salon with lots of positive reviews. Each clinic should have images of their work online as well, letting you see examples of their technique.
Then, make a consultation and try it out for yourself! You’re sure to love the subtle but gorgeous impact of either Botox or dermal fillers!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please keep reading to learn more.