Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: Which is Right for You?
The quest to find the fountain of youth is age-old. And no wonder, skin aging is a formidable foe, after all. In this article, we will cover everything about: Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: Which One Should You Choose?
As we age, the production of proteins essential to skin elasticity — elastin and collagen — starts to wane. Over time, exposure to the sun and even smiling and frowning can start to show in expression lines.
While it may seem like the fight against the signs of aging is a losing battle, medical advancements have given us the tools to combat it at last.
Want even better news?
There’s no need to search far and wide, as we at the Plantation Med Spa are here to help! We offer some of the most advanced aesthetic procedures in the industry that are sure to save you from skin aging. Among these are Botox and Dermal Fillers.
Both of them are long-lasting, minimally invasive procedures that are perfect for anyone who’s looking for a lift. If you’re at a loss for which one to pick, we’ve got you! Today, we break down everything you need to know about Botox and dermal fillers for you to make the right decision.
But before we get to that, let’s talk about Botox and dermal fillers’ common enemy: wrinkles.
Types of Wrinkles
The American Academy of Facial Esthetics categorizes wrinkles into three classes: dynamic, static, and wrinkle folds. Let’s take a closer look at each.
1. DYNAMIC WRINKLES
Every time your muscles contract, they form lines. These movements result in dynamic wrinkles.
These wrinkles occur on the upper part of the face, most commonly in the following areas:
- Between the eyebrows
- Forehead
- Around the eyes
Botox is the most common solution for this type of wrinkle.
2. STATIC WRINKLES
Static wrinkles occur once the skin begins to lose its elasticity, a phenomenon that comes with age. These become more pronounced as your skin succumbs to the force of gravity. You can think of these wrinkles as the “inevitable” ones.
However, this type of wrinkle is not only due to aging. Other contributing factors include:
- Smoking
- Sun exposure
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Prolonged dynamic wrinkles
A good treatment for static wrinkles is dermal fillers.
3. WRINKLE FOLDS
The deep grooves that form between the nose and mouth area are called wrinkle folds. These occur due to the sagging of your facial structures.
Both Botox and dermal fillers are great choices to diminish the noticeability of these wrinkles.
Now that we’ve covered the different types of wrinkles, let’s talk more about Botox and dermal fillers!
Botox
First, let’s tackle Botox, one of the most popular treatments in the cosmetic world.
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox is obtained from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produces the botulinum toxin.
Botox and other treatments that involve the use of botulinum toxin are also called neurotoxins or neuromodulators. With a regulated amount, Botox can safely help address wrinkle concerns.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Botox blocks the nerve signals in the muscles of the area where it is injected. This interruption in nerve signals causes muscles to become temporarily paralyzed. The lack of contraction leads to less muscle stiffness, ultimately softening, reducing the appearance of, or removing wrinkles.
While the procedure may sound scary, there’s no need to worry because our experienced Plantation Med Spa aestheticians use a small needle, which only causes minor discomfort.
There’s more:
Botox injections only take a few minutes and don’t even require anesthesia!
While Botox is most known for its usefulness against wrinkles, this neurotoxin also has a variety of uses in the medical world.
Here are some medical concerns that Botox can help address:
- Chronic migraine
- Uncontrolled blinking, or blepharospasm
- Eyes that point in different directions, or strabismus
- Severe underarm sweating, or hyperhidrosis
- Cervical dystonia
- Overactive bladder
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING BOTOX INJECTIONS?
While Botox injections are safe and effective when it comes to diminishing wrinkles, it’s not a perfect solution. It has its strengths, and drawbacks too.
Here are some factors you should consider before deciding to get the injections:
Permanence
Over time, muscle contraction in the injected area will eventually return. Thus, Botox is not a permanent solution.
However, there’s no need to worry about getting injected every month or two. The muscle-relaxing effect brought about by Botox can last for up to six months!
In addition, Botox helps the muscle shrink. So, the wrinkles that were previously injected will appear less and less pronounced over time.
Effectiveness
It is important to note that Botox won’t be of help for static wrinkles, which are caused by sun damage or gravity.
Additionally, repeated Botox injections may cause your body to start developing antibodies for the Botulinum toxin. This resistance leads to decreased effectiveness of the procedure over time.
However, this only occurs in less than one percent of Botox patients. Thus, there is a very slim chance of it happening to you.
Side Effects
Just like any procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, botox injections carry some rise. Following a session, patients may experience these side effects:
- Paralysis or weakness of nearby muscles
- Drooping of eyelid or eyebrow
- Itching, hives, or rashing
- Pain, redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or numbness
These side effects are mostly temporary. You may find that as the Botox wears off over time, these will also disappear.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER A BOTOX PROCEDURE?
The effect of Botox generally takes one to two weeks to take full effect. To maximize its benefits, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol one week before your procedure.
Stopping the intake of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before your session can also help avoid bruising.
Right after your procedure, do not massage or rub the affected area. Doing so can spread the toxin to the surrounding tissues, leading to muscle drooping and other issues.
Your aesthetician will require you to take a break from heavy activities, such as exercising. In addition, they may recommend that you stay upright for up to four hours after the injection.
Now that you’re up to speed on everything Botox, let’s discuss dermal fillers!
Dermal Fillers
Like Botox, dermal fillers are injectables. However, the latter involves the use of a gel-like substance.
WHAT DO DERMAL FILLERS CONTAIN?
Some of the formulas used in dermal fillers include:
Hyaluronic Acid
This acid is found in some tissues and fluids in your body. The main function of this substance is to add plumpness to your skin.
Dermal fillers using hyaluronic acid retain their effectiveness for about six to 12 months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound that is naturally occurring in bones. When used as part of a dermal filler solution, its results can last for up to 18 months!
Poly-L-lactic Acid
This acid stimulates collagen production in your body. While man-made, this acid is not harmful and is safely broken down by your skin into water and carbon dioxide.
What’s amazing about PLLA dermal fillers is they can produce results for about two years!
HOW ARE DERMAL FILLERS ADMINISTERED?
After mapping out the areas to be filled, your aesthetician will proceed to cleanse and anesthetize your skin. They may put you under local anesthesia or use an anesthetic ointment.
Then, the target areas will be injected, and then massaged to ensure the fillers get properly distributed and absorbed. They may inject additional filler if needed.
The entire facial filler procedure may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many areas need to be treated.
WHAT CAN DERMAL FILLERS ADDRESS?
The plumpness of your face disappears as you age, leaving in its stead static wrinkles.
If you’re in need of a treatment to rescue you from these stubborn signs of skin aging, dermal fillers are the answer.
In particular, dermal fillers are able to:
- Plump thinning lips
- Enhance jaw contours
- Soften creases and wrinkles
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars
- Remove or decrease the shadow of your lower lids
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING DERMAL FILLERS?
Side Effects
Dermal fillers are safe when administered by a licensed medical aesthetician. However, the procedure still carries some side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Bruising
The good news is, these side effects fade over time and can be easily remedied at home. Ice packs can provide relief from temporary swelling and numbness.
Meanwhile, allergic reactions to the components of dermal fillers can be avoided through allergy tests.
Price
Another thing about dermal fillers is that they can get pricey. Because of this, some people resort to browsing black markets for do-it-yourself fillers. However, these can be dangerous and increase your odds of experiencing side effects. For the best results, always visit a reputable medical spa, such as Plantation Med Spa, if you’re considering fillers.
Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: Which One Should You Choose?
Botox and dermal fillers are both aesthetic treatments that address wrinkle-related concerns. However, their similarities end there.
To summarize the differences between these two:
BOTOX
Botox injections “freeze” your muscles to stop the formation of wrinkles. This procedure is typically used to combat dynamic wrinkles, which are found at the upper portion of your face.
If you have stubborn expression lines on your forehead, between your eyebrows, and around your eyes, then Botox injections are your best bet.
Botox is not recommended for people who:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have weak facial muscles
- Have skin issues such as deep scars
- Have a neuromuscular disease
DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers, as their name suggests, “fill in” the areas of your face that have lost volume. Fillers use substances such as hyaluronic acid to restore the plumpness of your skin.
This procedure is most effective on static wrinkles; the ones on your cheeks, around the mouth, and lips.
Keep in mind that it’s always best to get both Botox injections and dermal fillers done when you’re in good health.
Treat Yourself at the Plantation Med Spa
Here at the Plantation Med Spa, we guarantee only the top-choice aesthetic treatments. So, whichever you choose, Botox injections or dermal fillers, you’re sure to get good results.
Furthermore, we firmly believe that treatment doesn’t end with one visit. That’s why we specialize in crafting customized programs that are tailor-made for your needs.
If you’re looking into getting the full spa experience, we have available packages at discounted prices! Here is an overview of some of our Face Treatment Packages:
LOOK AT THAT SMILE!
This package is designed for the lower face, and includes:
- 2 facial fillers
- 1 microneedling with PRP
- 4 Exilis Skin Tightening sessions
- Above the lip Botox
- 1 Teeth Whitening session
TURN BACK TIME
This package is designed for the eyes, and includes:
- Botox
- Under-eye filler
- 4 Exilis Skin Tightening sessions
- Eyelash tint
- Eyebrow tint
- 1 Microneedling session with HA
- Free gifts! Compliment your package with an eye cream and eye serum
In Conclusion
Here at the Plantation Med Spa, we do not just offer advanced treatments, top-notch techniques, and high-quality products. We also believe that natural is beautiful. Our team of trained medical experts is here to help you achieve younger skin that is natural-looking.
We will be by your side at every step and during every session. At first, you may feel overwhelmed by the vast offerings the medical spa industry has to offer. But, you can rest assured that we will not just sell products and services to you.
First, we will analyze your skin. We are here to help you to understand and clearly define your goals. More importantly, we will help you to achieve them!
So if you have not yet decided between Botox injections and dermal fillers, that’s alright. Our top aestheticians are here to help you make that decision!
And rest assured that whichever one you land on, you’re guaranteed brilliant results. Just take a look at our clients’ reviews and testimonials! We’re committed to providing you with excellent service, from the moment you come through our doors until you go out into the world a more confident version of yourself.
Hopefully, we have covered everything about: Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: Which One Should You Choose?
Ready to finally get rid of your wrinkles?
Book a consultion online now? Visit the Plantation Med Spa now to treat yourself to some of our many services and treatment offers! Call us at (954) 595-2607
