Lip Fillers | Botox vs. Fillers: Uses, Effects, and Differences
Botox and fillers are two very different procedures and products in the antiaging world. They have unique uses and ways they are applied. The purposes for each are different from one other. They have very distinct effects that set them apart and these are often confused. What follows is a synopsis of the differences and how to care for each one after you have had them done.
What is Botox
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin. It is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the muscle so that messages are not sent from the nerves. If these nerves cannot send the messages to the muscles to move the result is that your face will not crease, show lines and wrinkles. This is the full effect of Botox. It helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your forehead, between your eyebrows, and at the corners of your eyes. Your facial expressions will appear softened especially when it comes to frown lines and crows’ feet.
As said the effect of Botox prevents your muscles from moving so that they do not cause lines and wrinkles to show on your face. Your face will appear smoother and over time will smooth out even after the Botox starts wearing off. The more applications of Botox you have done the easier it is to keep these lines softened in the future.
Botox is injected with a needle right into the muscle at the cellular level, and it is relatively non-invasive, painless, and quick to apply. Normally, it takes up to 14 days to see the full results, but some patients notice a softening of the lines and wrinkles within the first day or two. After 14 days the Botox starts to wear off as it is metabolized by the body and by around month six a repeat treatment needs to be done if you want to keep the appearance of lines and wrinkles from showing.
What are fillers and how do they work
Fillers, often called dermal fillers are derived from hyaluronic acid or other substances that are on the market. Every dermatologist uses their own product of choice for fillers, but most are made up of hyaluronic acid. This is an ingredient that is already in the body. As we age this plumping ingredient decreases and the face starts to sag and look more aged and droopier. Filler will add volume and plumpness where the skin’s elasticity is lacking.
Fillers are nonsurgical just like Botox injections and a quick way to add volume to lift certain areas of your face. This helps smooth out wrinkles and create a more youthful look. Many people think of lips when they hear the word fillers because this is a very common area that people have this procedure done. Fillers helps to contour parts of your face that you want to stand out.
Fillers are injected right under the skin using a thin needle. This procedure is relatively quick like Botox however it is more painful and often uncomfortable depending on how much filler is injected. There are numbing products that help to alleviate some of the pain that can be applied like a topical anesthetic. Unlike Botox, fillers are immediate in their results and you can see the plumpness right away. Also, unlike Botox, fillers can last for up to a year depending on what type you use and even the area that is treated.
Main Difference Between Botox and Fillers
The main key differences between Botox and fillers are the purpose of them, the duration of how long they last, the areas that are treated, and how the procedure is done. Botox works to block the messages from the nervous system to the muscles so that the muscles stop contracting. The result of this is that you get a smoother finish to your face because the lines and wrinkles are softened and over time with repeated treatments can nearly disappear.
Fillers on the other hand work to plump up and fill out the parts of your face that might be sagging or drooping and giving it a more youthful appearance. When it comes to how long these procedures last they are different from one another. Botox lasts up to six months whereas fillers can last for a year.
What areas does Botox treat?
The areas that Botox commonly treats are the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the corners of the eyes. Fillers are typically used from the middle of your face and down. Places like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips and even under the eyes are the most common areas. Both Botox and fillers are not invasive when injected however many people commonly report that filler injections are more uncomfortable. The biggest difference between the two is what ingredients are in the Botox vs filler, as well as how the injection is performed and the results each bring.
There are many overlapping aftercare guidelines you should be aware of with Botox and fillers procedures. First of all, you should avoid touching the area that has been injected for the first 24 to 48 hours. It is best if you can stay upright so that the ingredients stay where they were injected until they do their job and are settled into the system. Strenuous exercise is not recommended as it can cause the movement as well of the product and the sweating that comes with it can cause issues. Avoid alcohol but stay hydrated and try to stay cool instead of being in extreme heat.
This includes hot tubs and saunas for at least the first 24 hours. It is not the time after either of these procedures to have a facial or a massage. Always follow the provider’s instructions after you leave the clinic and follow-up if you have any questions or concerns or see anything unusual when it comes to side effects. When speaking to your provider be sure that you let them know what kind of medications you might be on in case there are blood thinners present to minimize the risk of bruising. Your provider will assure you of what might be normal and what is concerning.
Be sure to contact a professional
It is best to speak to your dermatologist or nurse injector to get a personalized plan that will meet your needs and goals with any antiaging treatments like Botox or fillers. For extra tips and advice, take a look at our YouTube Channel.