According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are on the rise. For example, some 15.7 million of these treatments were performed nationwide in 2017 alone. The most popular of these treatments were dermal fillers and BOTOX. Frequently my new Kitchener and London patients ask if these two injectable treatments are the same. The product names are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to note that they have entirely different uses and results.
Before you see an injector for your first treatment, check out this reference guide to clear up any confusion!
BOTOX COSMETIC®
- Ingredients: The main active ingredient is botulinum toxin A, which can block signals from your nerves to your muscles. BOTOX and other products made with botulinum toxin are sometimes called neuromodulators or neurotoxins.
- Treatment areas: BOTOX is designed to improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, specifically crow’s feet and frown lines. BOTOX is not designed to treat static wrinkles, lines that are present even when a person is not using his or her muscles of expression. Crow’s feet and frown lines can be dynamic or static. If they are static, BOTOX may soften the lines, but not remove them completely.
- Other uses: BOTOX can also reduce excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and armpits.
- What to expect: Treatment takes less than 15 minutes at our office and requires no downtime. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately after an appointment.
- Results: You will start noticing results 4 to 7 days after treatment, with results lasting approximately 4 months. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects.
Dermal Fillers
- Ingredients: Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that is found naturally in the body, particularly in your skin and connective tissues. Fillers can also be made of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.
- Treatment areas: Dermal fillers are designed to restore lost volume, fill lines, and improve facial contours. They can be used to correct sunken eyes, hollowed cheeks, smile lines, marionette lines that extend down from the corners of the mouth, lip lines, thinning lips, and shallow scars caused by acne.
- What to expect: Dermal fillers are more involved than BOTOX and can require a recovery period. Bruising, swelling, and redness may occur, but these are common side effects of filler injection areas.
- Results: By adding volume, dermal fillers can provide fuller, more youthful facial contours. You’ll start noticing these results immediately. Typically, fillers last longer than BOTOX and can last 6 months to 1 year.
Because BOTOX and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined into one treatment called a “soft lift.” In fact, we often recommend undergoing treatment at the same time to achieve comprehensive results across the entire face. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth. Using the 2 together is both safe and effective.
To discuss your options, request a consultation online or call our office at (519) 472-8686.
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