What is the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
At BabyFace LLC a question we get asked quite often is, “What is the difference between botox and dermal fillers?” In the past few decades, injectables have gained massive popularity. Among the injectables, Botulinum toxin Type A (commonly known as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau or Xeomin) and dermal fillers (like Restylane, Juvederm, Versa) are winning the top spots. In 2019, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recorded almost 10 million procedures just for these two injectables.
In this article, we will explain the key differences and similarities and also provide you a bit more understanding of each so that you can feel confident, safe and at peace in choosing either for your specific beauty goals!
Why People are Opting for Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botox and Dermal fillers are both cosmetic procedures injected to treat wrinkles and signs of aging. They are both minimally invasive and can provide long-lasting results. However, that’s where their similarities end. These two injectables differ in terms of uses, efficacy, side effects, and of course, cost. Knowing these differences will help you choose which one is best for you.
The key differences between Botox and dermal fillers are:
Botox contains purified bacteria that temporarily relaxes dynamic facial muscles. In doing so, Botox can help minimize the appearance of lines, creases, and wrinkles caused by facial expressions, which are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
Dermal fillers: These use hyaluronic acid gels and similar substances to “fill in”, “plump” or add fullness to areas that have lost volume like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, areas around the mouth and jawline.
Botox results last 3 to 4 months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on which filler is used.
Because Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined in one treatment. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth.
Similarities between Botox and dermal fillers:
Botox (technically called neuromodulators) and dermal fillers are both cosmetic treatments given by injections, either in a doctor’s office, by a dermatologist, or in a med spa such as at BabyFace’s boutique medspa in Scottsdale.
Both are minimally invasive, meaning they do not involve surgery. In most cases, a topical numbing solution is used to numb the area before injection. Most people report feeling no pain, others only a small initial pinch, but that also depends on the person giving the injection! At BabyFace’s MedSpa in Scottsdale, our aesthetic nurse injectors have years of training, certifications and proven experience.
Botox and fillers are considered safe, with side effects occurring in less than 1 percent of recipients. Millions of Botox and filler procedures are performed each year, and they have a good safety track record.
Botox and other injectable neurotoxins can last up to 6 months.
Botox and dermal filler treatments are popular, accounting for more than 9 million procedures in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), making it the top minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in recent years.
Botox and fillers are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who have certain health conditions or who take any medications should discuss whether Botox or fillers are safe for them.
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria. The small, regulated amount of Botox given to correct wrinkles has been used safely for decades.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed preventing the muscle from moving and causing wrinkles. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened creating a more youthful appearance.
Botox and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are sometimes called neuromodulators or neurotoxins. A few other brands of injectable neurotoxins containing botulinum toxin that can be used to help smooth wrinkles are Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin.
Botox has been used for decades and is very safe to use. It was first approved for use by the FDA in 1989 and 5-10 million injections are used every year.
There are incredibly popular non-cosmetic uses for Botox as well, such as:
injections in the armpits that can help treat hyperhidrosis (excess sweating)
injections in the jaw muscle to prevent teeth grinding caused by TMJ.
Botox is also commonly used to treat migraines and many other non-cosmetic conditions.
What can Botox correct?
Botox only works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic wrinkles, and are often called “expression lines.”
The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other repetitive facial expressions.
Botox is most commonly used to soften wrinkles such as crow’s feet around the eyes and horizontal lines on the forehead, or even around the mouth.
Botox is not a permanent treatment and requires repeated treatments to maintain its wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. Dermal fillers contain ingredients that add fullness to areas that have thinned due to aging.
Substances used in dermal fillers include:
Calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.
Hyaluronic acid, which is found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin.
Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler
Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.
The time they take to work, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer.
People should discuss their individual needs and expectations with their provider to determine which filler is the best choice for them.
What can dermal fillers correct?
Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat varying signs of aging. Depending on the filler selected, they may:
plump up thinning lips
enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face, commonly found in the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth
decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face
Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.
People should also discuss what Botox and fillers can realistically do for their appearance. Though they can enhance a more youthful look, the results are typically not as dramatic as a facelift but for some people Botox and dermal fillers can delay the need for surgery indefinitely.
Possible Side Effects
Bruising or swelling at the injection site
Tenderness at injection sites
Redness at the injection sites
Side effects specifically from filler include the Tyndall effect, which is the appearance of a bluish cast to the skin, and "can occur if thicker hyaluronic acid fillers are injected too superficially beneath the surface of the skin. The Tyndall effect can be treated by injecting a small amount of hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler) into the area.
Keep in mind that the more severe "side effects" like the Tyndall effect and bumps beneath the skin are not actually true side effects, but rather complications that occur from improper injection.
BabyFace nurses have over 40 years collective experience and certification in providing these procedures. BabyFace provides a broad array of injectables including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Sculptra, Juvederm, Restylane, Versa, RHA fillers,Contour, Refyne, Defyne and Bellafill.
Our results-driven results in treating our clients for many years is why BabyFace has so many 5-star reviews.
A few more Frequently Asked Questions about Botox and dermal fillers:
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Prices will vary based on how many units and syringes are used. The price of Botox injections averages a range of $300 to $900 and the average range for a syringe of dermal filler is from $450 to $900.
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These treatments are complementary and often used together in the same setting. They are not mutually exclusive but provide different anti-aging benefits that address different problems. BabyFace providcers always recommend an in-depth consultation first before moving forward with any type of treatment.
At BabyFace’s mespa in Scottsdale, we provide a complimentary in-depth initial consultation where we discuss in detail what outcome you’re looking to achieve. Our aesthetic nurse injectors are certified and highly skilled in analyzing your face, skin, and aging concerns.
Botox may be the answer, or dermal fillers, or both - or neither! Sometimes microneedling or a chemical peel is the right solution. Please do yourself a favor and DO NOT get a treatment done without first discussing your goals with your provider.
And if you do not use BabyFace, it is imperative that whomever you use takes the time to truly listen and understand your desires so that the right recommendation can be made.