Botox and dermal fillers are injectable cosmetic procedures designed to address the early signs of aging and slow the aging process. Injectable treatments have a high patient satisfaction rating due to their non-surgical nature and minimal downtime and discomfort. However, many people don’t know the differences between Botox and dermal fillers.
Let’s discuss what Botox and dermal fillers are and their differences.
What Is Botox®?
Botox® Cosmetic is designed to improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe lines of the upper face. It is a minimally invasive, injectable neuromodulator treatment that diminishes the signs of aging, creating a smoother, more refreshed, and more youthful look. Neuromodulators like Botox interrupt the nerve signals to muscles in targeted areas where dynamic wrinkles form. Dynamic wrinkles are formed by repetitive facial expressions, meaning even young adults can develop this type of wrinkle, creating a tired, angry, or older-looking appearance.
With minimal discomfort or downtime, Botox delivers noticeable results within days. Botox is a quick, effective skin rejuvenation treatment that takes 15 to 30 minutes. This procedure produces visible results within two weeks and lasts 3 to 4 months.
Without impacting facial movements in untreated areas, Botox® helps reduce the appearance of:
- Eye area—crow’s feet
- Glabellar lines—frown lines, or the 11s
- Forehead lines
- Neck bands
- Lip area
- Medical conditions, like migraines, TMJ, or hyperhidrosis
While Botox has traditionally been used to address the signs of aging, it is being adopted by those in their 20s and 30s as a preventive measure to slow the aging process. Preventive aesthetics is a must for any person who wants to age gracefully.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are unique injectable treatments to temporarily address the early signs of aging that are caused by lost volume due to loss of fat, collagen, or bone. Fillers are designed to plump the skin to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, or facial folds and restore lost volume. Non-surgical fillers rejuvenate your skin to refresh your contours and enhance your more youthful appearance.
Most filler sessions typically take 30 to 45 minutes and deliver immediate results; however, some fillers develop gradually over weeks. Many fillers also encourage natural collagen production to continue improving the skin’s overall appearance and health.
Dr. Szpalski offers the Juvéderm® line of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and draws moisture into the deep layers of the skin, hydrating and plumping the skin. Juvéderm® fillers are available in many versatile formulas that instantly add volume and lift to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles and increase deflated or naturally small lips.
With subtle, natural-looking results that can last 3 to 18 months, dermal fillers can enhance the appearance of:
- Cheek augmentation
- Chin augmentation
- Nasolabial folds
- Fine lines, deep wrinkles, and facial folds
- Lip augmentation
- Vertical lip lines, or “smoker’s lines,” around the mouth
- Jowls along the jawline
- Marionette lines
- Downturned smile
- Cheek fullness
- Chin symmetry and shape
- Hollowed temple depressions on the sides of the face
- Volume loss on the top of the hands
- HIV-related lipodystrophy
- Lines on the chest and between the breasts
- Scar augmentation for hypertrophic scars
What Is the Difference Between Botox® and Dermal Fillers?
While Botox and dermal fillers are both minimally invasive injectable treatments, they deliver different effects and treat different types of facial wrinkles. In short, one treatment reduces wrinkles by relaxing muscles and the other adds volume for smoother-looking skin. Botox may be used as a preventative treatment while fillers are often a corrective treatment.
Another significant difference is that Botox can also be used for medical treatments, such as migraines, hyperhidrosis, or TMJ, and dermal fillers are exclusively for cosmetic purposes.
Botox is comprised of a purified form of the botulinum toxin that temporarily interrupts nerve signals to reduce muscle movements in areas where dynamic wrinkles form. Typically, these areas are on the upper face like the forehead and around the eyes. Neuromodulators deliver results that last around 3 to 4 months.
Dermal fillers are often made of hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible substances. They are used to restore facial volume and smooth wrinkles. With results that last up to 18 months, fillers are typically used in the areas around the mouth, lips, or cheeks.
How Do Botox® and Dermal Fillers Work Together?
Many non-surgical preventive aesthetic treatments, such as Botox or dermal fillers, are quick and easy, require minimal recovery time, and can be paired for optimal results. While no two wrinkles or folds should be treated in the same manner, Botox and dermal fillers each play their role in preventive aesthetics and facial rejuvenation.
Botox and dermal fillers are designed to treat different types of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive muscular movements that create facial expressions, such as crow’s feet. Static wrinkles are visible when the face is at rest, like laugh lines, which are caused by loss of skin elasticity and collagen.
Neuromodulators like Botox are typically the best treatment for dynamic wrinkles. Common treatment areas include between the eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes. Dermal fillers are often used for wrinkles caused by volume loss due to aging. They can restore fullness and plump deflated or thin lips. Static wrinkles can be treated with Botox and fillers in non-surgical facelift treatments.
Choosing Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your NJ Botox® and Dermal Filler Provider
As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski understands the importance of looking and feeling your best. With a less-is-more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to injectable treatments to achieve each patient’s goals. She prioritizes natural-looking, long-lasting results, delivering a sense of timeless elegance that respects your unique appearance and cultural beauty. Together with Dr. Szpalski, you will develop a customized injectable treatment plan to enhance your appearance and increase your confidence.
Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to schedule your Botox or dermal filler consultation!