BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are among the most popular in the field of aesthetics. In fact, it is estimated that roughly 4-5 million people get these injections annually. This is a dramatic jump from the year 2000, which reported just under 800,000 injection treatments. BOTOX® Cosmetic’s distant cousin, the dermal filler, is not far behind. However, while the mysteries of BOTOX® have been uncovered, many are still unsure of how fillers actually work.
There are fundamental differences between these injectable formulas. While both can give you a refreshed, youthful appearance, they rely on entirely different ingredients to achieve this aim. Moreover, dermal fillers are meant to enhance features and restore lost volume not relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles. To clear things up, BodyLase® has put together a thorough explanation of how fillers work and what makes them different from other injectables.
Dermal Fillers Add Volume
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the skin, it works by interrupting nerve signals and temporarily weakening the treated area. This prevents your facial muscles from contracting and thus minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.
Dermal fillers don’t weaken your muscles. In fact, unlike BOTOX® Cosmetic which is in a liquid form, these injectables are made of gel-like substances that add volume to treated areas. Natural filler options include calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, and the most commonly used hyaluronic acid. All of these compounds are found naturally in the body.
Some dermal fillers are synthetic and use polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) or Polyalkylimide to achieve semi-permanent skin-plumping results.
Fillers Are Meant for Volume Loss Correction
The main function of BOTOX® Cosmetic is to address expression lines and wrinkles. Here at BodyLase®, some of the most common areas we use these injectables on are forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used to provide a brow or an upper lip lift.
Dermal fillers have a different function. These formulas are primarily meant to enhance facial volume. An injection of a hyaluronic acid filler corrects facial volume loss and gives you a more youthful appearance. Fillers are also made to:
- Plump, define, and reshape lips.
- Enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face.
- Fill in hollow under the eye area (dark circles).
- Smooth lines around the mouth.
- Correct asymmetry in certain parts of the face and even straighten your nose.
Results Vary, But Combinations Are Possible
BOTOX® Cosmetic results last for a pretty standard amount of time. After your injection series, you can expect to live wrinkle-free for 3-4 months. Dermal fillers however last anywhere from 12-18 months depending on the product and its placement.
If you’re considering both of these treatments, there is some good news. Since these formulas don’t interfere with each other, they can be combined within a single treatment session. So, if you are struggling with crow’s feet and smile lines, a dermal filler and BOTOX® combo may be a great option.
How to Schedule a Dermal Filler Session
At BodyLase® Med Spa, we provide JUVÉDERM®, RHA®, and RADIESSE® dermal filler options. If you’re struggling with facial volume loss, dynamic wrinkles, or under-eye shadows, we can help.
Get in touch with us today by calling (919) 299-6627 to book an appointment in our Raleigh Med Spa office or (919) 421-7323 to book in our Cary Med Spa office. You can also fill out and submit the appointment form below.
