Botox®/Dysport®and Dermal Fillers are two very different cosmetic treatments. They are both minimally invasive, meaning no surgery.
Botox®/Dysport® are types of neurotoxins that block muscle contractions. They work to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions (for both men and women). This usually includes crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines and creases on the forehead. The neurotoxins work by blocking nerve signals in the muscles leaving them temporarily paralyzed. This is done using a purified form of botulinum toxin, in small amounts and has been used safely for decades. Botox®/Dysport® will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the skin.
Botox®/Dysport® are notconsidered permanent treatments and most people find the effects last about three to four months. Results can be noticed within a few days of the treatment. Treatments with botulinum toxins are sold under the brand names of Botox®,Dysport®and Xeomin®.
There are a few possible side effects such as: pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site; headache or flu-like symptoms; droopy eyelid or uneven eyebrows; asymmetrical smile or drooling; and/or eye dryness or excessive tearing. These can be discussed with the doctor. Neurotoxin treatment is still a leading cosmetic procedure in the United States with more than 7.2 million procedures in 2017.
“Lines of expression need botulinum toxin. Lines at rest need filler.” Dr. Schulman, New York City board-certified plastic surgeon, says that while Botox is a great choice for hitting those “crease points” where muscles contract, fillers are best for deep lines that are present even when facial muscles are not contracting. Hyaluronic acid fillers come in a variety of thicknesses. Your provider will perform an assessment and determine the right one for your particular skin type. “There are other fillers composed of calcium (like Radiesse), which are better for deep filling and can last 12 to14 months,” Dr. Schulman says.
Dermal, or Soft Tissue Fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore lost volume and fullness in the face. Dermal fillers can be used to: plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, improve the appearance of recessed scars, reconstruct contour deformities in the face and/or decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids. They can be very helpful for people with signs of aging. They will not give you the same results as a surgical face, brow or eyelift.
Fillers are made from of a variety of temporary or permanent materials. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero and calcium fillers like Radiesse are the most common,” said Dr. Shulman. 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; or polymenthyl-methacrylate (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler. Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.
Dermal filler can last anywhere from six months up to two years. There are a few risks to consider: skin rash, itching or pimple like eruptions; redness, bruising, bleeding or swelling; ability to feel the filler substance under the skin; and a few other side effects you can discuss with your doctor.
So, Botox®/Dysport®freezes muscles to stop creasing and wrinkling caused by facial expressions, typically in the upper face. Dermal fillers are used to fill in or plump areas that have lost volume or smoothness. This usually includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips and cheeks. These treatments are considered safe with side effects occurring in less than one percent of patients. Botox®/Dysport® and fillers should not be used for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Botox® has also been used successfully in treating migraines.
At Moore Road MediSpa we offer: Botox®/Dysport® to help reduce facial expressions and a variety of products to diminish facial lines and restore volume with hyaluronic acid-based treatments in dermal fillers.
Botox vs. Fillers
