TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Botox vs Fillers: How They Work
- Botox vs Fillers: How They Are Different
- Botox vs Fillers: Can They Be Combined?
- How to Book a Consultation
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When it comes to cosmetic procedures, having the right information is crucial for making informed decisions. This ensures optimal results while minimizing associated risks.
Choosing between Botox vs fillers depends on your specific aesthetic goals and the areas you want to address. Nevertheless, understanding the distinctions between procedures is key, even if you’re considering a combination treatment.
At aspireMD, located at St. Catharines, Ontario, we honor the courage and trust it takes to enter our doors for the first time. We are, first and foremost, medical professionals, using the safest, most effective procedures and technologies to achieve your personal objectives.
This blog post will compare the differences between neuromodulators, such as Botox, and dermal fillers.
Neuromodulators are purified proteins injected into precisely targeted muscles.
They relax and soften the skin by restricting your muscles from contracting and causing “lines”. They are helpful to reduce or erase wrinkles, decrease oil production and facial contouring to give you a refreshed and younger appearance. It can even be used to manage excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Although a household name – similar to Kleenex for a box of tissues – Botox isn’t the only neuromodulator. Others include:
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Nuceiva
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Xeomin
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Dysport
Fillers are designed for injection into the skin to restore lost volume.
Fillers are used to correct moderate to severe facial/neck/ décolleté wrinkles, hallows and folds. It is also used to tighten the skin and increase the fullness of lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, undereye hallows, and so on.
Because they are compatible with our body’s biology, they are well tolerated with minimal risk of causing adverse reactions.
Common filler materials are:
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Voluma
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Juvéderm
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Restylane
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Teosyal
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Revanesse
Besides adding volume where it’s needed, some fillers also do more. For example, Juvéderm attracts water molecules, making the treated area more hydrated and restoring volume even more.
To make things easier, let's break down these differences into the following:
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Where they are used
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How they work
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How long the effects last
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How much the treatment costs
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Side effects
1. Where they are used
Although these two treatments might target similar areas at times, their purposes generally differ.
Neuromodulators are appropriate for aging skin such as crow’s feet, frown, forehead and bunny lines, nose slimming, lip flips, gummy smiles, chin and PAO, jaw contouring (Nefertiti).
Botox is typically applied to facial spots like the forehead, the lines between the eyebrows, and the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
On the flip side, fillers are more commonly used in softer facial tissues, such as the lips, and in areas like the neck and décolleté.
2. How they work
The main difference in how neuromodulators and fillers work is in what they target.
Neuromodulators temporarily and safely immobilize muscle contractions, causing the muscles to relax.
In contrast, dermal fillers physically fill in spaces, providing support and plumping up the skin.
3. How long the effects last
This differs from person to person, influenced by factors like following post-treatment instructions, baseline skin health, and the specific treated area.
Neuromodulators last anywhere from 3 – 4 months.
Hyaluronic acid fillers last for 6 - 12 months before naturally integrating into the body. While areas on the face differ with movement and products used. Some fillers last over 1 year and well into 2 years.
4. How much the treatment costs
The cost can vary depending on how many syringes are used on each visit. We also have a 0% financing option for those wishing to pay over a certain period.
Botox is charged per unit, and the required units can vary depending on the treatment area and individual goals.
Dermal fillers are usually priced per syringe, with the quantity needed to be determined by the desired enhancement extent. The specific type of filler also influences the cost.
5. Side effects
Both can cause common side effects like redness, mild swelling, and pain, but these are temporary and will quickly fade.
Yet, the differences come from how they work. Botox, which affects muscle activity, carries a rare and temporary risk of side effects like muscle weakness or drooping in the treated area.
On the flip side, fillers, being injected substances, might lead to undesired effects due to the introduction of a foreign substance, especially if there's a known allergen.
Regardless, any side effects should be reported promptly to your treatment provider.
That’s why, at aspireMD, we make sure your injections are given by qualified, board-certified injectors.
Pairing Botox with dermal fillers is a winning combination.
For example, Botox tackles wrinkles from repetitive muscle movements (picture: crow’s feet and frown lines), while fillers target static wrinkles (picture: laugh lines and marionette lines).
Moreover, this combo trims down the number of sessions needed, meaning less time at the clinic and a quicker recovery. It allows you to jump back into your regular routine without lengthy breaks.
All in all, this combination results in a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
While differing in various aspects, Botox and fillers can join forces for a shared goal: your facial rejuvenation.
Here’s an extra tip from our experts:
“Injectables are effective in enhancing your natural features and restoring lost volume. It also provides long term benefits such as helping to improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and providing long term hydration.”
Whether you’re ready to get started with either Botox or fillers (or even as a treatment combo), or you need more clarification, you can take advantage of our complimentary consultation offer to you.
Contact us today, and let's discuss options for a more confident and refreshed you.
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