Botox vs fillers: which one is right for you?
Botox dermal fillers Scottsdale
Millions of Americans are looking for a method of turning back the clock on their facial appearance. Although surgical facelifts offer the most dramatic result, Some people would prefer a nonsurgical option for facial rejuvenation.
This is why botox and dermal fillers are the two most popular cosmetic treatments in the US and have been for many years. Both of these treatments offer nonsurgical facial rejuvenation with no downtime. If you’re considering having one of these treatments, how can you choose? What are the differences between them?
Dermal fillers fill deep grooves or add back lost volume
Dermal fillers are substances that add volume to tissues. The most popular fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that is produced by the body. There are also other types of fillers, which may be preferred in certain situations.
Fillers are used to filling in deep grooves and wrinkles. A line that is present at rest, even when you’re not making a facial expression, is less likely to be affected by botox and would be better treated with a filler. For example, the “sleep wrinkles” that form vertically on the sides of the face in people who sleep on their sides, are best treated with a filler. Another popular use of fillers is for treating smile lines.
In addition to wrinkles, fillers can also address other aspects of aging. For example, loss of volume in the midface (the cheeks) can create a hollow appearance. Fillers can be used to add back volume into this area.
Botox prevents wrinkles by relaxing muscles
In contrast to fillers, botulinum toxin (botox) acts in a completely different way. This medication binds to the receptors that nerves use to activate muscles. As a result, the muscles stay relaxed. We offer two different forms of this treatment: the brand name Botox as well as Dysport. (Although subtly different in certain ways, they’re overall very similar. Here, we’re using botox to mean either of these treatments.)
Botox helps to prevent wrinkles and grooves from forming in the skin, by acting on the muscles that cause these issues to develop. Over time, by keeping the muscles relaxed, the skin will smooth out and the wrinkles will soften.
Botox is commonly used to treat issues like the vertical glabellar lines (which form between the eyebrows and look like a number “11”), crow’s feet, and frown lines. Botox is best for lines of expression, which are formed when facial muscles contract. Because it works on muscles and not on the skin, botox will not be effective for wrinkles that are not a result of muscle contractions. The effect of botox will also be more gradual; rather than filling in a wrinkle right away, it will address the cause of the wrinkle, allowing it to disappear over time.
Can you have both of them?
Because botox and fillers work through very different mechanisms, they don’t interfere with each other. It’s certainly possible to have treatment with both botox and fillers. Many people choose to have botox to treat their lines of expression, and dermal fillers to fill in other wrinkles and/or add back lost volume to the face. Botox and fillers can be given in the same treatment session, for maximum convenience.
Botox dermal fillers Scottsdale
If you’re interested in facial rejuvenation with virtually no downtime, then we invite you to make an appointment here at our office. After an exam and a consultation about your goals for your appearance, you’ll get personalized recommendations and will learn what you could expect from each option. You can then proceed with an injection if you wish. To book your appointment, please contact our office.