The line between Botox and fillers can sometimes seem blurred. The differences between the two are not obvious. We have broken down how they differ, and the important questions to ask before considering treatment. Here’s the Botox vs fillers lowdown…
BOTOX:
What is Botox and how does it work?
Botulinum toxin is a natural, purified protein that is used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox is the original and best-known brand name and the most tested product on the market. It is the result of decades of research and studies. Botox has been used extensively in medicine. It is the safest product. It is certified in the medical and cosmetic field.
What does the treatment involve?
Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles. It is used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows for a short period of time. It can also be injected into the area around the side of the eyes to improve the look of moderate to severe crow’s feet lines.
As a result of the treatment, although there is no real downtime associated, it is important to know you may experience some slight bruising and swelling. This may occur directly after treatment, due to the needle. This can easily be camouflaged by makeup. There are no long-term side effects of having wrinkle injections. Patients can normally resume their usual activities straight away.
Who does this treatment suit?
This treatment can be used on a wide range of patients, and is generally used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Who should avoid this treatment?
There certain medical conditions where if a patient has any of these we would avoid the use of Botox. These include damaged nerves or muscle complaints. You should disclose this information during your initial consultation. Doing so will help to avoid any complications. Treatment is not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are no clinical studies to show that the injection is harmful to the baby or mother, we advise against having treatment under these circumstances.
What results does the treatment aim to provide?
The treatment is used to soften the lines caused by facial expressions and can be adjusted to ensure natural results. The duration of results is variable but ranges from 3 to 6 months.
Typically, patients will come into the clinic and point to a specific line that they don’t like. Our practitioners won’t just look at treating this specific line. They will look at how the face looks as a whole (as treating an individual line might make the face look unnatural).
What are the key questions to ask before considering a treatment?
- What qualifications do you have?
- Which brands of products do you use and why?
- Has the product been extensively tested and researched?
- How satisfied are your patients with the results?
- Do you have any examples of before and after pictures you could show me?
- What are the potential side effects?
- What after-care will I be given?
FILLERS:
What are Fillers and how do they work?
As we age, the natural collagen and elastin in the skin lessens, as cells lose their ability to produce more of their youthful component. The skin becomes dryer, thinner and less able to fix itself. When we are born, we have plentiful amounts of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in our body. As we age this store of HA diminishes, leaving the skin less well supported. Lines and wrinkles develop. Fillers work by by lifting and smoothing folds and wrinkles. They do this through adding subtle volume. Dermal fillers can make a difference to a person’s appearance, giving them a fresher look.
The treatment of wrinkles with dermal filler involves injecting the naturally occurring product (HA) through a tiny needle. The discomfort is minimal and the treatment does not take long to perform. The aesthetic outcomes of treatments with dermal filler are seen immediately after the treatment. Treating wrinkles with dermal filler is fast, leaving no scars.
What does the treatment involve?
The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes and you can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment. Treatment with fillers is completely reversible. As with any injectable treatment, there can be some slight bruising or swelling. This should not persist much longer than a day, and is easily hidden with makeup.
Who would this treatment suit?
Facial fillers can be used on a wide range of patients. They are used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of lines and wrinkles. You may be seeking to add structure and volume to the face. Fillers help to restore the volume loss that naturally begins to occur when we reach our late thirties. They give a fresher, brighter appearance.
Who should avoid this treatment?
There is no known risk to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but we would advise against having treatment under these circumstances.
What results does the treatment aim to provide?
The results should be subtle, leaving our friends and family believing that we are simply looking our best. Treatment lasts between 18-24 months.Towards the end of this period the effects begin to gradually reduce. There is no sudden change. When the effects begin to soften, we would ‘top up’ the treatment.
What are the key questions to ask your consultant before considering a treatment?
- What qualifications do you have?
- Which brands of products do you use and why?
- Has the product been extensively tested and researched?
- How satisfied are your patients with the results?
- Do you have any examples of before and after pictures you could show me?
- What are the potential side effects?
- What after-care will I be given?
Our specialists are on hand to advise and guide you if you are unsure which option to take.