What is the difference between Botox and Filler?

Patient's Guide

Jul 13

As we age, our skin undergoes various changes that can make us look older than we feel.

Fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss are just a few of the telltale signs of aging that can leave us feeling self-conscious about our appearance.

Fortunately, advancements in the cosmetic industry have led to the development of various treatments to help combat these changes. Two popular options are Botox and dermal fillers.

Botox

Botox, also known as a neuromodulator, works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles.

Dynamic wrinkles are the wrinkles that form when we make facial expressions such as frowning or squinting.

Botox injections help to smooth these wrinkles, making them less visible and leaving the skin looking smoother and more youthful.

Dermal Fillers

On the other hand, dermal fillers, made of hyaluronic acid, are designed to replace volume loss.

As we age, our skin naturally loses volume and elasticity, leading to the development of wrinkles and fine lines.

Dermal fillers can help to restore this lost volume, creating a more youthful appearance. They are commonly used to add volume to areas such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes.

To understand how dermal fillers work, it's important to think of the fat pads in our faces like glaciers.

When we're young, these fat pads are full and rest perfectly below our orbital bone. You know those baby cheeks that your Great Aunt loved to squeeze every Christmas? When we smile, they bulge, giving us those adorable baby cheeks. However, as we age, these fat pads start to separate like a glacier would, slowly moving apart and creating crevasses along the way.

When a dermal filler is injected, it can help add support back to these cheek fat pads, allowing them to rest almost like a hammock. This helps to restore the youthful appearance of the face and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

Choosing the Right Treatment

It's essential to understand the difference between Botox and dermal fillers as they treat different concerns. Botox is ideal for treating dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers are best suited for adding volume and addressing static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest.

When considering either treatment, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced injector who can assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful.