Posted in Injectables
Whether to get BOTOX® Cosmetic or injectable fillers is a common question for patients desiring subtle touch-ups to their aging faces. Everywhere you look there are advertisements for BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers such as JUVÉDERM®. Restylane®, and RADIESSE®, but you may wonder, what’s the difference? The answer is quite a bit. While both types of injectables reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they go about it differently, and not all of the areas they treat are the same. The good news is all of them can make you look younger without looking overly-done or overly-made up. When used properly, others may notice or comment on how rested and rejuvenated you look, but they won’t be able to tell that you’ve had anything done.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic, which is derived from botulinum toxin, has long been the gold standard for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. This popular facial injectable reduces the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, lines on the forehead, and fine lines and wrinkles on the outside corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) by temporarily paralyzing the wrinkle-causing muscles in those areas. While BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used to treat lip lines and neck bands, it is most commonly used to combat wrinkles and signs of aging on the top portion of the face.
Fillers
Fillers can be used to treat multiple areas all around the face. Most fillers, such as the JUVÉDERM® family of injectables, Restylane®, and Perlane®, are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body). These fillers provide immediate relief for many aging concerns by filling in areas that have lost volume due to aging. These fillers can treat nasolabial folds (parenthesis lines between the nose and mouth) and marionette lines (lines that run down from the corners of the mouth). Some fillers, such as JUVEDERM VOLUMA® XC, can restore lost volume and fullness to the midface and cheek area, allowing the cheeks to look lifted and youthful. Others such as JUVEDERM® Ultra XC, JUVEDERM VOLBELLA® XC, Restylane® SIlk, and BELOTERO BALANCE® can add volume and fullness to the lips.
Final Thoughts
Both BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers are often used as a precursor to the more invasive surgical option. Although these injectables provide beautiful results, their results are only temporary, which means repeat treatments are needed to retain your youthful appearance. These procedures are proven non-surgical ways to reduce the signs of aging with little downtime, little pain, and are a fraction of the cost of invasive surgery. Whether small corrections are all you desire or you are simply trying to put off surgery, facial injections of any kind can provide relief from the signs of aging and boost your confidence so your face can shine. However, keep in mind that injectables cannot match the results facial surgery offers. Injectables cannot address more substantial facial aging issues such as excess sagging skin or loose facial muscles. For those with significant facial aging, a facelift will provide more dramatic results that can last for years.
