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In the world of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, two types of treatments reign supreme: BOTOX and dermal fillers. These injectable treatments are the cornerstones of the modern medical spa, offering a fast, effective, and minimally invasive way to smooth away wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. However, many people are confused about the difference between them and often use the terms interchangeably. The truth is that BOTOX and dermal fillers are two very different products that work in completely different ways and are used to treat different types of wrinkles. Understanding this difference is key to knowing which treatment is right for your specific concerns.
BOTOX: Relaxing the Muscles That Cause Wrinkles
BOTOX Cosmetic (and similar products like Dysport® and Xeomin®) is a neuromodulator. It is not a filler. It does not add volume to the skin. Instead, it works by temporarily relaxing the specific muscles that are responsible for creating “dynamic wrinkles.”
- What are Dynamic Wrinkles? These are the lines and creases that form in your skin from a lifetime of repeated facial expressions. Think of the horizontal lines that appear on your forehead when you raise your eyebrows, the “11s” or frown lines that form between your eyebrows when you concentrate, and the “crow’s feet” that form at the corners of your eyes when you smile or squint.
- How BOTOX Works: A trained injector will strategically administer very small amounts of BOTOX directly into these specific muscles. The BOTOX then works to block the nerve signals that tell the muscle to contract. As the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin smooths out, and the dynamic wrinkles become significantly softer or disappear completely. The results are not immediate and typically take about 5-7 days to become fully visible, lasting for about 3-4 months.
As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes, BOTOX is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the world, prized for its effectiveness and high rate of patient satisfaction.
Dermal Fillers: Restoring Lost Volume
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, do exactly what their name implies: they “fill” in wrinkles and add volume.
- What are Static Wrinkles? As we age, our skin loses collagen and fat, which leads to a loss of volume and the formation of “static wrinkles”—the lines and folds that are present even when our face is at rest.
- How Dermal Fillers Work: Most modern dermal fillers, such as those in the Juvéderm® and Restylane® families, are smooth gels made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in our skin. A skilled injector will strategically place the filler beneath the skin to literally fill in a deep wrinkle or fold, or to restore lost volume to an area like the cheeks or lips. The results are immediate and can last anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the specific product used.
Dermal fillers are used to:
- Soften the smile lines (nasolabial folds) that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Fill in marionette lines that run down from the corners of the mouth.
- Restore volume to sunken cheeks for a more youthful lift.
- Plump up thin lips.
- Fill in hollows under the eyes.
The Synergistic Approach: Combining BOTOX and Fillers
For a comprehensive facial rejuvenation, BOTOX and dermal fillers are often used together. BOTOX is used to treat the wrinkles in the upper third of the face (forehead, brows, eyes), while fillers are used to treat the volume loss and folds in the mid and lower face. This combination can produce a remarkably refreshed and natural-looking result.
Your Dallas and Plano Experts in MedSpa Treatments
Choosing the right injectable treatment requires a personalized consultation with an experienced and skilled provider who has a deep understanding of facial anatomy. For patients in the Dallas and Plano, TX areas, the expert injectors at RH Plastic Surgery can help you create a customized plan with our full range of MedSpa treatments. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.