What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Within the past couple of decades, and even more so, over the past several years, medical professionals have been witness to many advancements within the medical aesthetics industry.
As a collective whole, the industry has evolved with a greater understanding of the aging process, and thus, has developed better techniques to effectively address the signs of aging.
These scientific breakthroughs have revolutionized the way providers within the medical aesthetics industry practice advanced skincare.
Now, more than ever, patients everywhere are able to reap the benefits of the heavy investments made within the medical aesthetics field. From new products to protocols, and new procedures, a new frontier of medical aesthetic options has emerged.
Most Used Cosmetic Treatment Option
With so many treatment options to choose from, it can leave someone wondering where exactly they should start, as they embark on their journey to slow down the aging process.
Well, that is simple… with FDA approvals now dating back to almost two decades ago, it’s no surprise, that the most popular, and still most widely used cosmetic treatment options, are undoubtedly the injectables known as Botox and dermal fillers.
With both treatments deemed to be minimally invasive, they both receive accolades from patients everywhere for the amazing results they consistently tend to deliver.
Outside of their potential at delivering a younger, more youthful appearance, don’t expect to see too many more similarities between these two treatment options.
Differences Between Botox and Dermal Fillers
There are several differences that occur between Botox and dermal fillers.
Probably there is a notable or clinical difference, that lies in the functionality of how each of these products work, to produce the anti-aging results we hope to see.
Understanding how each of these products works, and the role that they play in keeping us looking young is the discernible difference that makes each of them so unique to the aesthetic regimen.
Yet, both are important pieces that unlock the full potential of a younger, more radiant you!
These treatments will often be injected in tandem with one another to produce long-lasting, optimal results.
What Is Botox?
Botox is used to reduce dynamic wrinkles on the section of our face, which many refer to as the mask, which is the area of your forehead, the glabella which is the area located in between your eyebrows above your nose, and around the outer areas surrounding your eyes.
How Does Botox Work, Exactly?
Botox works by freezing the muscles underneath our skin.
When these muscles are relaxed, they do not produce the same type of resistance that has been slowly forming these lines and wrinkles throughout most of our life.
This type of reaction is what gives classifies Botox as a neurotoxin.
For a more clinical understanding of Botox, it’s always important to note that like dermal fillers, Botox is an injectable treatment, derived from botulinum, which is a form of toxin that is produced by bacteria.
Many of you may have heard the saying “poison is within the dose!”
Well, that’s exactly how we approach the manufacturing of this toxin. In small doses, Botox becomes the power antiaging tool for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles today.
Is Botox Approved By The FDA?
Botox was approved in 1989 by the FDA to treat wrinkles, however, fast forward two decades later, our research has determined Botox is useful at treating migraines, hyperhidrosis (overactive sweat glands), and a few other conditions.
It’s important to understand that Botox is merely a brand within the neurotoxin family. Being first to market and approved for use, Botox’s popularity and market presence have made it iconic for how we refer to all neurotoxins in general.
In actuality, there are several competitors to Botox, which include:
- Dysport
- Juveau
- Xeomin
All these functions are under the same guidelines with the exception that the formula of each is different enough to constitute different dilution methodologies based on the spread ratio each neurotoxin exhibits.
How Long Before You See Results
Each brand of neurotoxin referenced above usually takes anywhere between 3-7 days before results start to set in, with completion by day 10 on average.
Results tend to show 3-4 months before the treatment needs to be repeated.
Price of Botox
Botox is normally priced by unit anywhere between $10 to $14 dollars a unit, with $12 a unit being the industry average.
Most women tend to require anywhere between 35 – 42 units for an entire treatment, while men average 45 – 56 on average for a full treatment.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
As we age, we experience volume loss as a result of lower collagen production.
With our body unable to maintain the same level of collagen output, a hollowing effect occurs throughout our faces, as the most noticeable being our cheeks, or under eyes, nasolabial folds, and lips.
This is where dermal fillers come in and play a vital role in combating volume loss, helping to restore us back to a more youthful version of ourselves.
Unlike neurotoxins, dermal fillers are products used to fill in tissue where that volume has been lost.
Dermal fillers are an additive substance that works to plump up these hollowed areas giving the skin a tighter elasticity while adding volume.
Dermal fillers range in their consistency, making each type of filler designed to target and deliver different desired results.
Some fillers need to be more fluid and lighter for such target areas as under the eyes or for the lips.
While others have more elasticity and tend to be more durable, but still possess some flexibility and softness that target mid-depth areas of the face like NLF’s.
Generally, the last type of filler is known to be structural, and denser in nature offering more support rather than tissue volumes, like those you would inject along the jawline or cheek area.
Most tend to be semi-permanent to temporary.
Approved Derma Fillers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the following options:
•Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), a temporary gel solution that lasts for 18 months
•Collagen, a temporary material that lasts for up to four months
•Hyaluronic acid, a temporary material that loses its effect after 6 to 12 months
•Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Sculptra Aesthetic), a man-made material that lasts about two years
Cost of Dermal Fillers
The cost of dermal fillers varies by which filler is used, potentially what area of the face is being treated, as well as how many are used.
The following is a breakdown of estimated costs per syringe, provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
•Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse): $687
•Collagen: $1,930
•Hyaluronic acid: $644
•Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Sculptra Aesthetic): $773
It’s important to note that these costs are simply averages for each dermal filler treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the estimated costs specific to your treatment goals as every med spa tends to price their treatments a little differently.
The Bottom Line
Both Botox and dermal fillers do have some similarities.
The biggest of these is that they both are designed to soften the look of aging skin, helping you return to a more youthful version of yourself.
They may be used in conjunction as complementary treatments to achieve your desired results.
Both are injectables, and both must be Dermal fillers are typically given by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, but they’re also administered by other certified healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants under the direction of a dermatologist, or plastic surgeon.
When assessing your anti-aging options, Dermal fillers might produce more long-term results, but these injections also carry more side effects than Botox injections.
The costs of dermal fillers tend to be higher than most Botox treatments as well.
You should keep in mind that Botox and fillers treat slightly different problems and are usually used in different areas of the face.
The application for each is used is considerably different.
Weigh all your options carefully with your healthcare provider.
So if you typed “Botox and Fillers Near me” in your search, rest assured you have ended at the right website that will tell you the differences between these two.
References:
Botox and Dermal Fillers