With so many different cosmetic treatments on the market, sometimes it’s hard to figure out which is the right one for you. For patients who are new to the world of cosmetic medicine, it can be very intimidating to see all the treatments available. Some overlap, some don’t. And not every procedure is right for every person. The easiest and safest way to discover the right cosmetic treatment for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
There are, however, some simple differences that can be cleared up with a good explanation. One of the most widely requested treatment is Botox. But at the same time, many cosmetic surgery practices also offer fillers. Do they do the same thing? If not, what’s the difference?
Botox vs. injectable fillers
It’s easy to get these two treatments confused because they do have some overlapping similarities. For one, they are both minimally invasive, meaning that there is virtually no recovery time. The patient can get the injections, and then continue on with their day, unlike surgical procedures that might have a recovery of a week or more. Further, the results for both Botox and injectable fillers can be very flattering and natural looking.
Botox is a neurotoxin that smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles causing the wrinkles in the first place. This means that Botox is very good at smoothing out what are called “dynamic wrinkles.” These are caused by muscles in your face that are used to create facial expressions.
Injectable fillers, on the other hand, works by making your skin’s “scaffolding” stronger. The scaffolding is made up of collagen, elastin, fat and hyaluronic acid. This means that fillers will smooth out “static wrinkles,” that is, wrinkles that you see when the face is at rest. Also, fillers can do more, like get rid of under-eye bags and dark circles, lift cheeks and even enhance the lips.
There are several different injectable fillers on the market, like Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse. Each can achieve the same result but work in a slightly different way.
It should be noted that Collagen is no longer used here at Jefferson Facial Plastics because the results don’t last, and it comes with a much higher risk of allergic reactions. Injectable fillers have replaced Collagen because they are longer lasting and don’t carry a big allergy risk.
Which one is better?
Since Botox and fillers work on different types of wrinkles and achieve their respective results in different way, they are both equally effective treatments to give the face a more youthful appearance. In fact, the best results can be achieved when both are used to compliment each other. Botox gets rid of the dynamic wrinkles caused by facial muscles, while the fillers add volume to your skin and smooth out the static wrinkles. When the treatments are performed by a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon, the results can be stunning.
Which treatment is right for you?
This really depends on your treatment goals. Call us for a free consultation with one of our experienced, board certified plastic surgeons. They can give you a better idea of the right treatment. They will also want to take your medical history to avoid any complications.
Whether you’re coming in for an afternoon facial, Botox, fillers or plan on getting a facelift, you’ll see firsthand why Jefferson Facial Plastics stands above the rest.
