Facial folds, wrinkles, fine lines, and jowls are inevitable in getting older, but that doesn’t mean you have to like them. Botox and dermal fillers are excellent options to consider if you are looking for a minimally invasive treatment to rejuvenate your face and achieve a more youthful appearance. These injectable treatments may seem similar at first glance, but they are entirely different. Let’s examine the key differences between Botox and fillers to help you make informed treatment choices. 

What are Botox injections?

Botox injections are shots that use Botulinum toxin to limit muscles from moving for a limited period. The treatment works by blocking nerve signals in the target muscles, thereby paralyzing or freezing them temporarily. When the selected muscles are not moving, wrinkles are softened, reduced, or even eliminated. 

It is worth mentioning that Botox only works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement, often called dynamic wrinkles or expression lines. These lines are caused by smiling, squinting, frowning, and other facial expression. The treatment may not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injections that add volume and fullness to the skin to plump up wrinkles and smooth lines on the face. The injection comprises various substances, including calcium hydroxylapatite, Hyaluronic acid, Polyalkylide, polylactic acid, and Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA). Each of these substances is designed to treat different signs of aging. 

Botox Vs. Fillers: The key differences

The main difference between Botox and fillers is that while Botox reduces wrinkles and lines by paralyzing the underlying muscles, fillers will fill those wrinkles. Here are other key differences to know about:

• Purpose: Botox is designed to paralyze underlying facial muscles and block nerve signals that cause muscle contractions and wrinkles. On the other hand, dermal fillers fill in volume loss to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
• Preventive or corrective: Botox aims to prevent wrinkles while fillers target existing wrinkles and volume loss.
• Treatment time: Botox procedures take approximately 15 minutes while fillers take between 15 to 30 minutes
• Active as from: Botox treatment starts taking effect in 3 days with optimum result expected after two weeks. The effects of a dermal filler treatment are immediately visible.
• Duration result: Botox treatment results last for 3 to 5 months. Dermal filler results last for 8 to 12 months. 

Book a Consultation with Jefferson Facial Plastics for all your cosmetic treatment needs

Since Botox and dermal fillers are diverse treatments designed for different uses, they are often combined in one treatment. If you are considering a Botox or filler treatment, schedule a consultation online or call us at 215-503-FACE to discuss your needs and concerns. Our board-certified doctors specialize in revolutionary treatments that roll back years of aging.