Both Botox® and dermal fillers are injected into the face to reduce wrinkles for a natural, youthful appearance. Each may be used in conjunction or separately, depending on the area. Although the treatments are simple procedures, both Botox and dermal fillers should be administered by an experienced professional who has performed these procedures many times so as to provide the ‘natural’ look desired.
Botox (BOtulinum TOXin) comes from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, and is administered via injection directly to the areas where wrinkles are found. It relaxes the muscles themselves, which smooths out the wrinkle lines. Typically it is used on the upper face, to reduce crows-feet, forehead lines and frown lines. Botox can take from 3-7 days to take full effect, and treatments last from four to six months. The most common side effect is bruising (so doctors recommend avoiding aspirin and other anti inflammatory drugs before treatment).
Dermal fillers are also simple injections, but they don’t work on the muscles. Injectable dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvederm, add a new dimension to the field of anti-aging. Instead, as the name implies, they fill in the wrinkles directly, plumping the thinned out areas. They are most often used in the lower face. Dermal fillers work immediately, and treatments are longer lasting than Botox injections. Injectable skin and wrinkle fillers are used to increase tissue volume (as with lip augmentation), reduce wrinkles, and improve skin’s overall contour.
Collagen is the main protein which makes up structural tissue. Collagen filler is the shortest acting of the dermal fillers, but some feel that it produces the most natural appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most commonly used dermal fillers, and each treatment lasts longer than the collagen fillers do. There are a wide range of them, and a single treatment can last for times ranging from a few months to over a year. There is some evidence that they may help the body to produce its own collagen, so less filler is required for the later treatments. Synthetic fillers are very long lasting.
For the best results always seek out a professional who is certified and has experience with Botox and dermal fillers.
