IN THIS BLOG POST,
- 01 Dermal Fillers and Botox: How They Work
- 02 Dermal Fillers and Botox: The Differences
- 03 Dermal Fillers and Botox: The Combination
- 04 How to Book a Consultation
TL;DR: Are dermal fillers and Botox the same? Botox interrupts nerve signals to muscles, temporarily and safely immobilizing them, while dermal fillers physically plump and lift the skin by restoring lost volume. Both approaches result in smoother skin.
* Take note that this blog is purely for educational purposes. During your consultation, you can get more personalized details and clarification.
WHEN it comes to cosmetic procedures, we need to be armed with the right information to make a fully informed decision. This ensures that we’ll optimize results and minimize associated risks.
That’s why it’s important to know the differences between these procedures. For example, are dermal fillers and Botox the same thing? What are the differences in their cost and duration of treatment?
At ZEST Face + Body Clinic, our philosophy is always to consider what “a fresh approach” might mean to you. We do a full 360-degree consultation to understand where injectables might or might not fit into your treatment plan.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between Botox and fillers, and what this means for you.
Dermal Fillers and Botox: How They Work
Fillers are designed for injection into the skin to restore lost volume.
A filler is one of those magical treatments that you see instant results with! There are different types of filler that can help lift, contour, add volume and sculpt your features. Because they are compatible with our body’s biology, they are well tolerated with minimal risk of causing adverse reactions.
Common filler brands that you might hear in conversations are:
- Restylane
- Juvéderm
- Sculptra
- Radiesse
All fillers approved by Health Canada are made up of Hyaluronic Acid. It is a molecule that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.
Apart from filling up areas of low volume in the skin, certain types of fillers have an extra function.
For example, Sculptra stimulates collagen production in the skin to provide more structural support to the skin; Restylane and Juvéderm attract water molecules, leading to increased hydration in the treated area and further volume restoration.
On the other hand, neuromodulators (also known as wrinkle relaxers) are not just for wrinkles, but they can also treat conditions that involve muscles.
The popular “Botox” is actually a brand name — it’s like the Kleenex for neuromodulators. Neuromodulators or substances that reduce muscle contraction at the level of the nerve and the muscle. They treat dynamic wrinkles, as well as relax muscles that have overgrown, for example, in the jaw.
Other FDA-approved neurotoxins you should know are:
- Nuceiva
- Xeomin
- Dysport
Dermal Fillers vs Botox: The Differences
Differences between Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers
Are dermal fillers and Botox the same? Quick answer: no.
To simplify their differences, we’ll break down these distinctions into the following:
- Mechanism of Action
- Application Areas
- Adverse Effects
- Longevity of Effects
- Treatment Expenses
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Mechanism of Action
The primary distinction in the mechanisms of neuromodulators and fillers lies in their specific targets.
Neuromodulators function by temporarily halting muscle contractions, leading to the relaxation of the muscles.
On the other hand, dermal fillers work by physically filling in spaces, offering support and plumping up the skin.
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Application Areas
While these two treatments can sometimes be used in similar areas, they usually have different uses.
Botox is often used on specific parts of the face like the forehead, the lines between the eyebrows, and the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
Fillers, on the other hand, are used in softer facial tissues, including the lips, as well as the neck and décolletage.
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Adverse Effects
Both have common side effects like redness, mild swelling, and pain, but these are temporary and will go away quickly.
However, the differences arise from their individual ways of working. Botox, affecting muscle activity, carries the rare risk of temporary side effects like muscle weakness or drooping in the treated area.
In contrast, fillers, being injected substances, might lead to unwanted effects due to the introduction of a foreign substance, especially if there's a known allergen.
Regardless, any side effects should be reported promptly to your treatment provider.
That’s why, at ZEST Face + Body Clinic, we ensure your injections are administered only by qualified, board-certified injectors.
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Longevity of Effects
This varies amongst individuals, especially due to factors such as adherence to post-treatment instructions, baseline skin needs, and specific treated areas.
On average, most dermal fillers provide temporary results that typically last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. The longevity of neuromodulator results can vary from person to person, but they typically last for a few months.
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Treatment Expenses
The procedure cost can vary based on various factors.
Botox is charged per unit, and the required units can vary depending on the treatment area and individual goals.
Dermal fillers are usually priced per syringe, with the quantity needed to be determined by the desired enhancement extent. The desired area may influence the cost because of the required expertise of the injector.
Dermal Fillers and Botox: The Combination
Combining Botox with dermal fillers is a powerful pair.
Fillers add volume, while Botox excels at relaxing facial muscles, resulting in impressive outcomes. For instance, Botox tackles dynamic wrinkles from repetitive muscle movements (think: crow’s feet and frown lines), while fillers target static wrinkles (think: laugh lines and marionette lines).
Moreover, this combo reduces the number of sessions needed, translating to less time at the clinic and speedier recovery, allowing you to return to your regular life without extended breaks.
Overall, this combination delivers a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
Get Your Complimentary Consultation at ZEST Face + Body Clinic
Although different in many aspects, Botox and fillers can be combined for a common mission: your facial rejuvenation.
At ZEST Face + Body Clinic, we provide a positive attitude towards change and personal transformation. We know embracing change can lead to increased self-confidence and overall well-being.
We provide a safe and supportive environment for those who seek to achieve subtle, natural-looking results that complement their existing beauty.
Whether you’re ready to get started with either Botox or fillers (or even as a treatment combo), or you need more clarification, you can take advantage of our complimentary consultation offer to you.
Get in touch today, and let’s explore your options towards an even more confident and refreshed version of yourself.
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