Difference Between Botox & Filler

I find most of my clients know that Botox and Fillers are both great for reducing wrinkles, but they are not too sure about the difference between Botox and Filler.

Or which one is best for them.

So read on if you’d like some clarity …

Botox and Dermal Fillers are the most sought-after procedures in the Aesthetics world … and the demand is increasing. The reason for this is that, unlike cosmetic surgery, the procedures are:

• Perfect for dealing with unwanted signs of aging
• Minimally invasive
• Minimal healing time
• Good value for money
• You get amazing results quickly

But how do you know which one will work best for your own personal signs of aging?

What is Botox?

Botox – short for Botulinum Toxin – is derived from Clostridium Botulinum bacteria and is available by prescription only.  It is a liquid, which is injected in very small, safe concentrations into the muscles of the face.

Botox – also known as  Anti-wrinkle Injections – relaxes the targeted muscles to treat dynamic wrinkles ie wrinkles that form when you move your muscles.  Botox can be used in several muscles of the face and neck, but is often used to target the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet.  This helps to reduce the wrinkles that form when you make an expression such as frowning.  If you see wrinkles around your eyes when you smile, Botox would fix the problem.

Muscles treated with Botox will relax, so it is a useful treatment for the neck bands, gummy smile, or sad-looking mouth.

Interestingly we often think of Botox as a cure for wrinkles, when in fact it can also be a means of preventing wrinkles.  The formation of dynamic wrinkles, caused by muscle movement, can be prevented by restricting the muscle movement.  This is becoming a more popular treatment for younger people.

The effect of Botox injections takes from 4-14 days to be seen.  It wears off after 3-6 months, when it can then be re-injected.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Whereas Botox is a liquid, Dermal Filler is a type of gel made of Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body.  It is used to treat static fine lines and wrinkles ie the ones you see when your face is relaxed and making no expression.

Filler is used to fill out hollow areas to restore volume loss in the face, a natural – and frustrating! – part of aging.  It fills out deep wrinkles around the nose-mouth lines, as well as smaller wrinkles around the mouth.   And, of course, filler is used for Lip Enhancements to improve shape and definition, as well as adding volume to thinning lips.

A more concentrated form of Filler is also used to create structure in the face such as in the cheeks and jawline to give an instant lift and more facial contour.

Filler products such as Juvederm, Restylane, Saypha are typically supplied in either 0.5ml or 1ml sizes.  A little extra volume in the lips may need just 0.5ml,  whereas 2-5ml may be needed for the cheeks and jaw.

I find clients are a little scared of Filler as they think they will leave looking like a blown up Barbie doll.  Filler can be subtle, so no-one knows you’ve had anything done, but they’ll just say:  “You look great!”

You see the results of Filler injections as soon as the treatment is finished, although there can be some initial swelling which goes within a few days.  Dermal Filler typically lasts from 9 to 12 months depending on the individual.

Should I have Botox or Filler?

It simply depends on what issue you want to treat.  Botox works well for wrinkles that form  around the eyes, frown lines and forehead when you make an expression.

Dermal Fillers are the best choice when you see wrinkles even when your face is still.  Filler helps to fill hollow areas of the face as well as areas that need smooth, shaping or lifting.

If you’re thinking: “I’ve got ALL of that”, you’re like most of us as we age.  That’s why the treatments go hand in hand.   You may want both Botox and Filler. You’re likely to have Botox in your forehead, frown lines and around the eyes and filler to lift your face on the lower two-thirds of the face.

A good Aesthetics Practitioner will be able to guide you as to the right treatments in the right areas to give you your desired outcome.

Why not book a

Free Skin Consultation with me, where we can have a chat as to what would be the best way forward for you.

Here at Aesthetics Julie Edwards, we offer the latest Aesthetics and Advanced Beauty Treatments to help you stay younger for longer.  Contact Aesthetics Julie Edwards  if you’d like more information about what we can do for you.