Which Is Better: Botox or Dermal Fillers?
If you’re struggling with wrinkles on your face, it’s possible you’ve considered cosmetic dermatology. But is Botox or a dermal filler the best treatment option for wrinkle reduction? Here’s everything you need to know about your choice.
What Is Botox?
Botox is an incredibly common treatment for wrinkles on and around the face. But what is it, exactly? Botox is a drug created from the botulinum toxin. The title Botox is actually the brand name for a specific botulinum neurotoxin. Dysport is the second most well-known FDA-approved neurotoxin product and functions in a similar manner. Dermatologists and doctors typically use Botox in small doses to treat wrinkles and other issues. While Botox is most well known for helping to reduce wrinkles on the face, it has many other uses. For example, Botox injections can be used to treat hyperhidrosis, chronic migraines, and even overactive bladder disorders. Botox has been used to help countless people with both cosmetic and serious medical issues. It’s administered in the form of an injection to the area that’s being treated. For example, if you’re investing in Botox for your crow’s feet wrinkles, then the injection would be administered to the area around your eyes where the wrinkles are forming.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are quite different from Botox. While both substances are administered via injection, their purposes vary. In addition, the substances themselves have notable differences. Fillers, for instance, are typically created using ingredients like hyaluronic acid. They also have a much thicker consistency, to the point where the products are much more gel-like in texture. Some of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane and Juvederm. These fillers come in a variety of different thicknesses, which means that different fillers can be used to treat different skin types. Dermal fillers typically last for anywhere from five months to almost two years in some cases.
Which Is Better for Wrinkles?
When you’re struggling with wrinkles, it can be easy to wish for a one-step solution. The truth of the matter is that whether Botox or dermal fillers are the best choice depends entirely on the issue you’re seeking to fix. Botox and dermal fillers are both used to treat wrinkles in different areas of the face, and they work in different ways. Botox works by effectively paralyzing certain muscles to prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are used to fill out deep lines and add volume to certain areas of the face. Fortunately, there’s a simple rule that can help you determine whether Botox or a dermal filler would be best for your wrinkles. If you’re struggling with lines of expression (laugh lines, forehead wrinkles), then Botox is going to be a better treatment for you. If you’re struggling with lines at rest (wrinkles that appear when facial muscles aren’t contracting), then dermal fillers are going to be a better option.
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles on your face doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you have questions or you’d like to invest in Botox injections or dermal fillers, set up a consultation with our team at North Pacific Dermatology today.