Botox injections and filler injections are both very popular beauty treatments. Both help restore and maintain a youthful, refreshed look to skin. If you are looking to refresh your looks, consider Botox treatments Birmingham and fillers to address aging skin. To help you better understand Botox and fillers, this blog looks at the differences between these two cosmetic injectables.
Botox and dermal fillers are not the same
Many folks use the terms Botox and fillers interchangeably. As a result, many people believe Botox and fillers are the same thing. While both are applied via injections, Botox and fillers are two different things.
Botox comes from clostridium botulinum bacterium, with Botulinum toxin type A the active ingredient in Botox. Botox injections use a purified version of botulinum toxin type A to relax muscles. This helps soften wrinkles and fine lines.
Dermal fillers are often hyaluronic-acid based. This substance, naturally produced by the human body, adds moisture and volume to aging skin.
Botox injections are for dynamic wrinkles
Botox helps smooth out dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. These are wrinkles that appear with movement, such as smile lines when you grin, or frown lines when you furrow your brows. Botox injections smooth out these dynamic wrinkles by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. By temporarily stopping these movements, skin shows improved, smoother texture. For example, Botox injections in the forehead can help smooth out frown lines.
Fillers help with volume loss and static wrinkles
Fillers help restore volume to hollowed out areas. As we age, we lose collagen, which can result in a hollowed out, tired look and static wrinkles. These wrinkles are always visible, even when you don’t move your face. For example, nasolabial lines, or “smile lines” are visible even when you are not smiling. As our skin continues to lose elasticity, static wrinkles only become more prominent over time. Fillers plump up these hollowing areas. For example, dermal filler injections for hollow cheeks are a very popular filler procedure. The result: a younger, more “baby face” effect.
Botox injections and fillers use small needles
Have a phobia about needles? Completely understandable. Fortunately, both Botox and dermal filler injections use small needles. This helps improve patient comfort and allows for precise application. Most patients report that both Botox and filler injections feel like a subtle pinching or mild stinging sensation.
Botox sessions are typically shorter than dermal filler sessions
A Botox session usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. This is why Botox is often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure” as you can still go about your day and return to work after receiving Botox injections.
Fillers require more time to perform, due to numbing and detailed placement. Numbing the treated area can take up to 20 minutes, with the filler treatment itself taking up to 40 minutes.
Botox results can take several days to show
Botox results don’t show up right away. You will begin to see results several days after treatment, with results lasting three to four months.
Filler results are noticeable right away
Dermal filler effects are often immediate and last longer. You will notice a plumping effect right after injections, with final, settled results visible a week or two after treatment. Fillers can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of dermal fillers you receive.
Side effects of Botox and dermal fillers are usually mild
Common side effects from Botox and dermal filler injections can include:
- mild redness
- bruising
- swelling
- tenderness at treatment sites
These symptoms usually fade away after a few days, though it’s important to remember that symptoms can vary per patient.
You can combine Botox and fillers
Yes, you can get Botox and dermal fillers simultaneously. Known as a “liquid facelift” this combined approach targets both dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles, and volume loss.
Always seek licensed medical professionals for Botox and dermal fillers
Do you research for finding a licensed, highly experienced medical professional for any cosmetic treatment, including Botox and fillers. Beware of anyone claiming they provide free or deeply discounted Botox, which is likely fake Botox. As with any beauty treatment, Botox and dermal filler injections should always be performed in a sterile clinical setting. Read clients testimonials and view photos of before and after results.
A trusted doctor will always consult with you first before you receive any treatments. During consultation, they will discuss your needs and desired outcomes. Based on your needs and medical history, they can recommend which treatment(s) may be best. A doctor can also outline a personalised treatment plan for you.
This article was written by Leah Campbell for Third Loft Marketing.
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