How does Botox and Dermal Fillers work for Skin?

Botox and Dermal fillers both are cosmetic treatments done using injections. The treatment is done in an aesthetics clinic, by an expert doctor. They are minimally invasive, i.e. they do not involve surgery. However, expert supervision and guidance is necessary who understands well about the most tiny nerves and tissues. To apply injections at the proper site. 

Botox is done using purified bacteria to freeze muscles and halt contraction. In doing this, Botox can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines caused by facial expressions.

  • Dermal fillers contain ingredients to add fullness to areas that have thinned due to aging. This thinning is common in the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. The fillers are also used on lips and cheeks to give a plumier look or change shape. 

Difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers

Botox only works on facial wrinkles and lines that are caused by muscle contractions. Since its primary purpose is to halt muscle movement. 

Botox won’t work on fine wrinkles and lines caused by loss of plumpness in the face. These are the static wrinkles. For example, lines in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas.

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are useful here. They are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.

The Fillers can include the following.

  • Hyaluronic acid – found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin.
  • Calcium hydroxyapatite – a mineral-like compound found in bones.
  • Polyalkylimide – a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
  • Polylactic acid – stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
  • Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) – a semi-permanent filler

In conclusion, the key differences between Botox and dermal fillers are as below.

  • Botox – This freezes muscles to stop wrinkles and creases caused by facial expressions. 
  • Dermal fillers – They use hyaluronic acid and substances to “fill in” or plump areas that have lost smoothness and volume . 
  • Botox results last 3 to 4 months. Whereas, Dermal filler results vary, depending on which filler you are using.

What does Botox fix?

  • Wrinkles caused by muscle movement. 
  • For example, Wrinkles between the brows, crows feet around the eyes, and  horizontal lines on forehead.
  • The lines caused by frowning, smiling, squinting, or other facial expressions. 

What do Dermal fillers fix?

  • Fill in or enhance shallow areas on the face.
  • Plump up thinning lips.
  • Remove or decrease the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid.
  • Soften or fill in the look of recessed scars.
  • Soften or fill in static wrinkles, especially on the lower face.

Static wrinkles are those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin. They will not reduce or erase by Botox treatment.