Lines and wrinkles can make an appearance almost anywhere on your face, from horizontal forehead creases to the parentheses-shaped lines around the edges of your mouth. Injectable treatments like Botox® and dermal fillers can restore a refreshed, youthful look, but they accomplish it in different ways.
What are Dermal Fillers and Botox®?
Dermal fillers and Botox® are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. Dermal fillers come in a range of biologically safe materials to add volume and definition to your features. Botox® works by relaxing the muscles that create wrinkles, such as frown lines between the eyebrows. Since they work in different ways, they are used to treat different types of wrinkles.
Dermal Fillers vs. Botox®: Which is Better for Wrinkles?
When deciding which type of injectable is better for your wrinkles, the first factor is what type of wrinkles you have and the results you want.
Dermal Fillers
One cause of wrinkles is the loss of collagen. This age-related change causes your face to lose volume and increases skin laxity. Wrinkles such as nasolabial folds (around the sides of the mouth) and marionette lines (from the mouth to the nose) develop as a result. Dermal fillers correct this issue by restoring lost volume, boosting areas like the cheeks, and plumping lines and wrinkles to reduce their appearance.
Botox®
Unlike dermal fillers, Botox® treats lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. When you smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows, muscles contract and pull your skin into creases. Over time, these creases become lasting wrinkles. Botox® works by relaxing the facial muscles that create these wrinkles to soften and smooth their appearance. Botox® relatives such as Dysport® and Xeomin® also treat wrinkles this way.
Which is Better for Wrinkles?
Since Botox® and dermal fillers treat different types of wrinkles, only a consultation can determine which one will work best for you. Many people have both types of wrinkles and benefit from both types of treatments. In addition, Botox® and dermal fillers have some overlapping uses, affecting which one your injector recommends.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers and Botox® Last?
Injectable wrinkle treatments are temporary, although you can schedule maintenance sessions to keep your results indefinitely. Botox® and its relatives usually last three to four months. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® and Juvederm® last from six months to a year or more. Other fillers, such as Sculptra® and Radiesse®, can last two years or longer. Your injector will choose the best filler for your needs.
Is There Any Downtime After Dermal Fillers or Botox®?
Botox® and fillers are often referred to as “lunchtime treatments” since you can schedule an appointment, receive your injections, and return to work without delay. While there is no downtime, you may notice some minor redness, swelling, or bruising in the injection area that disappears within a few days.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about dermal fillers or Botox®, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg and his team at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137.
*Individual results may vary
