Botox and dermal fillers are both popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. The main difference that separates these two procedures is that Botox freezes muscle and dermal fillers work on adding fullness. These are popular procedures and many people choose to proceed with them to youthful and plump skin.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin, that temporarily reduces or eliminates wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Botox is effective in treating many health conditions, including severe sweating, uncontrollable blinking, misaligned eyes, chronic migraine and overactive bladder.

Botox is derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Where the use of Botox in large amounts can be harmful, tiny or regulated amounts of Botox can correct wrinkles.

Botox blocks nerve signals in the muscles in the treated area, the affected muscles get temporarily paralysed or frozen. Because these muscles do not show any movement, wrinkles may be soft and reduced.

Corrections Botox Can Bring To Your Skin

Botox can help improve the appearance of your skin in many ways. For example:

• Botox injections can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face, including forehead, eyes, nose, lips and neck.

• Botox can bring an overall glow to your skin making it look more youthful.

• Your skin will become smoother and healthier. You will experience fewer blemishes and tighter pores.

Botox will not work on the fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loose plumpness in the face. These wrinkles are called static wrinkles.

Also, Botox is not a permanent solution. Repeated treatments for continued wrinkle-reducing effects may be needed. Most people experience results for 3 to 4 months.

Botox Side Effects

Although Botox is a safe and effective solution, some side effects may involve:

• Rashes or itching

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Flu-like symptoms

• Muscle paralyses

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers are substances, designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. There are different substances, dermal fillers are made of including:

• Hyaluronic acid is found in some fluids and tissues in the body and helps add plumpness to the skin.

• Polylactic acid helps encourage the skin to make more collagen.

• Calcium hydroxylapatite. These are mineral-like compounds found in bones.

Each of these is specially designed to deal with different cosmetic issues and signs of ageing. Their effectiveness and results also vary. Some fillers give results for 6 months while others last up to 2 years or longer.

Corrections Dermal Fillers Can Bring To Your Skin

Different types of dermal fillers dela differently and react to the skin differently. Depending on the filler you have chosen there can be the following changes you can notice:

• Enhanced skin appearance

• Volume in lips

• Soften the appearance of recessed scars

• Soften static wrinkles, especially present on the lower face

• Decrease or remove the wrinkles under the eyes

Static wrinkles can be noticed around the mouth and along the cheeks. Loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin can be the reason behind these wrinkles.

Risks Involved In Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are often safe but some side effects or risks are always present like any other treatment. The common issues faced while getting dermal fillers may include:

• Skin rash or itching

• Redness, bruising, bleeding or swelling

• Asymmetrical results, lumps or overcorrection of wrinkles. These risks are quite low.

• Wound, infection or scarring are rare risks.

Botox Or Dermal Fillers: Which One To Choose?

Your goals and needs will decide which one can be suitable for you. Although both options are safe and effective, both deal with some different issues at some point.

Botox freezes muscle to stop wrinkles and creases which can be noticed and caused by facial expressions. These are typically noticeable in the upper face, such as on your forehead and around the eyes.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips and cheeks, these are more often to lose fullness. Hyaluronic acid fillers or similar substances can be used on forehead wrinkles, scars and other areas where you wish to add extra volume and a smoother appearance.

Botox is effective for 3 to 4 months and dermal filler results vary on the type of filler used, some may last for 6 months while others can benefit for 2 years or longer. One can combine these two in one treatment because Botox and dermal fillers are different substances designed to deal with different issues.

You may take the help of an expert healthcare professional to know what they can provide according to your skin goals. Dermal fillers or Botox can be combined for better and more effective solutions.