Most people dread the idea of looking old and having lines and wrinkles visible on their faces. That’s why anti-aging in Los Angeles is quite popular, whether it’s surgical or non-surgical.
Those who want to do something beyond applying creams and having a tailored skincare routine might consider getting Botox or fillers.
But which of these two is the right treatment for you? Are there significant differences or are they basically the same treatments? If you want to know more about their similarities and differences, read on as Melinda Silva, MD, shares what you need to know about Botox and Fillers:
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into muscles that cause wrinkles. It smooths the wrinkles out. It’s FDA approved for the lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), crow’s feet, and lines on the forehead. It can also be used to soften the chin line, minimize double chin, and correct enlarged pores.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Filler is a combination of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. This is a natural compound that is naturally produced by the body and is the main component of connective tissue. Filler is intended to fill the wrinkle or sunken area of the face and give it a fuller appearance.
Differences Between Botox and Fillers
How Botox Works
Botox is injected into the layer of muscles that cause the lines or wrinkles (the offending muscles). It blocks the nerves from working and the muscles no longer contract. The muscles relax, thus smoothing the wrinkles out.
How Fillers Work
Fillers are placed into the sunken area and give it a more youthful appearance as if it was never there. It can also be used to plump up the lips.
Duration of Effects
The effects of Botox are temporary. The muscles will be smooth and lines will be gone for 3-5 months. After a few months, the muscles will contract again, and the wrinkles will return.
Fillers last for about one year, but they may be shorter for people who have oily skin. It may last for 18 months for people with dry skin.
Efficacy
Botox is a little bit more effective than fillers. In a study, Botox was able to get rid of 11% to 16% of the lines while fillers were able to remove at least 1% of the lines.
Recovery Time
Botox takes only a few minutes to be administered. After the Botox is injected, patients are instructed to look up, down, to each side and then to close their eyes to spread the Botox evenly. Afterward, patients are advised to avoid any strenuous activity and may look tired the next day.
Filler takes a little bit more time to implement. After using the dermal filler, one will experience a little bit of swelling, bruising, and firmness. Bruising will typically subside in 2-3 days. Swelling is also expected to subside after a few days. Firmness, however, will take up to a few weeks to fully subside.
Conclusion
Botox and Fillers both offer a wide range of great benefits. They are a great way to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and get back nice, smooth, and youthful skin. However, there is a difference in their efficacy, duration of effects, and recovery time. You will have to decide which procedure is better for you depending on your skin type and the number of lines present on the face. An expert on anti-aging in Los Angeles can also help you make the right decision.
Melinda Silva, MD is a reputable doctor who specializes in treatments and procedures that are anti-aging in Los Angeles. Schedule your consultation today to know which of these two treatment options is right for you!