What Is The Difference Between Neurotoxins And Dermal Fillers?

When it comes to enhancing one's facial features, several options are available. The most popular are neurotoxins and dermal filler injections. These treatments work to decrease signs of aging by addressing the volume and tightness of the skin. These cosmetic procedures are reasonably easy procedures that can be performed in one office visit. And they both have many benefits that extend beyond aesthetic purposes.

There are many types of fillers and neurotoxins, so naturally, there are many questions about how effective and safe these treatments are. In this blog, we will discuss the main differences between these injectable treatments. Let's discuss Botox as it is the most widely used neurotoxin in the medical field. Since many other injections share similarities with Botox, we will focus specifically on Botox.

Botox

Botox is a type of neurotoxin that is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxins are sold under the brand names Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. Botox helps to prevent dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet around the eyes and horizontal lines on the forehead. Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without the movement of these selected facial muscles, inevitable wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox only works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement, known as dynamic wrinkles, often called “expression lines.” The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions. Botox for pain will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles include lines in the cheeks, neck, and jaw areas. Botox is not a permanent treatment. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.

Botox Side Effects And Considerations

Common side effects of Botox include:

1. Drooping of the eyelid or brow if injected near the eye
2. Weakness Or paralysis of nearby muscles
3. Rashes or itching
4. Pain
5. Bleeding
6. Bruising
7. Swelling
8. Numbness
9. Redness
10. Headache
11. Trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an injectable treatment used to restore volume to the face, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the skin's overall appearance. They are made from various materials that have unique properties, so it’s essential to understand them to know which type of dermal filler is best for you. Substances used in dermal fillers include:

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found in bones.

Hyaluronic acid is found in some bodily fluids and tissues that add plumpness to the skin.

Polylactic acid which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

As we age, we start to lose collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body found in the skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen serves many purposes, including giving the skin structure, strength, and elasticity. Around the age of 30, our collagen levels start to deplete, causing the skin to lose its volume and elasticity, which makes fine lines and wrinkles more visible. Dermal fillers are used to counter the aging of the skin and the depletion of collagen. They are gel-like substances, which, when injected into the skin, restore the lost volume and give the skin a smoother, fuller look. The immediate results can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used. Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat different concerns. Depending on the filler selected, they may:

1. plump up thinning lips
2. enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
3. decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
4. fill in or soften the look of recessed scars

Dermal Filler Risks And Considerations

Dermal fillers are considered to be safe, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects include:

1. Skin Rash
2. Itching
3. Redness
4. Bruising
5. Bleeding
6. Swelling
7. Infection Or Scarring
8. Ability to feel the filler substance under the skin
9. Undesirable appearance, such as asymmetry, lumps, or overcorrection of wrinkles

Differences Between Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers

• Injectables

Botox and dermal fillers are both minimally invasive cosmetic treatments given through injections. However, they differ in that Botox freezes muscle, and fillers add fullness. Botox contains purified bacteria that paralyzes muscles and helps minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Dermal fillers contain ingredients that add volume to areas that have thinned due to aging. This volume loss occurs commonly in the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth.

• Targeted Effects

The most apparent difference between Botox and dermal fillers is the area of the face they’re targeting and what they’re augmenting. Botox is best for addressing wrinkles and facial lines such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and marionette lines. Dermal fillers are great for restoring volume to the face and giving the skin a fuller, more youthful look. Fillers can augment lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, and more.

• Longevity

There are more differences between Botox and dermal fillers when considering their longevity. In most cases, one treatment of Botox will produce the desired effects for about 3 to 4 months. Then, follow-up treatments will be necessary to maintain them. On the other hand, dermal fillers can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years, but having a follow-up treatment every 6 to 12 months will help maintain the results longer. Another thing to consider is the permanency of each treatment. Once Botox is injected, it can’t be removed manually. You must wait for the neurotoxin to degrade in your system slowly. However, dermal fillers can be removed by dissolving the substance with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

In terms of safety, both Botox and fillers are considered safe when administered by a qualified and experienced healthcare professional. However, some potential risks are associated with both treatments, including infection, allergic reactions, and bruising.

Conclusion

Botox and fillers are both effective treatments for enhancing one's facial features. The choice between the two largely depends on your concerns and goals. If you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox is the better option. However, fillers are the better choice to add volume and contour to your face. When considering either treatment, it is crucial to research and find a qualified and experienced healthcare professional who can help you achieve the best possible results. With the help of experts at M Health and Beauty, you can find out which treatment suits your needs best and start your journey toward achieving your beauty goals.

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