If you’re wondering whether you should choose Botox or another type of dermal filler, it’s important to understand the difference between the leading brands containing Botox and other hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
What is Botox?
Botox is a protein derived from Botulinum, a toxin that is used in safe doses for cosmetic and medical purposes. The term “Botox” can be used to describe a wide variety of cosmetic products containing the protein, but one company owns the trademark.
How Botox Works
Botox is a neurotoxin that disrupts the nerve signaling processes that control muscle contraction to cause temporary muscle paralysis. Botox injections stop the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, thereby preventing muscle cells from contracting. Botulinum toxin is diluted in saline before it is injected into the treatment area. Patients will typically see results within 24 to 72 hours.
Botox is used to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face by restricting muscle contraction. Results can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the exact product and treatment area. Botox can be used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
Botox Brands And Products
Various brands that offer Botox injections include BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Though each brand has the same active ingredient, the formulations vary, impacting the dosage, degree of spread, and overall results. These brands offer safe, FDA-approved fillers that have been administered by trained cosmetic professionals for years.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a popular product used to minimize the appearance of furrows and deep lines between the eyebrows. Xeomin®, on the other hand, can be used to achieve superior results in glabellar lines (or the frown lines between the eyebrows). Patients should speak to their cosmetic surgeon to determine which treatment is best for them.
What Are Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are used to plump and smooth the treatment area by adding volume. Brands include Captique, Esthélis, Elevess, Hylaform, Juvederm, Perlane, Prevelle, Puragen, and Restylane.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body in soft connective tissues, the fluid surrounding the eyes, some cartilage and joint fluids, and skin tissue. The substance has been reformulated into highly-effective fillers that can improve or minimize the appearance of:
- Acne scars and other facial scars
- Cheek depressions
- Crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes
- Deep smile lines that run from the side of the nose to corners of the mouth (also known as nasolabial furrows)
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
- Scars including burns and those caused by wounds
- Smoker’s lines, or vertical lines on the mouth
- Worry lines across the forehead
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can also redefine the lip border. Popular fillers include:
Juvederm Voluma XC
Juvederm Ultra XC
Juvederm Volbella XC
Juvederm Ultra
Juvederm Ultra Plus XC
Juvederm Vollure XC
Restylane
Restylane Contour
Restylane Defyne
Restylane Kysse
Restylane-L
Restylane-Lyft (with Lidocaine)
Restylane Silk
Restylane Refyne
Which to Choose: Botox or Filler?
The type of skin treatment you should choose will depend on the skin conditions you’d like to address. Patients who’d like to relax deep wrinkles and lines should consider Botox, while patients who’d like to add volume to certain areas of the face should choose dermal fillers.
Speak to your cosmetic surgeon to find out which filler brand and product is best for you. Call New Skin & Body to schedule a consultation today!
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