Botox^® vs Fillers – which one should I get?

• 01st October 2018
• Beauty by Carole

In short, Botox^® helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial movement (dynamic wrinkles), whereas dermal fillers add fullness to areas that have lost volume due to ageing and softens static wrinkles.

Botox

Botulinum toxin, or Botox^®, is most commonly used to temporarily relax the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles, primarily between the eyebrows, around the side of the eyes and on the forehead. It is a versatile treatment that can also be used to treat medical conditions, such as excessive sweating and migraines. When used to treat facial wrinkles, the results of Botox® can last between 3 to 6 months, though results do vary between individuals.

Botox^® is a minimally invasive treatment and patients can expect to return to their normal daily activities straight after treatment. Any slight bruising or swelling that does occur can usually be covered with make-up and tends to subside quickly.

Botox^® is a safe and effective treatment with a long history of medical and cosmetic use. However, those with medical conditions should inform their practitioner during the pre-treatment consultation to ensure that any complications are avoided. Similarly, treatment is not advised for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Fillers

As we age, the skin loses its natural collagen and elastin and our skin becomes drier and less plump. The amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) in our skin decreases, which leaves our skin less supported and leads to loss of volume and the appearance of folds and wrinkles. Dermal fillers, which are high in HA, restore volume to “shallow” areas of the face and can soften a range of facial wrinkles. The results of dermal fillers can be seen immediately and last up to 18-24 months, depending on the individual and area treated. Fillers can, however, be dissolved earlier if required.

Dermal fillers are most commonly used to treat nose-to-mouth lines and other moderate to severe facial lines. They can also be used to add subtle volume to the lips and cheeks and to reshape the chin and nose.

Dermal fillers, like Botox^®, are a relatively pain-free procedure with little to no downtime. As with any injectable product, there is a small risk of some bruising and swelling, but this should quickly subside and can be covered with make-up. The pre-treatment consultation should be used to discuss any existing medical conditions with your practitioner and you should avoid dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.