Many people assume Botox and dermal fillers refer to the same kind of thing. In truth, they're both completely different. Some of the confusion comes from how both these things show up as solutions for similar issues when it comes to cosmetic procedures. They're both injected, and they both can work to give your face a more youthful appearance. Here's what makes dermal fillers different from Botox.
Dermal Fillers Are Exactly What They Sound Like
As people age, they lose collagen. They also start to lose the ability to produce it. Dermal filler helps to reduce or eliminate some signs of aging. The material of dermal fillers can vary, but the goal remains the same.
Dermal filler consists of collagen, hyaluronic acid, or other naturally occurring filler material. Injections into the problem areas will fill them, making them more plump and youthful looking. In addition, the injection will also stimulate natural collagen growth, which can help your skin to keep its more youthful look for longer.
Botulinum Toxin Freezes Things in Place
Botox injections serve to stop muscle movements to prevent wrinkles. It works well for expressive lines on the face. Lines and wrinkles where there's more muscle action can make better use of Botox. That's why it receives heavy usage for forehead lines, crow's feet, and areas of the face with a lot of movement. Botox doesn't fill in lines or plump out features like injectable fillers can.
Dermal Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Can Work Together
You don't always have to boil the choice down to one or the other. Both of these types of procedures can work in conjunction. For example, dermal filler can fill in a deep wrinkle, while Botox can inactivate the muscles of that area. This can create a youthful look with a more dramatic effect.
Even though Botox freezes the muscle, the lines don't just go away. The injectable filler will plump the line out. In this way, you can achieve some spectacular results. In addition, you may want to use Botox for certain parts of your face, and injectable filler for others.
In fact, Botox can work to make the effects of the filler last longer. That's because the more animated the face, the faster the filler material can become absorbed by your body. The botulinum toxin can slow that effect by immobilizing the underlying muscle.
There's No One Perfect Choice Between the Two
Everyone is different and has different needs when it comes to facial injections. Discussing the possibilities with a professional first can help you come to an informed decision on which procedures will work best for you. Just remember your options include various types of injectable fillers, as well as Botox.
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