Botox & Dermal Fillers
I often get asked about the difference between Botox and Dermal Filler treatments, and about what type of filler works ‘best’ for uses in cosmetic dermatology.
What is Botox?
Botox has a wide range of uses for both medicinal and cosmetic procedures. Botox is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. For Botox injections, your plastic surgeon or dermatologist makes injections that temporarily paralyze the muscles around the injection site. Botox is the most popular cosmetic dermatology procedure; over 6 million treatments are administered per year. Botox is used in a number of different ways due to it’s muscle-relaxing effect; it also has multiple uses in treating medical conditions such as headaches and migraines.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are injections containing various types of gel. The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, however there are a ton of different types that can be used to plump up areas of the skin in need of some sweet rejuvenation. Different types of fillers also last for varying amounts of time, with the effects of each treatment lasting generally from six to 18 months.
Dermal Fillers are a go-to item for cosmetic dermatologists because they are amazing when it comes to adding volume to the face or body. Dermal fillers are most commonly used for plumping up the lips and refining the cheek areas of the face to create the perfect jaw line. Although popular for the lips and face, dermal fillers are being used on many different parts of the body in modern practice.
Aesthetic experts have found that hyaluronic acid fillers are a preferred option when it comes to Dermal Fillers. At Idaho Skin Institute a variety of these fillers are used, depending on the procedure and desired outcome. Hyaluronic-acid-based fillers are the gold standard for lip augmentation. Hyaluronic-acid attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water, giving an instant plumping effect when injected into the lips or face. The body breaks down these fillers naturally over the course of about five months to a year, so clients generally come in for top-ups to maintain their beautiful results.
Top 3 Uses For Botox
1) To Treat Headaches and Migraines
Studies have found that Botox significantly decreases the frequency and severity of headaches in patients that receive regular treatments. People that suffer from migraines have also found Botox effective in relieving their symptoms. Further, people receiving Botox to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that naturally occur during the aging process, found that they experienced fewer headaches after their Botox treatments – what a fantastic side effect!
2) To Reduce Excessive Sweating
The Botox treatment for reducing excessive sweating is becoming an increasingly popular treatment. This treatment is largely recommended for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, which is uncontrollable sweating that is not related to exercise or temperature. This type of Botox treatment is also used for those who are uncomfortable with excessive sweating during exercise or high temperatures outdoors.
Botox prevents the nerves from sending messages to the sweat glands, which in turn stops sweating from occurring.
3) To Manage Acne
Botox injections have several uses in modern medicine, including the treatment of acne. The most well-known forms of treating acne include prescription medication or laser treatment. However, Botox injections can replace the need for these treatments by slowing the production of oil in the skin. High oil production on the skin is a large contributing factor to acne since this is what clogs the pores of the skin and leads to acne breakouts. Botox injections can reduce oil production when placed superficially under the skin, reducing or even eliminating the need for additional acne treatments.
Top 3 Uses For Dermal Fillers
1) Adding Shape and Volume to the Lips
Some of us are blessed with full and plump lips from our genetics, but this is only the lucky few. During the aging process our lips tend to get thinner, which also doesn’t help! Dermal Fillers are gaining popularity for use in other areas of the face and body, however lip augmentation is still the most common use. When it comes to lip fillers, hyaluronic acid or collagen are the most popular options.
While both of these plump the lips up, hyaluronic acid has the added advantage of being a powerful humectant. This means that it can hold on to a large amount of water, giving a more natural look.
2) Fading Away Laugh Lines
Sure laughter is the best medicine, and is great for your physical and mental health. The laugh lines that start to form around the mouth as we age is not so funny, and the second most common use of Dermal Fillers. When fading laugh lines, fillers are injected into the creases around the mouth, adding volume and plumpness which in turn makes the creases much less visible.
3) Sculpting the Jaw and Chin
Many people seek out Dermal Fillers for perfecting their chin and jaw line. As we age the chin and jaw line starts to sag, and Dermal Fillers bring this firmness back for a more contoured jawline (or to get rid of a ‘double chin’).
Complications and Side Effects
Always make sure any Botox or Dermal Filler treatment is administered by a qualified dermatologist who has expertise and experience with injection techniques. Results differ from very natural and subtle to very dramatic and noticeable, and you want to make sure your results are harmonized with your facial features. This is why it’s important to always discuss the end results you are seeking, so that your dermatologist can be exact and precise in the required measurements – a craft that I have perfected over years of training and experience.
Another major reason it is crucial to have a qualified and experienced dermatologist or doctor doing your treatments is so that you avoid any unintended side effects, and are equipped to address any potential complications. Possible complications include infection, inflammation, filler migration and loss of function in the lips. Sometimes, surgery is needed to counter the effects. However, these types of complications are rare, and the advancements made in aesthetics, particularly with Dermal Fillers has led to a high satisfaction rate with facial contouring and lip augmentation, minimal swelling and limited downtime is the most common result after treatment.
Dermal Fillers and Botox are used in a wide range of treatments. Whether you are looking to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, enhance lip volume for a luxurious and soft look or contour your cheeks, chin, and jaw line, The Skin Clinic & Aesthetics provides a variety of services that use different kinds of injectable Dermal Fillers as well as Botox. Being familiar with each product’s unique properties is crucial to being able to customize treatments to restore volume loss and enhance the natural beauty of your facial features.