Visible signs of aging are a natural aspect of getting older. The production of elastin and collagen naturally decreases and causes the skin to become drier, thinner and less supple than it was before. This enables the formation of lines and wrinkles. Additionally loss of volume in the face, can lead to sagging skin. While these are all perfectly natural occurrences, many people would prefer to delay, reduce or eliminate them.
Fortunately, there are non-surgical cosmetic enhancement treatments available that can prolong and even reverse the effects of the aging process to leave you with a refreshed, youthful appearance. These results can usually be maintained for the long term, provided that you commit to ongoing use of the treatments. Two of the most common non-surgical cosmetic treatments are Botox® and dermal facial fillers. Both of these treatments are cosmetic injectables but work in different ways. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between these two popular age-defying treatments.
About Botox®
Botox®, or botulinum toxin, is a type of neurotoxin that is injected into the face with the purpose of blocking nerve signals to the muscles beneath the skin so that they can no longer contract. In doing so, if the muscle cannot contract the end result is reduced or eliminated facial wrinkles, allowing skin to appear flat, smooth and tight.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only product of its kind that's FDA-approved treatment for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adult patients.
What areas of the face is Botox® used to treat?
The American Society of Plastic Surgery advises that Botulinum toxins like Botox® for the use of:
Smooth crow's feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, lip lines and bunny lines
Diminish neck bands
Improve the appearance of skin dimpling of the chin
Lift the corners of the mouth
Soften a square jawline
Correct a gummy smile
About Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers are substances that are injected into areas of the face with the purpose of diminishing facial lines by restoring lost volume and filling out the overlying skin. There are several different types of dermal fillers. The most common types are:
Radiesse (Calcium hydroxylapatite)
Sculptra (Polylactic acid)
The length of time the dermal filler results will be sustained will depend on the exact filler you have chosen, but typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Which areas of the face are fillers used to treat?
Dermal fillers can be used in many different areas of the face, although they are more typically placed into the lower half as this is where any lost volume is likely to be located. You may have fillers placed into the hollows of the cheeks or around the nose, chin, and jaw. Occasionally they are placed around the eyes to prevent them from appearing sunken.
Download the American Society of Plastic Surgery Brochure on Fillers
