Non-surgical cosmetic procedures have become widely popular over the years. Of them, the injectables Botox and fillers are the most sought after. They’re quick lunchtime procedures with no downtime, which can explain their popularity. However, they can also make subtle yet significant changes to face. Still, there are many who are confused between Botox vs fillers.
A lot of people are unaware of what these injectables target and how they work. Knowing the difference between the two cosmetic procedures will help you determine which treatment is right for you.
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified botulinum toxin that blocks the nerve signals that make the muscles contract. It’s a minimally-invasive procedure that paralyses the underlying muscles minimising the appearance of “dynamic” wrinkles (caused by facial expressions).
This can smooth out any wrinkles and fine lines on the face, meeting your cosmetic goals. Some people also get this injection preventatively so that the formation of wrinkles is delayed.
Treatment Areas
As mentioned above, Botox is used for wrinkles that form as a result of different facial expressions like laughing, frowning or smiling. Therefore, Botox can be used for treating the following:
- Frown lines – Vertical lines on the forehead.
- The Elevens – Horizontal lines between the eyebrows.
- Crow’s Feet – Fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes.
- Bunny Lines – Horizontal and diagonal lines around the nose.
Other than smoothing out wrinkles, Botox is also injected into the muscles around the mouth so that the lips can look bigger. It’s also used for treating health conditions like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders and hyperhidrosis.
Side Effects of Botox
You can experience swelling, mild pain, tenderness, and bruising at the site of the injection. But, between Botox vs fillers, you’re likely to experience the same with the latter too. That’s because these side effects are a result of the injection.
Other than that, you can experience complications as a result of Botox injections if the practitioner isn’t licensed and experienced. Injected into the wrong muscle, you can end up experiencing ptosis (droopiness) or uneven results.
Cost
According to the NHS, Botox can cost anywhere between £100 and £350. In Turkey, the price of Botox starts from £250. Although keep in mind that the cost of Botox can depend on the number of units that you require. It can also vary depending on the location of the clinic and the experience of the practitioner.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that fill up a space to increase its volume and plump it up. There are different substances that are used for filling the different regions of the face, such as:
- Hyaluronic acid (most commonly used)
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (semi-permanent)
- Polymethacrylate (permanent)
The kind of filler that will best meet your needs will be determined by the practitioner after they assess the condition of your skin and learn about your different concerns. Regardless of the type of filler, the goal of this treatment is to restore volume to different areas of the face or enhance its shape.
When it comes to Botox vs fillers, it’s also important to note that the latter treats “static” wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that form when the face is at rest. Keep in mind that fillers cannot treat dynamic wrinkles, and Botox cannot treat static wrinkles.
Treatment Areas
Fillers can restore volume and enhance the shapes of the following areas of the face:
- Undereye Bags
- Sunken Eyes
- Sunken Cheeks
- Marionette Lines (smile lines)
- Lip Lines
- Thin Lips
A dermal filler can also change the shape of the nose and the jaw.
Side Effects of Fillers
As mentioned earlier, you can experience some temporary side effects because of the injection itself. However, the risk of permanent complications increases if your practitioner is not experienced. Also, you might end up with poor results if too much filler is injected into a particular area (e.g. trout lips).
Cost
The cost of dermal fillers can depend on the type of filler being used and the area being treated. According to the NHS, dermal fillers can cost £200 or more. In Turkey, the starting price of fillers is £250. Although, in general, between Botox vs fillers, the former might cost you less.
Botox Vs Fillers: What Are The Similarities?
In some aspects, Botox and dermal fillers are similar. For instance, they are:
- Minimally Invasive – As they are non-surgical treatments and involve only injections, no incisions are made while they are performed.
- Don’t Require Anaesthesia – Both the procedures are minimally invasive and pain-free. Therefore, they do not require any anaesthesia. However, a numbing cream can be applied to avoid discomfort.
- Time-Saving – By taking out just a few minutes of your day, you can get either of the treatments. Non-surgical fillers can take around 15-20 minutes. Similarly, Botox generally does not take more than 30 minutes.
- Temporary Results – Botox can last from 6 to 9 months, while the fillers from 6 months to 2 years. Therefore, they are both temporary and will require more than one session if you want to maintain the results.
Botox Vs Fillers: Which One Is More Effective?
Between Botox vs fillers, both treatments can effectively address their concerned areas. The treatment that is more effective for you will depend on your needs. If you have dynamic wrinkles, you can benefit from Botox.
However, if you have static wrinkles, dermal fillers would be the recommended treatment option for you. And if you have severe wrinkling or sagging of the skin, neither treatment might be able to adequately meet your needs. In that case, you might have to get under the knife to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Concluding Remarks
Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are effective anti-ageing treatments. They have different uses and benefits. One can treat dynamic wrinkles, while the other, static wrinkles. However, this distinction is important.
You need to know the kind of problem that you’re dealing with so that you can seek treatment accordingly. If you’re confused between Botox vs fillers, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional. They listen to your concern and assess your skin to recommend a suitable treatment plan.
