People go through the aging process differently. Some experience signs of aging like wrinkles earlier than others, while some don’t seem to age at all. Regardless of when you first notice signs of aging, there are non-invasive treatments readily available to you. Botox^® injections and dermal fillers are among your non-invasive options, which are ideal if you are the type to avoid needles, incisions, and sutures at all costs.

What’s the difference between Botox^® injections and dermal fillers and how do I choose between the two?

Before we get into the differences between Botox^® injections and dermal fillers, it’s best that first-time patients know their similarities first. These are the key similarities you should know about these two anti-aging cosmetic treatments:

• Both Botox^® and dermal filler treatments are administered through injection
• Both are designed to turn back the hands of time; that is, improve certain signs of aging
• Both provide temporary results that may last between four to six months or eight up to 12 months
• Both are outpatient procedures that can be completed in under an hour

Botox^® injections vs dermal fillers: Key differences

If you’re a first-time patient and you’re considering both Botox^® and dermal fillers to rejuvenate the skin and give you back your youthful glow, the most important thing to remember about these two types of non-invasive treatments is their target concern. From the similarities mentioned above, you can see that they are both designed to turn back the hands of time but that is basically where their major similarity ends. The key difference between the two that you should know is that one targets wrinkles and the other addresses volume loss.

Botox^® treatments are given to patients who wish to improve the appearance of their dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles and lines that appear every time you make an expression, laugh or smile. In other words, your dynamic wrinkles. These are wrinkles and lines on the forehead, lines between the eyebrows and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet).

Botox^® is injected into the muscle to temporarily paralyze it thus preventing dynamic wrinkles to appear. Results usually last between four and six months.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are administered to patients dealing with volume loss, usually on the cheeks. Where Botox^® is injected into certain muscles, dermal fillers are injected under the skin to add volume to the target area(s). Results may last between eight and 12 months.

Results and effectiveness depend on your doctor

These may be non-invasive procedures, but your choice of doctor still plays a big part in their effectiveness and the results you experience. Your choice of doctor for your Botox^® treatment can spell the difference between satisfactory results and results that make your face look stiff and frozen. Botox^® is a type of toxin that may be harmful, even fatal, if administered in high doses or injected into the muscle incorrectly. For Botox^® injections, it is strongly advised that you seek consultation and treatment from a licensed facial plastic surgeon because they know facial anatomy like the back of their hand.

Are you ready to turn back the hands of time? Call Capital Facial Plastic Surgery at (240) 630-8175 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam E. Singleton, MD. You may also click here to schedule an appointment.