May 10, 2023
As you get older, it is normal to see some signs of facial aging, including lax skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Fortunately, there are a number of clinical interventions that can minimize these signs, rejuvenating your appearance and helping you look and feel youthful again. BOTOX® and dermal fillers are among the most popular treatments. While both can be useful in minimizing the appearance of facial wrinkles, it is important to note that they are not the same product and do not work the same way. When you join us for a consultation at Keystone Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we will be happy to tell you more about the distinctions between these two treatments.
Exploring the Differences Between BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers
BOTOX® and dermal fillers are both injectable medications, providing temporary concealment of wrinkles and fine lines that appear on your face. Though similar in some respects, the two treatments differ in exactly how they work and what types of wrinkles they treat.
BOTOX® is a neuromodulator that causes underlying facial muscles to relax, leading to a softening of facial wrinkles that appear from the use of these muscles. We typically recommend BOTOX® to address forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and similar facial lines.
Dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM®, Radiesse®, and Volbella® fill in wrinkles and facial lines with hyaluronic acid. This is a natural material that is produced in your body, though your hyaluronic acid production may taper off as you age. By plumping the skin with this replenishing dose of hyaluronic acid, fillers can smooth out your wrinkles, in some cases making them disappear. Each different dermal filler brand is intended for select facial features, and these products can be combined to treat facial wrinkles in various parts of your face. For example, the JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus filler can be applied to a variety of wrinkles and folds, while the Ultra can help smooth lines around the mouth specifically. Juvéderm Ultra XC also plumps thin lips to give you a fuller look.
Do I Need BOTOX® or Fillers?
Choosing the right treatment is really a matter of determining what kinds of wrinkles you need to address. The wrinkles caused by muscular movement and the wrinkles caused by a loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid will require different treatments. Be aware that, just as you can combine different dermal fillers, you can also combine BOTOX® with fillers to address all facial lines across the face.
To learn more about your treatment options, and take the first step toward a revitalized facial appearance, visit our BOTOX® and fillers pages and see how Keystone Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can help you.
