THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BOTOX AND FILLER: WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?
The popularity of Botox and dermal fillers is on the rise and has been for over a decade. Botox is still the number one injectable, but fillers are not far behind. So, which one is right for you?
BOTOX
What is Botox?
BOTOX® isn’t just for celebrities, and when performed by a certified dermatologist, can result in a natural improvement of wrinkles. BOTOX® is the name brand of several brands of neuromodulators and neurotoxins. We carry both BOTOX® and Dysport brands of neuromodulators. What’s the difference? Click here to find out!
Where is it used?
Common areas of injection include the forehead, around the eyes, and the lips, however, BOTOX® is best used in areas of facial expression such as frown lines, crow’s feet and the “11s” between the eyebrows. These treatments typically last around 3 months, and you are guaranteed to be injected by a doctor EVERY time.
Although BOTOX® is most commonly used in the face, there are many non-cosmetic uses for it as well: injections in the armpits to combat excess sweating from hyperhidrosis or injections in the jaw to help prevent teeth grinding caused by TMJ.
Are there any side effects?
The most likely side effects from BOTOX® are some pain and bruising at the injection site. However, if you’re experiencing crooked smile, drooling, eye dryness, or drooping eyelids, that is NOT normal. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your board-certified dermatologist immediately.
FILLER
What is filler?
Fillers are similar to Botox as they are used to fill lines, hence the name. However, fillers can be a variety of temporary or permanent, natural or synthetic materials injected into the tissues of the face to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and restore fullness.
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero, and calcium fillers like Radiesse are the most common.
Where is it used?
On top of helping you look younger by reducing wrinkles, filler can increase fullness of the lips and face and raise up drooping brows or downturned mouths. This technique works best around the cheeks and lower half of the face.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects that occur around the injection site include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Itching
These side effects can be immediate but typically clear up with 1 to 2 weeks.
There are a few less common side effects you should be aware of such as:
- Infection
- Leakage or movement of the filler
- Nodules around injection site that may need surgical removal
- Injury to blood vessels
- Tissue damage due to blocked blood vessels
To avoid any serious side effects, always choose a board-certified dermatologist to perform filler treatments.
Who does the injecting?
At the Derm Institute, we guarantee that you will be injected by our highly skilled physician, Dr. Hawley, EVERY time. Because of her advanced understanding of anatomy and the aging face, you can feel confident that you will receive the safest and most natural results.
Check out the before and after below of this patient who returned a second time because she was thrilled with the results Dr. Hawley gave her!
Are you interested in receiving Botox or filler? Schedule an appointment today to meet with a board-certified dermatologist to figure out which treatment is right for you!