Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and dermal fillers are injectable options for wrinkle treatment. They generally last longer than over-the-counter products and the procedure must be performed by a certified professional.
Botox
Botox is a muscle relaxant derived from bacteria. It acts on the muscles surrounding the face and weakens/stops their activities. This effect will reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by the movement of these muscles. The result is softening or complete removal of wrinkles at the areas of application and a more youthful face.
The procedure usually takes a few minutes and Botox will take effect within two weeks.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are also used to treat wrinkles of the face. They work differently from Botox and are generally used for the middle and lower third of the face. As the name suggests, dermal fillers are used to add volume and fullness to thinned out areas of the face.
The procedure also takes just a few minutes, and the effects are usually instantaneous.
Uses and limitations
Botox and dermal fillers target slightly different areas of the face but can be applied together to supplement each other for the desired effects.
Botox
Botox works on dynamic lines or ‘expression lines’ that arise from smiling, frowning and other facial expressions. These are generally the forehead lines, crow’s feets (outer eye) and glabellar lines (inner eye).
Botox can also be used for treatment of non-aesthetic conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders in carefully selected cases.
Botox do not work on resting lines and wrinkles (static wrinkles) of the face as these are caused by sagging or loss of volume.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the lips and shallowed out areas of the face such as under the eyes. They can also be applied to static wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks.
Dermal fillers do not work as well with dynamic lines and thus are not the primary choice for these wrinkles.
How long do they last?
Both treatments are not permanent and might require repeated sessions to maintain the effects.
The effect of Botox generally lasts 3 to 4 months.
Depending on the ingredients selected, dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years and beyond.
Risks and side effects
Possible side effects of Botox include:
- Weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles
- Rashes or itching
- Blurry vision or vision problems
- Bruising at the site of injection
- Drooping eyelids, which can take several weeks to resolve
- Headaches
Some side effects of dermal fillers include:
- Allergic reaction
- Skin rash or itch
- Redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
- Asymmetry, lumps, or overcorrection of wrinkles
- Skin damage that causes a wound, infection, or scarring
- Death of skin cells due to loss of blood flow to the area
Downtime for both the procedures are minimal, you’ll be able to continue your daily activities after the visit.