What is the difference between Botox and Fillers (dermal fillers)?
Botox and dermal fillers are among the beauty treatments that are done through injections in doctors’ offices. These treatment methods are the least invasive, meaning they do not involve surgery. However, their similarities end right here.
With over 9 million treatments in 2015 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) report), Botox and fillers (dermal fillers) are common and general treatments.
Botox contains purified bacteria that paralyze muscles, which can minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles resulting from facial expressions.
Dermal fillers contain substances that fill areas that have lost volume due to aging. This volume loss is common in cheeks, lips, and around the mouth.
People should be aware of the costs and risks of treatment and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve.
What is Botox?
Botox can help correct dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet lines around the eyes and horizontal lines on the forehead.
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin derived from bacteria. Although large amounts of it are toxic, small regulated amounts of Botox have been used safely for correcting wrinkles and lines for several decades.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles at the injection site. When these nerve signals are cut off, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, specific wrinkles and lines may soften, diminish, or even disappear.
Botox and other treatment methods involving botulinum toxin are sometimes referred to as neuromodulators or neurotoxins.
Treatments made with botulinum toxin are sold under the brand names Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin.
What can Botox correct?
Botox is effective only on wrinkles and lines caused by muscle movements. These are known as dynamic wrinkles and are often called “expression lines.”
The upper face lines are the most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox is effective in treating. Such as the “11” lines between the eyebrows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet lines around the eyes. These lines are formed due to smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions.
Botox will not be effective on fine lines and wrinkles caused by thinning and loss of fat in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles include lines on the cheeks, neck, and décolletage areas.
Botox is not a permanent treatment. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the wrinkle-reducing effects. The muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts 3 to 4 months in most individuals.
Side Effects and Considerations of Botox
ASPS considers Botox to be safe. 7.6 million Botox treatments were done in 2015. Since Botox wears off over time, most side effects are temporary.
Possible side effects of Botox include:
- Drooping eyelids or eyebrows in areas near the eyes
- Weakness or paralysis in surrounding muscles
- Bruising, skin rashes, or itching
- Pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness
- Headache
- Dryness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Gallbladder issues
- Blurred vision or vision problems
Additionally, this treatment may stop working due to antibodies fighting the toxin. This happens in less than 1% of people who have had Botox treatments.
ASPS recommends that individuals do not rub or massage the injection site after Botox treatment. This action can transfer toxins to the surrounding skin and cause muscle weakness and other issues.
According to ASPS statistics from 2016, the average cost of Botox injections is $385.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers may help volumize the lips.
Dermal fillers, sometimes also called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed for injection beneath the skin surface to add volume and fullness.
Materials used in dermal fillers include:
Calcium hydroxyapatite, a mineral-like compound found in bones
Hyaluronic acid, present in some body fluids and tissues that adds volume to the skin
Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is body-compatible
Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to produce more collagen
Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, a semi-permanent filler
Each of these is designed to address different signs of aging or cosmetic concerns.
The duration of filler application and their longevity vary. Some fillers last for 6 months, while others can last for 2 years or more.
Individuals should discuss their needs and expectations with their physician to determine which dermal filler is the best choice for them.
What can Dermal Fillers Correct?
Various types of dermal fillers are designed to address different signs of aging. Depending on the chosen filler, they may:
- Add volume to the lips
- Enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
- Reduce or eliminate dark circles or under-eye wrinkles caused by sagging eyelids
- Fill in or soften the appearance of crusted skin wounds
- Fill or soften static wrinkles, especially in the lower face area
- Static wrinkles include those around the mouth, cheeks, and beside the eyes. These wrinkles are usually the result of a loss of elasticity and collagen in the skin.
Risks and Considerations of Dermal Fillers
Skin fillers may seem harmless, but they also come with some side effects. The most common ones include:
- Skin rashes, itching, pimples
- Redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
- Undesirable appearances like asymmetry, protrusion, or excessive removal of wrinkles and lines
- Skin damage that leads to infection or sores
- Feeling of the filler substance under the skin
- Blindness or other vision problems
- Cell death due to the loss of blood flow to the area
The cost of skin filler treatments varies depending on the provider, the targeted area, and the type of filler chosen. ASPS 2016 statistics show the following costs per syringe:
Calcium hydroxyapatite (Hydroxyapatite) like Radiesse gel: $687
Hyaluronic acid, like Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero: $644
Polylactic acid, like Sculptra: $733
Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, like Bellafill: $859
Depending on the amount of filler used, these costs can vary. Using less than a full syringe may be cheaper than using a full or more.
The service provider may also charge additional fees for professional services, visits, or other expenses.
Key Differences Between Botox and Fillers
In short, the difference between Botox and fillers (skin fillers) are as follows:
Botox: By paralyzing muscles, it stops the formation of wrinkles and lines on the face. It is commonly used in the upper face area like the forehead and around the eyes.
Skin fillers: Using “hyaluronic acid” and similar substances to “fill in” areas that have lost volume. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and sunken cheeks. They can also be used for wrinkles on the forehead, scars, and other areas that need extra volume for a softer appearance.
Botox lasts 3 to 4 months. The longevity of fillers varies depending on the type of filler.
Since Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different purposes, they can sometimes be combined in a single treatment. For example, a person may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth.
Conclusion
Botox and fillers are considered safe, and their side effects are observed in less than 1% of recipients.
Millions of Botox and filler treatments are performed each year and have a good safety record.
A study in JAMA Dermatology showed that Botox and filler methods, when performed by experienced dermatologists, are very safe. Side effects occur in less than 1% of recipients, and most of these are minor.
Although Botox and fillers are minimally invasive, they do come with risks. Before undergoing these treatments, individuals should be aware of all potential risks and benefits.
Botox and fillers are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Individuals with specific health conditions or taking specific medications should ensure that Botox or fillers are safe for them.
They should also assess the impact of Botox and fillers on their appearance realistically. While they can improve a more youthful appearance, the results are usually not as effective as surgical procedures like facelifts.
