Botox or Dermal Fillers? Which Is the Right Choice for You?

Odds are you know someone who has undergone Botox® or dermal filler injections. Even if you can’t think of someone specifically, a big spike in treatments over the last few years means it’s very likely. The numbers bear this out.According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox experienced a 40.6% percent increase from 2013-2018, reaching over 1.5 million procedures performed annually. On the dermal filler side, treatments jumped 44.4% from 2010-2016, hitting 2.6 million per year.Yuvraj Grewal, MD, and the rest of our team at Mind Body Infusion in Santa Clarita, California, are ready to meet your wellness needs. Dr. Grewal is a board-certified neurologist committed to treating each patient as an individual and to listening to them with a compassionate heart. Our practice is staffed by medical and aesthetics professionals dedicated to making sure you have a healthy, enjoyable experience.Are you thinking about adding Botox or dermal fillers to your beauty routine? Which procedure should you choose in order to achieve your desired look? Botox and dermal fillers are both injectables and are advertised in similar ways, so you may not know what makes them different.We hope this blog will help you better understand both treatments, their differences, and which is the right choice for you.

What is Botox?

Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin commonly found in bacteria. It’s largely used to treat dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles formed over time by repetitive facial movements. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that control certain muscles, temporarily freezing or paralyzing them. Over time, the wrinkles caused by the movement of these muscles start to soften, reduce, or even disappear. Results typically last 3-4 months, so many people elect to start a Botox regimen.

Botox treatment

As mentioned above, Botox works best for areas that see a lot of facial movement. Forehead lines, crow’s feet, the lines between eyebrows, nose wrinkles, and frown lines are some of the most common treatment areas. Results start to appear within 48 hours and take full effect after about a week. Botox can also be used preemptively in these spots, slowing the formation of wrinkles.

What are dermal fillers?

When you’re young, your face has a thick layer of collagen that keeps your cheeks round and your overall face looking youthful. Over time, however, this layer of collagen starts to decrease and wrinkles and fine lines start to form as your skin sags. Dermal fillers look to replace this layer of collagen to add back fullness and pull skin more taut. Most fillers are made of collagen or hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally produces.

Dermal filler treatment

Fillers are most successful when used to achieve the following:

Plump thin lips
Enhance shallow contours
Soften facial creases and wrinkles
Improve the appearance of recessed scars
Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids

Whereas Botox works best with dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers help most with static wrinkles, which are caused by the loss of fat and collagen. Fillers typically last longer than Botox, anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the product. Like Botox, they may also be used preemptively.

Are you ready to see what Botox and dermal fillers can do for you? Call our office or book an appointment online today.