Botox vs. Dermal Fillers

Botox and dermal fillers have long been a gold standard in cosmetic treatments. Both have been known to turn back the clock, smooth wrinkles and make your skin look younger. One of the most popular questions about the two procedures is: which one is better? This question is often misleading as both treatments are used depending on the patient’s needs, and is nothing alike.

TREATMENT COMPARISON

Botox is essentially refined neurotoxin, which can help treat wrinkles. Typical sites for Botox are glabellar (11’s), and crow’s feet lines on the face. Botox is a paralytic, meaning it temporarily paralyzes the muscle into which it is injected.

Dermal fillers on the other hand, are designed to fill wrinkles, and revolumize areas such as the cheeks, that typically lose volume as we age.  Cosmetic fillers can plump up thin lips, enhance facial contours, improve the appearance of recessed scars, and get rid of facial lines while restoring volume and fullness to the face.

Juvederm or Restylane are some of the most widely sought after fillers. Patients can also choose to do fat injections. This process takes some of the patient’s own body fat and re-injects it into the face to produce similar results as traditional fillers. 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Prices for Botox and dermal fillers can vary from state to state and the needs of the patient.  On average Botox costs about $300-$600. Dermal fillers have more variation in pricing since it is greatly affected by the type of filler to be used. Juvederm can cost $600+ while using polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres like Artefill runs closer to $1000.

MISCONCEPTIONS

Perhaps the most common misconception surrounding Botox and dermal fillers is that they can achieve the same results as getting a facelift. This is simply not true since a facelift is a surgical operation and can accomplish more drastic results. Botox and dermal fillers merely alleviate the effects of aging and for younger people, can be used as a preventative.

SIDE EFFECTS

Negative side effects for non-invasive cosmetic treatments are usually uncommon, but it’s important to note there are still risks, which can vary depending on the procedure. There is a chance for asymmetry to occur. Skin rashes, infections, and small lumps can also develop under the skin. Compared to more invasive facial rejuvenation procedures, Botox and dermal fillers are considered to be very safe procedures. 

RECOVERY

There is minimal downtime for using Botox. In fact, patients can have this treatment done on their lunch break and return to work. There is always a risk of swelling and bruising with dermal fillers, but most patients return to work the same day as well. This is a quick recovery compared to invasive procedures, which can take weeks, if not months, to heal.

RESULTS

The results that Botox offers are can be seen usually within 10 days. Patients have been known to see drastic improvement in their wrinkles. However, the rejuvenating effects of Botox only last for about 3 months. 

CONCLUSION

It is important to keep in mind that Botox and dermal fillers are temporary solutions. The two procedures were never designed to produce the same results as a facelift or other invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. Patients need to have the right expectations and be aware that recurring treatments are required to maintain the results. This factor maybe a hindrance to some as costs will pile up as the years go by.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team – MA

Based on an exclusive interview by Dr. Jennifer Walden in Austin, TX