Two very popular injectable treatments with very different results and modes of action, yet they are often combined to achieve facial rejuvenation. What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers, and how do they work differently?
Botox and dermal filler: what they’re made from
The first difference to note is that they’re both made of very different substances, which is how they achieve very different results. Botox is made from a regulated medical toxin, Botulinum Toxin, that is FDA-approved for use within the face. It is injected in liquid form. Dermal filler, on the other hand, is an injectable gel-like substance that contains hyaluronic acid for skin plumping, structuring, and contouring.
Botox and dermal filler: how they work
Both of these treatments are placed in different areas of the face, because they both work very differently from each other. Botox, for example, is injected directly into overly expressive muscles. The treatment inhibits these muscles’ abilities to contract as aggressively during facial expressions, lessening the resultant fine lines and wrinkles seen on the surface of the face. Dermal fillers are injected into the soft tissue in areas of the face to plump the skin. They contain hyaluronic acid which is essential to skin bounce and laxity, so they augment facial features and improve the visible signs of volume loss in the skin.
Botox and dermal filler: where they treat
Botox is usually used in the upper face, which is its most popular treatment area, though it is suitable for uses in the lower face and even body. Popular treatment areas for Botox include the crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes, frown lines between the eyebrows, and forehead lines when raising the eyebrows. Botox is also a very effective treatment for lessening excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, in localised treatment areas such as the under-arms, back, and hands. It is injected into the skin in these problem areas to control the amount of sweat produced. Dermal fillers focus mainly on the mid-to-lower face because of their use in addressing falling and loose skin pulled down by gravity, though they too can be use in different treatment areas. Popular treatment areas for dermal filler include the cheeks, lips, tear troughs, and softening tissue lines between the nose and mouth and the mouth and chin.
Botox and dermal filler: who performs them
These treatments should only ever be performed by a trained medical professional who is also trained in aesthetics. Botox is a prescription-only medication, so it is illegal for anyone other than a trained medical or prescribing professional to perform it, but dermal fillers are not. Just because dermal fillers are not a prescription-only medication and technically anyone could perform, does not mean that they should. A medical professional understands your skin, your body’s inner workings, and your facial anatomy better than anyone. They will ensure safe treatment, high-quality results, and the management of any complications should they arise.
If you are considering injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox in High Peak, trust Registered Nurse Prescriber Karen Burgess at the Skin Solutions Clinic. Book your consultation today on 07809 492 356 to find out more about your personalised treatment journey.