How Does BOTOX® Differ from Dermal Fillers?
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If you are considering cosmetic treatments to address visible signs of aging, you may have come across BOTOX and dermal fillers. These popular products, available at the Brickell Cosmetic Center in Miami, Brickell, Key Biscayne, and Coconut Grove, FL, can help rejuvenate your appearance and bring back that youthful glow.
So how do BOTOX and fillers differ, and which one is best for your aesthetic goals? Below, we break down the key differences and provide recommendations for your next steps.
What is BOTOX, and how does it work?
BOTOX is a neurotoxin and commonly used wrinkle relaxer that reduces mild to moderate lines. It works by temporarily freezing the muscles that cause wrinkles. The overlying skin relaxes and smoothes out shortly after treatment. BOTOX is typically injected into specific areas of the face, such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes and lips. Here are some examples of how BOTOX can improve your appearance:
- Reduce frown lines between the eyebrows, also known as "11 lines"
- Smooth out forehead wrinkles
- Soften Crow's feet around the eyes
- Minimize creases around the mouth
What are dermal fillers, and when are they useful?
Instead of relaxing the underlying muscles, dermal fillers work by adding fullness to areas that have lost volume over time. These products contain a gel-like substance, and there are various kinds of dermal fillers available.
The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid. They attract water molecules to the treated area, resulting in a fuller and more youthful look. Dermal fillers can be applied to the following areas:
- Enhance lips and cheeks
- Reduce nasolabial folds (laughter lines)
- Fill in hollows under the eyes
- Improve facial symmetry
The key differences between BOTOX and dermal fillers
While both wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers help you achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance, they differ in several ways:
- Targeted concerns: BOTOX primarily addresses dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements, like forehead lines and Crow's feet. Dermal fillers are ideal for adding volume to hollow or gaunt areas.
- Active ingredients: BOTOX is a neurotoxin while dermal fillers consist of substances, like hyaluronic acid. Fillers can also contain ingredients, like collagen and poly-L-lactic acid.
- Duration of results: BOTOX generally lasts between 3 – 6 months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on the formula, but some products are known to last from six months to two years.
What happens during a cosmetic treatment?
Both wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are noninvasive treatments in Miami, Brickell, Key Biscayne, and Coconut Grove, FL. The appointment involves injecting a small amount of product into the targeted area using a fine needle. Each procedure takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Our staff can provide post-appointment care instructions to ensure the best outcomes.
Start your treatment now
If you are still unsure whether BOTOX or fillers are the right choice for your needs, don't worry! The expert team at Brickell Cosmetic Center is here to help. With a personalized consultation, our aesthetic specialists will assess your unique concerns and goals to determine the best cosmetic treatment. Patients in Miami, Brickell, Key Biscayne, and Coconut Grove, FL can call now to book an appointment and get the process started.