Should You Use Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Women in Windsor Ontario are Experiencing True Beauty
As we age the constant muscle contractions from everyday facial expressions begin to cause wrinkles to appear around our eyes, forehead, and mouth. We start to develop crows feet around the eyes. We get frown lines between eyebrows, smile lines that linger long after we are no longer smiling, and wrinkles in our forehead from these constant facial expressions. These repetitious muscle contractions, combined with the overall loss of collagen and firmness that comes with aging, begin to make our skin & face appear aged.
Thankfully there are cosmetic treatments available, like Botox right here in Windsor Ontario, that help to remove these fine lines and wrinkles from our face. These minimally invasive procedures are generally performed in a doctor’s office or professionally trained beauty clinic. Botox and dermal fillers are also helpful in postponing a facelift.
Botox and dermal fillers can help with:
- Improvement of skin texture.
- Smoothing of wrinkles.
- Fine line removal
While Botox is still the reigning champ when it comes to cosmetic treatments, dermal fillers are not far behind in the race. This procedure is quickly gaining momentum and becoming equally as popular as Botox. We also found this article from Marie Claire about the differences between the two beauty treatments. The main difference between the two procedures is that lines of expression need a neurotoxin like Botox to relax the muscle. Lines at rest, meaning lines that are visible when the face is rested, need a dermal filler. There are a few other key differences between the two when it comes to the overall result one is wanting to achieve.
Botox vs Fillers in Windsor Ontario
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected directly into target areas of the face. It works to relax the muscles by temporarily preventing them from contracting and informing more wrinkles. It contains purified bacteria (known as botulinum toxin) that works to temporarily paralyze the muscles it is injected into. It blocks the nerve signals from sent to the muscles in the skin & face, which temporarily paralyzes them for anywhere from four to six months. This helps to soften existing wrinkles as well as prevent new ones from forming. Because Botox only works that are caused by muscle movement, it does not offer any help when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging skin.
Botox is injected in a measurement called “units”. The number of units injected will depend on the overall results desired. The best Botox procedures are:
- Crows feet – injections of 5 to 15 units is generally enough.
- Forehead lines – injections of 5 to 25 units is administered into the forehead muscles.
- Bunny lines – injections of 5 to 25 units.
- Frown lines – injections of 20 to 25 units are needed.
- Smokers lines – Usually 5 units is enough for this issue.
- Brow lift – amount will be determined by appointment
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected directly beneath the skins surface to remove wrinkles and remove fine lines while adding plumpness and volume to the face. Some examples of dermal fillers are collagen, calcium hydroxyl apatite, polyalkylimide, polylactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres.
These fillers are used to plump thinning lips, fill in shallow areas on the face, fill and soften recessed scars, remove fine lines (static wrinkles) caused by sagging skin and loss of volume), and fill shallow wrinkles under the eyes. They can also be used to add volume back into the forehead and other areas that need a little more volume. The results from dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years.
How Can I Determine Which Procedure I Will Need?
When considering Botox vs fillers, take note of the areas that need to be treated. If the area consists of deep lines that remain when the face is at rest, this will require a dermal filler. Areas that need more volume will require a dermal filler as well. If the areas of concern are emphasized when making a facial expression, Botox will work in this case.
How Effective is Botox?
Even the best Botox procedures will generally take a few days for a noticeable difference. Botox results are noticeable within the first week of the injections. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOS), most patients will see noticeable results from using Botox. The results are temporary, so additional treatments will be needed about every 4 to 6 months.
How Effective are Dermal Fillers?
The results from dermal fillers can last up to two years. As with Botox, dermal filler results are temporary. Generally the results last 6 months to two years. Additional treatments will be necessary as the dermal fillers wear off.
We know what’s best for Botox & Fillers
Botox and dermal fillers are not recommended for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are no clinical studies that suggest the injections can harm the baby, however medical professionals do advise against these procedures while a patient is under these circumstances. Patients with existing nerve damage or muscle issues in the face should discuss this with the doctor prior to receiving Botox and dermal fillers.