What’s the Difference Between Fillers and Neurotoxins?
People often use the words “Botox” and “fillers” together when talking about non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but these are two very different products that work on different problems. The first step in figuring out which treatment or combination of treatments is best for you is to understand this difference. A meeting with a professional, like the team at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, can help you understand your options and make a plan just for you.
Neurotoxins work on wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while fillers work on wrinkles caused by volume loss. This is the easiest way to tell the difference. Botox and Dysport are two examples of neurotoxins that work by temporarily relaxing the muscles they are injected into. This stops the muscle from contracting and folding the skin, which is how “dynamic” wrinkles are made. These are the lines that appear when you squint, frown or raise your eyebrows, like the ’11’ lines between your brows and crow’s feet. The skin in these expressive areas is now smoother.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are made to “fill in” or add volume. They treat “static” wrinkles, which are the lines and folds that are always there on your face. As we get older, we lose collagen and fat in our faces. This makes our temples hollow, our cheeks flat, and deep lines like the nasolabial folds. Fillers are gels that are put under the skin to add volume, lift the tissues, and smooth out lines. They can also be used to improve features, like making the lips or jawline look more defined.
Providers often use both treatments at the same time. For instance, a patient might use a neurotoxin to get rid of lines on their forehead, and dermal fillers Oahu providers might use to add volume to their cheeks. This combination method can give you a full and balanced facial rejuvenation. The results also happen at different times. Neurotoxins usually take several days to a week to show their full effect and last for three to four months. Most fillers, on the other hand, work right away and can last for six months to over a year.
To have a smart conversation about your aesthetic goals, you need to know the difference between these two popular treatments. One works on lines caused by muscles, and the other works on volume loss. Call the experts at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery for a full evaluation and to find out which treatment is best for your needs.
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