They’re two of the world’s most widely requested cosmetic treatments but what’s the difference between Botox and fillers?

Most people know that Botox and fillers are both great for reducing wrinkles, but do you know the difference between the two? Learn more about Botox, dermal fillers, and how to know which one is best for you.

What is Botox?

You might be surprised to know that Botox® is actually a brand name for a drug manufactured by Irish pharmaceutical giants Allergan. The scientific name for Botox® is Botulinum toxin, and this is the substance used in anti-wrinkle treatments all around the world. Numerous brands manufacture Botulinum toxin, with Botox® being the most well known and tested. Botox® is used to treat dynamic facial lines or in other words, the lines which appear as a result of facial muscle movement. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the face that cause lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein which when injected into facial muscles stops them from contracting.

At Mary Lee Amerian M.D. Dermatology, we inject Botox® to treat forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, neck banding and squaring of the jawline. Results from BOTOX® injections vary from patient to patient but typically last between three and six months.

Now that you understand the basics of Botox, let’s jump into the basics of Dermal Fillers.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Facial fillers, also known as Dermal fillers are quite different from Botox®. Facial fillers, are ideal for static wrinkles, which are visible even when your face is relaxed and making no expression. As humans age, collagen in the skin decreases in volume. This causes the skin to become thinner and less capable of self-repair. The body’s stores of Hyaluronic Acid also depletes with age, causing folds, wrinkles and a more sunken appearance to develop. Injecting filler into certain facial features enhances their appearance by adding volume. This leaves your face with a rejuvenated, more youthful look. Fillers can also add volume and enhance the appearance of certain facial features such as lips, cheeks, chin etc.

As with Botox®, filler treatments involve the injection of a naturally occurring substance. Filler treatments are quick, non-invasive and relatively painless. You can expect to see the results of your filler treatment immediately and you are free to return to work or your day right after completion of your treatment. Effects from fillers can last as long as 18 months after treatment.

Now that you have a better understanding of what both procedures are and what they are used for, now let’s discuss which one would work better for you.

Which Cosmetic Procedure is Right For Me?

The important things to consider when choosing between the two is what kind of wrinkles you want to get rid of and how. It is possible to have both in one appointment session, but it’s important to gather the advice from your dermatologist before you choose to do so. At Mary Lee Amerian M.D. Dermatology, our board certified doctors will advise you on whether Botox® or fillers will give you the result you desire.

Where is the best place to get Botox and fillers in Santa Monica, CA:

To truly benefit from these products, an expert needs to be involved to put the right amount in the right spot. Lots of injectable patients are actually great candidates for combination therapy where Botox® is used in certain areas and fillers are used in another. In that combination, from an artistic approach, very beautiful results can be created. It may seem like anyone can inject some Botox® here and there, but interested patients should steer clear of “Botox parties” and coupons when it comes to aesthetic procedures.

When you visit Mary Lee Amerian M.D. Dermatology in Santa Monica, you are always in the care of properly licensed & certified professionals. All injections are performed by California board certified doctors who have spent a considerable amount of their life learning about and understanding human anatomy. That’s the kind of artist you want to make you look younger and refreshed!