Botox or filler? What’s right for you?

The difference between Botox and Filler is a topic that many patients get confused about. If you’re looking to freshen up your face, it can be tricky to decide between the two. Botox? Filler? Is there even a difference? As a matter of fact, there are differences where Botox and Filler have two very different purposes. 

Read the breakdown between Botox and filler to make sure what treatment is best for your skin needs.

What do Botox and Filler have in common?

Botox and filler are injectable substances that can lessen the appearance of wrinkles by either supporting the muscles or plumping up the skin. Minimally invasive procedures, these treatments are inserted into the skin using a needle. Botox and fillers are very popular as they can give patients a natural-but-better look, but only when using an experienced doctor– make sure to be selective when choosing who to go to. 

Another reason why fillers and Botox are so popular is that they both have quick recovery time. After a session, you can practically walk out with a more refreshed look. During recovery, and 2 weeks before doing the treatment, be sure to not consume alcohol, fish oil (omega3), or caffeine as these items can slow the process of healing and cause bleeding and more bruising.

What is Botox?

Firstly Botox is the name of a brand, not the treatment. The technical term is a neuromodulator but Botox has morphed into a catch-all name for the treatment that lessens the visibility of wrinkles. Due to aging, the muscles on our faces and our facial expressions cause natural lines and wrinkles to appear on the skin. Botox helps relax those muscles lessening those lines settling into the skin’s surface. 

Usually taking about fifteen minutes to administer, Botox may take between a few days to two weeks to see a result. The skin-smoothing effect lasts anywhere from three to six months depending on a person’s metabolism. Once the three to six month time period has passed, and the Botox is not replenished, the natural lines and wrinkles will come back and the face will revert back to its original form. 

What is Filler?

Hyaluronic acid filler, more commonly known as facial filler, dermal filler or simply filler, is used to fill in targeted areas where we have lost volume. With age, we lose the good fat in our faces that create the youthful “babyface” look resulting in faces looking more tired. Filler comes in and fills in the areas needed to restore that youthful plump, and rested look. 

Dermal filler or filler injections take 30 to 45 minutes to administer. Depending on one’s metabolism, filler can last up to one to two years. Facial fillers are also a popular treatment as it produces immediate results and can be injected in many areas such as lips, cheeks, nose, temples, under-eye, chin, or hands. After a dermal or facial filler treatment,  possible bruising and swelling may occur and recovery time can last anywhere between three days to two weeks. 

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