BOTOX vs Dermal Fillers: Which One Is Right for You?

If your reflection in the mirror is starting to show the subtle signs of aging, injectable facial treatments are a minimally invasive treatment option that provides immediate results with no downtime. When you talk about injectables and facial rejuvenation, BOTOX and dermal fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane offer a wide range of treatment options. So how do you know which injectable is right for you?

BOTOX Addresses Dynamic Wrinkles

BOTOX is a brand name for a botulinum neurotoxin designed to temporarily weaken or paralyze the facial muscles responsible for what is known as dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those wrinkles that develop due to repetitive facial expressions, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and the vertical lines between your eyebrows. 

As a neurotoxin, BOTOX injections disrupt the nerve impulses that move the facial muscles, helping to minimize the appearance of these wrinkles. BOTOX treatments last for three to four months before additional injections are necessary to maintain results. 

Dermal Fillers Are More Versatile 

Unlike BOTOX, dermal fillers are a gel-like substance that is injected into the skin to add volume, fill in lines, and even provide facial contouring. The gel-like substance is most commonly made with hyaluronic acid (HA) in products such as Juvéderm or Restylane. 

These injectables essentially fill in lines and wrinkles, plump up thinning lips, fill in scars, add volume to hollow cheeks, and even help to sculpt your jawline. HA fillers provide instant results that can last up to a year depending on the specific filler and the location of treatment.

Another dermal filler option, Sculptra, is slightly different and technically is not a filler, but rather a collagen stimulator. Sculptra works by stimulating new collagen over time, making it a much more natural-looking choice. While you may not see improvement for a month or more, results from Sculptra can last up to 4 years. 

If you are thinking about BOTOX or dermal fillers, Dr. Jonathan Kramer and his team are ready to answer your questions and help create an individualized treatment plan that helps you reach your goals. Call 208-344-4900 today to schedule a consultation.