BOTOX® Cosmetic or Fillers: Which is for Me?

Posted December 19, 2018 in BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal facial fillers are often lumped together, they are actually very different treatments that use very different substances. While both types of treatment are injected to target the visible fine lines and wrinkles brought about by age, sun damage, and lifestyle choices, they are not always interchangeable. The following is a look at how BOTOX® Cosmetic and the facial filler JUVÉDERM® differ, and which may be better suited to your needs.

The Material

While both BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® restore smoothness and youthfulness to the skin, they do so differently. This is due to the materials they are made from. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a derivative of botulinum toxin Type A. While this toxin is the same as what causes botulism, this treatment is entirely safe due to the strain and small amount of the toxin used. Fine lines and wrinkles form when there is tension in the underlying muscles. BOTOX® Cosmetic causes a neurological response, meaning that it immobilizes the tissues that it is injected into, and relaxes the muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. JUVÉDERM®, on the other hand, is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule found in your body. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin maintain moisture, which in turn helps your skin appear plump, hydrated, and healthy. This hydration diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the muscles, JUVÉDERM® fills the space beneath the lines and wrinkles to restore volume to your skin.

The Treatment Areas

BOTOX® Cosmetic effectively treats wrinkles in the forehead, eyes, and brow area. With BOTOX® Cosmetic, those unwanted frown lines and creases on the upper portion of your face can become a thing of the past. JUVÉDERM®, on the other hand, specializes in restoring volume to wrinkles and folds in the lower portion of your face. Nasolabial folds, the lines between the nose and mouth, are a common area for JUVÉDERM® treatments.

The Results

Facial injectables, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM®, are not permanent solutions for the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. These treatments offer temporary relief and must be repeated for extended results. Traditionally, BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts anywhere from four to six months, and JUVÉDERM® is known to last for up to a year. The exact longevity of these results is difficult to predict as every patient absorbs these materials at a different rate. Both injectables can be repeated safely as many times as necessary to prolong and enhance the smooth and supple quality of your skin.

If you are interested in learning more about BOTOX® Cosmetic or JUVÉDERM®, contact Aspire Medispa at (559) 435-8477.