Botox & Dermal Fillers….So What is the difference??

Are you bothered by wrinkles staring you back in the mirror? Does pulling your face back make it look less saggy? Quite often patients think of Botox as a “fix-all.” But depending on the area of concern, dermal fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane are the appropriate choice. It is important for patients to understand the difference between them.

What Can BOTOX Do ?
Botox can be injected into certain muscle groups to help lift, reposition and soften dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the wrinkles caused by facial expression which become deeper and more etched as we age. Crowsfeet (those pesky lines on the sides of the eyes), forehead wrinkles and the scowl between the eyes known as the 11’s are all examples of dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat. Usually these lines are caused by frequent fine motor movements of the face, repeated over many years. The continuous repetition of the above actions causes minor lines and wrinkles to transform into permanent wrinkles over time. This is why many younger patients use Botox preventatively so the wrinkles don’t form in the first place.

Botox will last anywhere between 3-6 months in most patients and has an impeccable safety record. For those that may be nervous about trying Botox, there has never been even one death reported when used cosmetically. Where as over the counter aspirin products report thousands of deaths each year. Just a little something to keep in mind.

dermal fillersWhat Can Demal Fillers Do?
Do you feel your face is melting like a candle or deflating much like a slow leak in a tire? By the age of 35 most of us have lost about 10% of the fat in our face and will continue to lose an additional 10% every 5 to 10 years ! Some of us have lost up to 40% of the fat in our face by the time we are 50. This volume loss is usually quite apparent in the temples and underneath the cheekbones. For thin patients, this can make you have an almost skeletal appearance. For others it can appear that their face has just fallen.

With hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, we can plump up the face and put back what the aging process has taken from us. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. The gel like substance helps to bring back a more youthful facial structure. It also brings water to the surface of skin to keep it looking fresh and supple. The result is a natural and more youthful appearance. Cheeks can be lifted, hollow temples can be filled, lips can be plumped, and nasolabial folds & marionette lines can be softened.

Longevity of Juvederm & Restylane products can range from 6 months to 18 months depending on the facial area treated. It also depends on the individual and how well they take care of themselves. Neither dermal fillers nor Botox will last as long as they should in someone who smokes, drinks alcohol in excess, sun worships or has otherwise poor nutrition habits.

Making the Decision
Always do your research and choose a highly trained & certified physician for any type of injections. Ask for before and after photos of their actual patients. Also make sure you are given a thorough consultation and are clear on any recommendations before proceeding.

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Victory Medical Spa 780 Victory Hwy #3, West Greenwich, RI 02817 (401) 458-0825