Dermal Fillers vs. Botox: Pros and Cons
Dermal fillers and Botox are two types of cosmetic injections. They, however, use different techniques to help mold and shape your face. Botox is injected into the muscles to ensure they do not shrink, thus stopping wrinkles. On the other hand, dermal fillers are injected directly into the face’s soft tissues to fill sections that have lost natural volume over time.
Dermal Fillers
A dermal filler is an injectable that fills the skin to restore lost elasticity, a common symptom of aging. It fills in wrinkles and adds size to the different regions of the body. It, however, has extra emphasis on restoring the facial tissues. Interestingly, you can now receive dermal fillers near you.
Several dermal fillers are different compounds, but all work to achieve the same purpose – plump and fill in wrinkles. Since dermal fillers are different kinds, most doctors prefer using certain fillers for particular body areas. The type of filler used is also dependent on whether you are allergic to any of the compounds present.
If you have wrinkles on your face and other regions, visit a dentist in Fort Atkinson. Rock River Dental provides dermal fillers in Fort Atkinson, thanks to their skilled skincare dentists.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Since there are numerous types of dermal fillers in the market, some of the most reputable fillers include:
- Hyaluronic acid is used by several brand names, such as Juvederm and Restylane. It’s an injection aimed at improving the skin’s contour, thereby reducing the visibility of scars. Scars include once caused by acne. The infusion can also fill frown lines and smile lines between eyebrows.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite is mostly found in a brand called Radiesse. It is also naturally produced in bones. It regularly corrects frown lines, improves the visual appeal of cheekbones, and sometimes when certain diseases/viruses waste away certain areas.
- Polylactic acid is commonly used in Sculpture brands. It works by triggering your body to increase collagen production. Remarkably, it’s been used for the longest time, beyond any filler. It also helps to treat nasolabial folds and laugh lines.
How Long Does Dermal Fillers Last
Dermal fillers are significantly reliable since they remain effective within the body for 6-12 months. Some special ones last up to eight weeks. However, specific factors determine the accurate length of time needed. They include dermal injectable used, amount injected, and your skin.
Pros
- Enhances your appearance
- Reduces wrinkles
- Softens scars and facial lines
- Adds volume where natural collagen has depleted
Cons
- Overcorrection leads to over plumpness and asymmetry problems
- Temporary redness, swelling and bruising
- Itching, rash, and irritation at the injection point
Botox
Botox, unlike dermal fillers, uses purified toxins produced naturally by the body to paralyze the muscles in a specific area. The muscles relax and prevent forming of wrinkles. Interestingly, it’s not considered a filler.
Botox injects into the face and neck. The upper face corrects frown lines, eyebrows, forehead lines, and bunny lines (top of the nose). Around the yes, it fixes the region under the eyes, hooded eyes, and crow’s feet. Lastly, it improves the chin, lipstick lines, and jawline on the lower face and prevents teeth from grinding.
How Long Does it Stay?
Since Botox injections do not involve injecting filler material into the soft tissues, it’s evident that the technique stays for a shorter period. A Botox injection usually lasts between 2-4 months and, in extreme cases, six months. Even so, your initial injection may last far much less since it’s used as a baseline to determine your body’s reaction to an injection.
It’s advisable only to use the recommendations of a skincare professional to provide the ideal service.
Pros
- Slight discomfort
- Zero downtime
- Quick and non-invasive
- Performed in a dental office
- It makes the skin look younger
Cons
- Costly
- Causes temporal bruising, numbness, and pain at the injection point
- It is a temporary solution
- Pain at the injection site
- May cause reduced facial expressions