Should I Get Botox or Dermal Fillers for my Face?

Here are some ways to determine which filler is best for you.

What is Botox? How does it work?

Botox is short for “botulinum toxin” and is referred to as a toxin because if it’s administered in high quantities, it acts as a “neurotoxin” in the body, blocking certain nerves from reacting and moving. Some examples of nerves it blocks includes tiny muscles of the eye for squints, the hyperactive muscle in the bladder, and muscle glands in the face and neck to stop them from moving and creating wrinkles and lines. This usually lasts approximately 3-6 months.

Who should / shouldn’t have Botox?

The treatment has been around for so long and holds a strong reputation for being an extremely safe treatment. However, patients who are pregnant, or experience myasthenia gravis or any other neurological condition should refrain from getting Botox. Patients usually start getting Botox in their late 20’s and on.

Questions to ask during your consultation

Never be afraid to ask questions that will make you feel completely comfortable with the procedure. Some questions you should ask include:

• How long have you been performing this treatment?
• What brand is the product?
• Will this treat the condition I’m looking to treat? Is there a better option?

What are dermal fillers? How do they work?

Dermal fillers consist of several medical ingredients combined to add volume to tissues. Patients can choose from several different fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, which is the most common type, collagen-stimulating fillers and permanent fillers such as silicone. Their main function is to be injected in areas to restore volume in the skin. Results last for approximately 18 months and can also be reversed if desired.

Who should / shouldn’t have dermal fillers?

If you’re pregnant or have had an extreme allergic reaction to fillers before, then a dermal filler isn’t for you. Since some fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient naturally found in the skin, most patients don’t experience any negative reactions.

Questions to ask during your consultation

Often, people without the correct medical license attempt to administer fillers in patients for a cheaper price. This can cause many problems because although the procedure may seem easy, you NEED someone with the right qualifications or you’re at a high risk of experiencing several complications. So, the first question you need to ask during your consultation is if they have the right qualifications and experience. You MUST confirm that they’re fully qualified. Additional questions include:

• What type of filler is being used? What brand?
• Which brand do you recommend for my needs?
• How much does this cost?
  • If the price is too low, you should question the practitioners experience and the quality of the product.

Key Differences between Botox and Dermal Fillers

Botox:

• Freezes muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions
• Typically corrects upper part of the face including the forehead and around the eyes

Dermal fillers:

• Use mainly hyaluronic acid fillers to “fill” or plump areas with lost volume and smoothness
• Can correct wrinkles around mouth, thin lips, cheeks that have lost fullness
• Can be used on forehead wrinkles and scars

Which one is better?

This will fully depend on what you’re looking for, but if you think you know after reading, then book a consultation and learn more from a certified doctor.

Book a Consultation

Dr. Boulos has been administering cosmetic injections since 2007. She has successfully built upon this experience with further training in Aesthetic Medicine and has attended various conferences, where interaction with her peers continues to keep her education current. Book a consultation to determine which injection is perfect for you!