Mar 16th, 2018

Botox or Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You?

BOTOX® and dermal fillers both help aging skin look more youthful and fresh. They’re delivered via injection and temporarily reduce fine lines and wrinkles. However, they have slightly different uses. Read on to determine which one might be better for your goals and needs.

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is derived from botulinum toxin, a natural, purified protein that relaxes facial muscles. When these muscles aren’t active, the lines and wrinkles associated with them become less obvious. It’s quite effective for wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and between your eyebrows.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers usually contain a form of Hyaluronic Acid, a natural compound that makes your skin look plump and firm. As you age, your natural stores of Hyaluronic Acid deplete, so your skin has less strength and forms lines and wrinkles. A decrease in Hyaluronic Acid can also lead to a loss of volume in your cheeks and lips that makes you look hollow and aged.

Dermal fillers actually “fill” in your wrinkles and folds at your smile to give you a more youthful look. Fillers can also plump hollow cheeks and thinning lips.

How effective are the treatments?

Both treatments are highly effective, but the results of dermal fillers usually last longer than those from BOTOX. Expect to see full results from a BOTOX treatment within one week and for those results to last three to four months.

The effects of dermal fillers are noticeable almost immediately and can last from eight months to two years, depending on your metabolism and treatment plan. If you want to maintain the look you achieved with either treatment, however, you’ll need regular maintenance sessions as scheduled by Dr. Grossman.

Are there side effects?

BOTOX has more than two decades of research standing behind it, and side effects are rare. Since dermal fillers use compounds already found in your body, reactions to it are also rare. Once in a while, you might have slight bruising at the injection site for either treatment, which resolves within a few days.

Which treatment is right for me?

If you have wrinkles on your forehead or at the sides of your eyes that become especially pronounced when you smile and laugh, BOTOX is for you. Dr. Grossman is skilled at applying the injections and the right amount of the formula so your results look naturally relaxed, rather than frozen.

For people who’ve lost volume in their face, have thinning lips, or want an overall rejuvenated look, dermal fillers might be best. You’ll look fresher and brighter after treatment with dermal fillers.

Ultimately, Dr. Grossman can examine your face and consult with you about your goals and concerns. He then draws up a treatment plan to help you achieve the look you’re seeking. His goal is to maintain a natural look, but help you look like a rejuvenated, fresher you. Many people opt to combine BOTOX and dermal filler treatments to address different needs on their aging face.  Discuss this option with Dr. Grossman, too.