Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers have become increasingly popular over the years. These days, they’re a pretty common option for anyone who wants to prevent or treat early signs of aging or deal with declining collagen production. 

Botox and dermal fillers can and are often used together to treat common signs of aging, and are very similar. However, they are not the same and knowing the difference between these two highly popular injectables is key to maximizing their effectiveness – and getting as close as possible to the results you want.

Similarities Between Botox and Dermal Fillers

First things first. Botox and dermal fillers are both injectables, so they’re administered via a fine needle into the treated areas. 

They’re also non-invasive procedures and don’t require any downtime (though there are standard aftercare instructions). Depending on the treated areas and the patient’s goals, these injectables can be an alternative to surgery.

The actual treatment time also only takes minutes for both, although the injector will always conduct a thorough consultation beforehand to determine the right treatment plan.

Differences Between Botox and Dermal Fillers

For starters, Botox is a neuromodulator or neurotoxin. Its main ingredient is botulinum toxin A, which relaxes the underlying facial muscles in the treated areas responsible for the lines and wrinkles that form after years of facial movements like smiling, frowning, raising your eyebrows and so on. 

Basically, Botox is ideal for dynamic wrinkles, which are the ones that appear when you move your face. Examples of these include:

• Crow’s feet
• Forehead lines
• Frown lines or “11” lines

Fillers, on the other hand, are usually made up of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. As we age, the body’s collagen productions decline, resulting in a loss of volume, particularly in the face. Dermal fillers work by restoring volume to the treated areas and bringing back that plump, youthful look.

Aside from addressing declining collagen productions, dermal fillers can also add volume to certain parts of the face for a more youthful appearance or a more symmetrical look. One of its most popular uses is to help patients achieve their perfect pout by:

• Adding volume to the lower and upper lips
• Correcting asymmetrical or uneven lips
• Smoothing lip lines and wrinkles
• Defining the natural cupid’s bow

Lastly, dermal fillers plump and smooth skin to improve the appearance of static lines and wrinkles, which are visible even when the face is at rest. These include marionette lines and nasolabial folds.

To sum it up, Botox is for lines of expression while dermal fillers are for lines at rest. 

But the best way to tell which injectable/s you need is still to consult with an expert. Dr. Julie is best equipped to evaluate your skin and come up with a personalized treatment plan that best suits your unique concerns and goals (as well as your budget).

Dr. Julie Ferrauiola is a board-certified surgeon who uses her expertise in aesthetics and a finely-honed artistic eye to help countless patients in Englewood, NJ to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results – while keeping common signs of aging at bay. 

Call our office today to book an appointment.