Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the world, offering a safe and effective way to erase or minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your face. It’s one of a group of cosmetic injectables that can turn back time with no downtime. That means you can get a more youthful appearance in one quick treatment, with results that last for months or up to a year in some cases. Read on to learn more about Botox and dermal fillers and the differences between them to know which one is right for you.
The beauty of Botox
Botox treats one of two types of wrinkles: Dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles form in the skin above a contracting muscle when making a facial expression such as smiling, laughing or frowning. It’s made of botulinum toxin type A and, when injected under the skin, paralyzes muscles temporarily to keep them from contracting and smoothing out lines and wrinkles in the skin above. Botox is commonly used to treat frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, lip depressors and neck bands. It has other uses outside of wrinkle erasing, including treating excessive underarm sweating.
Botox treatment only takes about 10 or 15 minutes, meaning it’s virtually pain-free with no downtime. It takes about three to five days for the full effect of Botox to work, and results last for about four months until it is naturally absorbed by your body. You return for treatment at this time to maintain or prolong results.
Erasing wrinkles with dermal fillers
Botox is not effective on the other type of wrinkle: Static wrinkles. That’s where dermal fillers shine. Some of the most effective dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body. Static wrinkles are wrinkles that are always present and are a result of the skin losing elasticity and the decrease of underlying proteins. Other factors come into play, such as genetics, sun damage and lifestyle, but aging is a primary reason for these wrinkles.
Dermal fillers work well to add volume and fill lines and wrinkles. They can restore brow height, improve the hollowing around your temples and upper and lower eyelids. They can make cheek bones more pronounced and smooth facial contours. Dermal fillers also plump lips, balance the chin profile and improve jowls for a more youthful jawline. As with Botox, treatment is fast and effective, but results are immediate. Your results will last anywhere from four months to two years, so you’ll probably need to return for additional treatment for desired results.
Dermal fillers have so many uses and can be used in conjunction with Botox and other treatments to help you achieve your more youthful appearance. Call 403.571.3141 to set up a consultation.
