What is the difference between Dermal Filler and Botox?
If you are looking to reduce the signs of wrinkles on your face, you have probably considered getting a Botox procedure, but is this really the best way forward?
For many people, Dermal Fillers are far more effective in achieving their desired look, especially when dealing with static wrinkles and skin sagging.
If you have heard a bit about both Botox and fillers, but are unsure what the difference is, and which one to go for, this article is perfect for you, as we take a look at the differences between the two, and all the benefits and limitations of each procedure.
What is Botox?
Botox itself is a brand name for the prescriptive medicine known as Botulinum Toxin.
Botox is a purified form of the toxin protein that is acquired from bacteria and has been used safely in the cosmetic industry for several decades now.
Getting a Botox procedure may seem a daunting prospect at first, however, in terms of cosmetic medicines it really is one of the safest on the market, with serious side effects occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Botox works by relaxing the muscles close to the injection point, interrupting the nerve signal and preventing the muscle from contracting as much as before.
By injecting Botox into the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles, there will be far less movement, leading to the softening and even removal of certain folds and creases.
What does Botox treat?
There are certain things that Botox does extremely well, and certain things that fillers are better suited to.
Botox is best at preventing movement lines on your face, for example, wrinkles that appear as a result of facial expressions such as frowning and smiling.
It is less well suited to tackling resting wrinkles, i.e. The lines that are visible when you are not making any facial expression.
Botox also has a number of less commonly known benefits such as helping to relieve headaches, tackling the symptoms of tooth grinding, and reducing excessive sweating for those who suffer from hyperhidrosis.
Are there side effects to Botox?
Rarely, and even if you do experience minor side effects, they will almost always wear off in a matter of days.
The best part of Botox is that is a temporary and very safe procedure so even if you don’t like the appearance of your face following treatment, the effects will usually wear off in just 3-4 months.
If you do experience side effects, they are likely to take the form of minor bruising or swelling around the affected area, headaches, or allergic reactions in very rare cases.
Do Botox injections hurt?
Botox is injected using a very small needle, and the worst that you will feel is a quick, sharp scratch, similar to that of an insulin injection.
In some circumstances, an anaesthetic cream may be used, but this is rarely required.
How much is Botox?
The cost of treatment is dependent on the number of injections required and the target area, but at Luxe Skin our Botox treatment costs start from just £175 for a one area treatment.
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are designed to be injected below the skin’s surface, adding volume and fullness, and reducing the signs of aging.
Fillers act to reverse the loss of collagen and elasticity in our skin that occurs as we age that results in severe resting lines and hollow looking features.
Also referred to as soft tissue fillers, these come in a number of different types and consistencies, each specifically designed to deal with concerns in certain areas.
Dermal filler contains hyaluronic acid, a man-made replication of the hyaluronic acid found in our bodies as a natural substance.
Filler can have used across the entire face, but is most commonly used around the jowls, lips, and tear troughs to add volume.
Dermal fillers tend to last longer than Botox, with treatment effects lasting anywhere from a few months to permanently.
What are the side effects of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are slightly more invasive than Botox and due to the location of the injections it is very important that you use a medical professional who knows exactly how to avoid nearby blood vessels and nerves.
As long as the practitioner knows what they are doing however, dermal fillers are also an exceptionally safe procedure and you will get the additional benefit that most will use a numbing agent for the injections itself, making it less uncomfortable than Botox initially.
Minor side effects can include redness, swelling, and bruising.
How much are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are slightly more expensive than Botox with our treatments starting from just £350 for a 1ML syringe.
Contact Luxe Skin Today
For more information, or to book your Botox or filler appointment today, contact Luxe Skin on 0141 573 1473, or via email at info@luxeskin.co.uk.