Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging. That doesn’t mean you need to accept them! If creases and lines are making you feel less confident in your appearance, cosmetic dermatology treatments like BOTOX and dermal fillers can help restore a more youthful look to your skin. Both treatments yield excellent, lasting results, but which is right for you? Learn more about how to choose between BOTOX and dermal fillers with help from Dermatology Associates of Central New York.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is an injectable anti-aging treatment that is also used to treat excess sweating, tooth grinding, and neurological disorders, from migraines to muscle weakness. The treatment is made with Botulinum toxin type A, which relaxes the facial muscles to smooth away wrinkles. Accordingly, BOTOX is most effective for crow’s feet (the lines around our eyes) and wrinkles near the mouth or between the eyebrows.
Receiving BOTOX injections is quick and easy, and treatment can take as little as 15 minutes. Results most often appear within seven days. Side effects are uncommon, although some patients report pain, bruising, or swelling at the injection site, a headache, or symptoms similar to those caused by the flu. Serious reactions can occur, but they are rare, and BOTOX is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers describe a wide range of products that are injected beneath the skin. Their gel-like composition reduces the appearance of wrinkles and compensates for the loss of collagen, which breaks down naturally as we age. This makes fillers ideal for deeper lines and those that do not lessen when the face is relaxed. Fillers are also offered to make the lips and cheeks appear fuller, and they can be used to minimize the appearance of scarring. Results appear immediately after treatment.
Like BOTOX, side effects are rare when using dermal fillers. These substances have been verified as safe by the FDA, so you can receive them without worry.
Choosing between BOTOX and Dermal Fillers
Both dermal fillers and BOTOX offer undeniable benefits for reducing the signs of aging. Just a few of these include:
- Long-lasting results that appear soon after injection
- No need for downtime or recovery after treatment
- Safe and effective with minimal risk of side effects
The most important distinction between these treatments is that they are typically used for different purposes. While BOTOX is ideal for the wrinkles that form in response to repeated facial movements, dermal fillers address the problem of reduced plumpness in the skin. This makes both treatments ideal for simultaneous use. With careful application from a highly trained dermatologist, BOTOX and dermal fillers can work together to restore a youthful appearance and your confidence.
What Else Should I Know about BOTOX and Dermal Fillers?
One important thing to keep in mind about both treatments is that they should only be administered by a licensed, experienced dermatologist. As these procedures grow more popular, many spas and salons have begun offering them alongside hair coloring, facials, and massages. Unfortunately, estheticians, hairstylists, and other cosmetic professionals do not undergo the extensive training in medical and cosmetic skincare that dermatologists receive. This means they cannot offer the same quality guidance about which treatments you should choose, and they may not be aware of best practices for storing, handling, and injecting these substances.
If you’re interested in BOTOX or dermal fillers, trust your anti-aging treatment to an experienced dermatologist, like Dr. Amin Fazeli, M.D. Ph.D., FAAD, FACMS and the other members of the Dermatology Associates of Central New York team. Contact us today in Fayetteville, NY, to discover the right procedure for your needs and achieve a look you’ll love.