Neurotoxin (Botox/Xeomin/ Daxxify) and Dermal Fillers are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments given through injections. Though, their working differs such that Botox is used for wrinkles that appear with facial expressions like forehead, frown lines between brows, and crow's feet around the eyes, whereas the fillers are used for deep wrinkles when your facial muscles are at rest.
Neurotoxin is a sterile lyophilized form of botulinum toxin type A. It is produced from a culture of the Hall strain of C. botulinum and purified by a series of acid precipitations to a crystalline complex containing the toxin and other proteins. It can minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Whereas Dermal Fillers contain chemicals that add fullness to the areas which have undergone thinning and sagging due to aging. Thinning is common, especially on regions like cheeks, lips, and around the mouth, where the fat pad is lost due to aging.
This article will give you a complete description and comparison between the two similar procedures to identify the one most suitable for your needs.
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin which is obtained from bacteria. Cosmetic and therapeutic amounts of this toxin are safe and have been used for decades when given to correct wrinkles. This procedure works by blocking the nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. Due to the interruption of the nerve signals, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. The restriction of movement of these selected facial muscles softens and reduces wrinkles.
Botox and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are called neuromodulators or neurotoxins. Common Neurotoxins are Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daaxxify.
Botox works on wrinkles caused by movement, also known as dynamic wrinkles or expression movements. The most common effective region of Botox is the "11" between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow's feet around the eyes. Generally, these lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions. This procedure will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face; these are static wrinkles.
Botox is not permanent; repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. The muscle-relaxing effect of Botox or Xeomin generally lasts for three months. In contrast, Daxxify can last up to six months.
Dermal Fillers are substances designed to be injected beneath the skin's surface to add volume and fullness, sometimes called soft-tissue fillers.
There are different substances used in dermal fillers; these include calcium hydroxyapatite (a mineral-like compound present in bones), Hyaluronic acid (found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin), Polyalkylimide (transparent gel compatible with body fluid), Polylactic acid (stimulates the skin to make more collagen), and Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) ( a semi-permanent filler). These chemicals are designed to treat different signs of aging and other cosmetic issues. The results might last from 6 months to 2 years or sometimes even longer.
Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat varying signs of aging; these may vary from plumping up thin lips to enhancing or filling the shadow areas of the face, decreasing or removing the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes, filling in or softening the look of recessed scars, and filling in or softening the wrinkles, especially on the lower side of the face. Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These usually result from loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.
The main difference between the two medical procedures is what they're targeting. Botox is most suitable for dynamic facial wrinkles, whereas Fillers target static wrinkles and address the volume loss and folds on the face. The overall effect of both should be smoother and plumper-looking skin.
Your goals will identify the treatment that you should try. Fillers generally address existing volume loss, while Botox addresses existing lines or preventive treatment for younger patients.
Commitment is also a significant difference between the two medical procedures. Botox is a procedure in which you can add more neurotoxin whenever required, but its removal is impossible. Fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. When injected into the filler area, hyaluronidase can break down hyaluronic acid allowing its dissolution.
There needs to be more clarity about both Botox and Fillers. Botox is often believed to make you look frozen and take away your ability to emote, and fillers will leave them looking puffy and unnatural. But, this isn't true. The doctor suggests consulting a practitioner who starts with less and increases as per the needs. The best injectables are done so no one notices, "It enhances normal features."
The vital suggestion doctors give is to consult a cosmetic surgeon to help you identify the most suitable treatment.
Botox and Fillers are both safe and recommended treatments by experts. A cosmetic surgeon should perform these procedures. Check the list of your requirements; if you wish to restore some volume loss, fillers can help make you look plumper and more hydrated. Botox is your treatment if you are taking your first step into injectables and are willing to prevent or treat fine dynamic lines.
Understand your requirements, consult a cosmetic surgeon, and decide!
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