Your Guide to the Difference Between Facial Fillers and Botox®

Your Guide to the Difference Between Facial Fillers and Botox®

As conversations about facial cosmetic procedures become more and more common, it becomes clear that there are tons of options out there – and perhaps the best part is that many of these options are quick and non-invasive. If you’re interested in smoothing or filling out any part of your face, chances are that there’s a non-surgical way to do it in the form of Botox® or fillers. That said, what’s the difference between fillers and Botox®? What are the benefits of each, and which should you consider for yourself? Though the answer is always in consulting with a professional, we’re helping you get started with a clear, easy-to-follow comparison between Botox® and fillers. Keep on reading to see it for yourself.

Botox®

Botox® is used mainly for cosmetic treatments. Botox® has been safely and effectively used for over 40 years. Botox, is administered to patients in tiny doses. Botox works to help reverse the effects of physical aging by treating and preventing wrinkles. That said, there are limits to where Botox® can be used on the face. The most common areas to be treated with Botox on the face are: the Glabella (the space between the eyebrows), the Forehead, Smile Lines (also known as Crow’s Feet), Upper Lip Lines, Oral Depressors (the muscles that can cause the outer lip corners to turn downward into a frown), and the Mentalis (the muscle that can cause the chin area to look pebbly), making it a go-to treatment option for those patients seeking to look younger, and more refreshed. On top of that, Botox® only works on expression lines, which are wrinkles specifically caused by muscle movement.

Interestingly, Botox® is rising in popularity as a treatment for Migraine Headaches and Depression.

Facial Fillers

Unlike Botox®, the term “filler” doesn’t apply to any single substance. Instead, it’s more of a catch-all term to describe substances that are injected under the surface of the skin to add fullness and volume to a specific part of the face. Unlike Botox®, fillers are not known to have strictly medical functionalities and are used exclusively for cosmetic purposes. There are three main types of filler, each with its own unique set of characteristics:

Belotero

A smooth, seamless, and delicate substance, Belotero yields subtle results. Consequently, it’s perfect for those looking to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Due to its gentleness, Belotero is also the only filler approved for use around the eyes and tear ducts. Don’t be mistaken: though Belotero is known as the most subtle filler option, it yields visible results when used for the correct purposes. This substance is ideal for those looking for smooth, natural-looking corrections on wrinkles, fine lines, and the undereye area of their face.

Juvederm and Restylane

As far as fillers go, Juvederm and Restylane  are arguably the biggest “household names,” due in no small part to the increasing trend of full, plump lips among celebrities and regular folks alike. More visible than Belotero but still natural-looking and relatively subtle, Juvederm and Restylane are used to add volume and fullness to the lips, the middle of the face, and cheeks. Different variations of Juvederm and Restylane are made for different parts of the face, and this substance is best for those who are looking for lip or cheek filler, or who would like to subtly resculpt their cheeks or the middle of their faces.

Radiesse

Delivered in larger syringes than Juvederm or Belotero, Radiesse fillers promise up to 50% more volume and up to 18 more months of usage than their counterparts. This more powerful option is generally recommended for lifting the cheeks, smoothing out the skin around the nose and mouth, and adding volume around the middle of the face. In addition to its power, Radiesse is appealing because it includes a compound called Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHa), which boosts collagen production in the body long term. This substance is best for those who are looking for changes on larger areas of their faces, or for more visible changes than Juvederm or Belotero would provide, but who still would like to avoid invasive surgery. It’s also a fantastic option if you’d like to boost collagen production long-term.

By understanding the difference between Facial Fillers and Botox®, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about what’s best for you. Dr. Toscano, our board-certified physician, is happy to offer his expert insight into what might work best for you. To learn more about your options, schedule a free consultation with him, just click here or call us at 727-726-6100.