Facial fillers and BOTOX at our Scottsdale practice have become increasingly popular to address fine lines, wrinkles, and other effects of aging in the facial area. These FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatments require no downtime and provide natural-looking results.
At our office, either I or one of our qualified aesthetic nurses performs these nonsurgical procedures under sterile conditions. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I feel it is important that patients know the difference between BOTOX and facial fillers, such as the JUVÉDERM® products or other filler options. This post distinguishes between the 2 treatments, which can be used separately or combined for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
BOTOX
Overview
BOTOX injections impede muscle movement and reduce the look of dynamic wrinkles and expression lines, particularly in the upper face. Because the treatment is quick, many patients come in for appointments on their lunch breaks or between errands.
Ingredients
The primary active ingredient in BOTOX is a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. When injected into a treatment area, this toxin blocks the nerve signals that make your muscles contract. After a BOTOX treatment, your muscles remain more relaxed and give your skin a smoother appearance.
Treatment Areas
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Smoker’s lines around the mouth
- Gummy smile
- Glabellar frown lines
Recovery
BOTOX requires little to no downtime. We do recommend avoiding intense physical activity until the following day, but you can usually return to normal daily activities immediately following treatment. Because we use extremely fine needles, you can reapply makeup and sunscreen immediately after your appointment.
Results
Results typically last between 3 and 8 months, depending on the treatment location and your individual physiology. Once results begin to fade, we recommend coming in for follow-up treatment.
Facial Fillers
Overview
Whereas BOTOX affects your muscles, facial fillers actually add volume beneath the skin to sculpt the face and provide fuller, more youthful contours. You can select from a wide variety of facial fillers, which can also be used to treat the hands or reduce the appearance of scars. Overall, the results of a facial filler treatment last longer than the results of a BOTOX treatment.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in most fillers is hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body, particularly in your skin and connective tissue. Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance, there is little risk of allergic reaction.
Treatment Areas
Each brand of dermal fillers has been approved to help various conditions of the face:
- Volume loss in the cheeks
- Thin or uneven lips
- Smile lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Vertical lip lines
- Hollows under the eyes
- Deep acne scarring
- Smile lines
Recovery
There is no downtime with facial filler injections. You may resume work and normal activities immediately. Patients sometimes experience slight swelling or bruising near the injection site, but this can be covered with makeup and should resolve quickly.
Results
Depending on which filler you choose, the location of the injection, and your body’s response, effects can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
If you want to learn more about your options, request a consultation or give us a call at (480) 214-9955.
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