What Is the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

Do you know what the top nonsurgical, cosmetic procedures were around the world in 2020? Botox injections were in the lead, but dermal fillers were not far behind.

Why the increasing popularity of Botox and dermal fillers? Contrary to popular belief – and unlike plastic surgery – these medical aesthetic procedures are subtle rather than drastic due to the fact that they smooth your skin and accentuate your natural beauty.

However, Botox and dermal fillers are entirely different procedures, use different chemicals, and target different troublesome areas.

So, let’s dive-in: What are the major differences between Botox and dermal fillers?

SkinLUXE Aesthetics is your local, anti-aging Botox and dermal filler service in Brentwood, Tennessee. Learn more.  

What Is Botox?

While best known as Botox, this popular age-reversing product is a name brand for what it actually is: a neuromodulator. Neuromodulators are wrinkle-relaxing injections of botulinum toxin that prevent unwanted muscle movement and creases in the skin.

Brentwood Botox Treatments

If you want to smooth or prevent further wrinkles and crease lines on your forehead, eyes, and neck, Botox is the perfect solution! The most common Botox treatments are used for:

  • Wrinkles
  • Facial lines (crow’s feet, scowl lines, lip lines, chin dimples)
  • Facial slimming and reshaping
  • Enhanced lips (youthful pout, smoker’s lines, and deep frown lines)

At the same time, Botox can be used to target muscles and provide relief for:

  • Clenched jaw, grinding, and TMJ
  • Migraines
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Botox Dosing

Units are simply the dosage amount of Botox injected into your skin. This is because certain areas of your face will require more or less injections than others, and the number of needed units determines the price of the treatment.

The number of Botox units vary not only based on which area of the body you are treating but also on your muscles’ size and strength. Here is a quick estimate of Botox unit injections:

  • Nose: 5 to 10 units
  • Corners of mouth: 3 to 6 units
  • Lips: range from 4 to 20 units
  • Eyebrows: 2 to 5 units
  • Facial lines: range from 25 to 55 units
  • Neck: 25 to 50 units
  • Facial slimming, TMJ: range from 40 to 60 units

How Long Does Botox Last?

As for how long the effects of Botox injections last, 3 to 4 months is average, but they could also last longer depending on your metabolism.

Botox Disclaimer

Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and you should tell your aesthetician if you have an autoimmune disease.

Book a Botox treatment with SkinLUXE Aesthetics today! 

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are a deposit of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a naturally occuring substance in the body – that stimulate your skin’s collagen and elastin production. Some common and well-known dermal filler brands are Juvederm and Restylane.

In contrast to Botox’s approach of targeting muscles, dermal fillers are soft and gel-like injections that “fill-in” wrinkles, add volume to, and sculpt different areas of the face.

Brentwood Dermal Filler Treatments

A few popular dermal filler treatments include:

  • Lip, cheek, and midface augmentation
  • Deep facial wrinkles and folds
  • Smile lines, marionette lines, vertical lip lines
  • Volume loss (face and lips), tear trough filler, and temple filler
  • Chin augmentation
  • Hand rejuvenation

Dermal Filler Dosing

Dermal filler is administered and measured by the syringe, rather than by units. Like Botox, though, the number of syringes of dermal filler you will need depends on your age and the areas you want to treat. The cost changes accordingly.

How Long Does Dermal Filler Last?

Dermal filler results are temporary because your body gradually – and naturally – absorbs the deposited particles. However, their effects typically last 6 to 12 months or longer. It’s also worth noting that the results of dermal filler can be reversed.

Dermal Filler Disclaimer

If you have an autoimmune disease or any neurological disorders, or if you have a history of cold sores, tell your injector. Filler treatments are also not recommended within 4 weeks of a dental appointment or while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Browse SkinLUXE’s dermal filler treatments and schedule an appointment!