Looking for ways to refresh your look? Nonsurgical treatments are available to meet almost any aesthetic goal. Injectable treatments such as BOTOX and dermal fillers are especially popular. But what exactly do they do, and how do they complement each other? This comprehensive blog post will explain these popular options and how they can be used together for optimal results.
Understanding Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators interact with the nervous system, specifically targeting the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. How does this translate to a more youthful appearance?
How They Work & What They Treat
By relaxing the muscles, neuromodulators soften and smooth out wrinkles and lines associated with expressions such as smiling, frowning, or squinting. This results in a rejuvenated and refreshed look. Whether it’s forehead lines, crow’s feet, or other facial concerns, neuromodulators can be administered precisely to deliver effective results while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
In addition to smoothing dynamic wrinkles, neuromodulators can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, make the upper lip look fuller with a lip flip, or reduce the appearance of vertical neck bands. Time-tested BOTOX is also FDA approved to treat migraines and excessive sweating.
Products Available
We offer BOTOX, the first product of its type and the most well-known neuromodulator, as well as Dysport® and XEOMIN® neuromodulators. Their formulas vary slightly from one another, but they all generally last between 3 and 6 months.
Exploring Dermal Fillers
While neuromodulators are known for their wrinkle-smoothing abilities, dermal fillers add another dimension to facial rejuvenation: enhancing volume.
How They Work & What They Treat
Unlike neuromodulators that work by relaxing the underlying muscles, dermal fillers are designed to add volume and contour to specific areas of the face.
Dermal fillers are popular for those looking to add youthful fullness to the lips, restore lost volume to the cheeks, smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines, or even enhance the jawline. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate results, while biostimulators like Sculptra® Aesthetic enhance the skin’s natural collagen production for more gradual and long-lasting improvements. Learn more about the areas dermal fillers can treat in this related blog post and infographic.
Products Available
Dermal fillers are remarkably versatile, and there’s a solution for almost every aesthetic goal, from improving lip shape and color to enhancing jawline definition and smoothing under-eye shadows. Whether you desire subtle enhancement or a more pronounced change, dermal fillers can be tailored to meet individual needs and preferences.
We offer the JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® families of fillers, Sculptra Aesthetic, RADIESSE®, and BELOTERO BALANCE® so we can better tailor your treatment to your exact needs.
Do Fillers Hurt More Than BOTOX?
Typically, BOTOX injections cause only minimal discomfort, often described as a slight pinch or a series of small pricks lasting only a few seconds each. This is usually well-tolerated by patients, and many don’t require any form of numbing.
Dermal filler injections may cause a bit more discomfort, given that they are usually injected deeper and into more sensitive areas of the skin, such as the lips or under-eye area. Many formulations come pre-mixed with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to mitigate pain during filler injections. Your injector may also apply a topical numbing agent beforehand to enhance comfort.
Treatment Process & Downtime
BOTOX and dermal fillers are administered as injectables, using a fine needle to target specific areas of the face precisely. We sometimes also use microcannulas to inject fillers. Our highly skilled practitioners rely on their thorough understanding of facial anatomy to ensure optimal placement, enhancing your natural beauty.
Treatment for both options is quick, taking anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas being treated and the combination of products used. No downtime is required. It’s a procedure that can easily fit into a busy schedule, making it a convenient option for those on the go.
Do Fillers Last Longer Than BOTOX?
Yes, dermal fillers generally last longer than neuromodulators, ranging from 6 months to over 2 years, depending on the type of filler used, the treated area, and individual metabolism. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually last 6 to 2 years, while biostimulators can last up to 2 years or more.
As mentioned earlier, you can expect to enjoy your BOTOX and other neuromodulator results for 3 to 6 months, after which muscle movement gradually returns and wrinkles or lines may reappear. Factors like muscle activity, metabolism, and the treated area can influence their longevity.
Neither type of injectable is a permanent treatment, and you will need to schedule regular touch-up sessions to maintain your results.
Combining Treatments for Maximum Results
Can you get BOTOX and fillers at the same time? Absolutely! Their differences actually make them very complementary to each other. By integrating neuromodulators and dermal fillers into a single treatment, we can craft a personalized approach that targets multiple areas of concern.
Neuromodulators smooth out dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements, while dermal fillers restore volume and contour in areas that lack fullness. Together, they create a balanced and youthful appearance, treating the face as a cohesive whole rather than isolated areas.
Request a Consultation
Our skilled and experienced providers are here to guide you through BOTOX, dermal fillers, or a combination of both treatments. Ready to take the next step? Call our office at (847) 382-4400 or request a consultation. Your rejuvenated look is within reach, and we’re excited to help you achieve it.
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