If you are in your 20s or early 30s you may already be noticing some early signs of aging; a lot of small subtle changes that start adding up, and you may ask yourself “how do I stop or even correct these.?” Both Botulinum injections (commonly referred to as Botox) and Facial Fillers are great ways to rectify the signs of aging. And although super popular, not everyone knows the difference between the two. So, we put together this fact sheet to explain the difference between Botox, fillers and what’s available in 2021 to prevent the signs of aging.
Botulinum or “Botox” come in different forms like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. These are injectable medications that are FDA-approved to reduce dynamic wrinkles– the lines that deepen when you smile, frown, squint, and more. Younger skin will snap right back into place, but in time these wrinkles start to be more visible, even at rest. Botulinum or “Botox” works to break something called acetylcholine which is a chemical that’s secreted by a nerve telling the muscle to contract or make a movement. Thus, Botox stops the muscle contraction, and helps smooth the skin’s appearance. Treatment in your early 20s with small increments, what we call “Baby Botox”, can prevent the formation wrinkles. Other uses for Botox include correction of gummy smile, neck lines, slim the jaw, decrease sweating, reduce headaches and TMJ pain, lift the eyebrows, and more. The effect of this treatment typically starts within days from the time of injection and last 3-6 months.
Dermal or Facial Fillers start to work immediately, right at the time of injection and last a year or more depending on the area injected. That’s why people LOVE facial fillers! People in their 20s and 30s tend to use hyaluronic acid fillers like Versa, Restylane and Juvéderm, as well as calcium-based fillers, or Radiesse. Dermal fillers are mostly used to restore lost volume of the face, like under the eyes or the temple area, or enhance certain features, like the cheeks, nose, chin and lips. Along with volume loss, comes static wrinkles that typically start around the nose and mouth (Nasolabial folds and marionette lines). Fillers can change these subtly, where only you know what you’ve had done and everyone else will only be asking “what’s keeping your skin looking so young?”
Many men and women will choose to receive both Botulinum injections as well as dermal fillers to rejuvenate the overall appearance of the face. When paired together, we can target more of the signs of aging- leaving you with a natural more youthful-looking appearance. Other common procedures that can help reduce the signs of aging include IPL, Morpheous8, and Microneedling. A consultation is a great step to get started on your preventative way to stay beautify and young.
