When it comes to anti aging procedures, nothing is more talked about than Botox, unless of course it is facial fillers. But what is the difference between the two dermal injectables like the outdated collagen and the newer temporary fillers like Juvederm and Restylane and how do you know which to choose?
Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D. Beverly Hills Dermatologist gives the following analogy to help distinguish between Botox and fillers: The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.
Botox is most often used on the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines and can also be used to treat neck bands, but not a sagging neck. The way Botox treats wrinkles is two fold: first, it relaxes and weakens the muscles that cause wrinkles and creases and as a result the Botox user stops using those muscles, allowing Botox to actually stop the progression of the crease.
Dysport has recently been introduced in the last year as an alternative to Botox. It has been found to be just as effective and much cheaper than Botox, but has not yet found the same following as Botox. Fillers are most commonly used to: fill in scars, including those from acne, enhance cheek bones, enlarge lips, correct lip deformities or asymmetries, filling in hollows under the eyes that result in dark circles. In some cases fillers are also used to perform a "non-surgical nose job," helping to fill in the nasal bridge.
Within the category of fillers, there are a seemingly mind-boggling number of brand names. The difference between each one depends on the thickness and longevity the filler. The thicker the filler, the longer it lasts, but the thickness may also result in bumps.
Names of popular fillers are:
Restylane
Juvederm
Perlane
Prevelle
Collagen
Radiesse
Radiance
Captique
Cosmoderm
Cosmoplast
GFX
Gore-Tex
Hylaform
Sculptra
Zyderm
Zyplast
Fat may also be used to help fill in hollows that begin to appear in the face.
Some fillers, like Sculptra require multiple injections to fill in. There are also permanent fillers, like Silikon 2000 (Silicone) and Artefill (polymethyl methacrylate aka PMMA). Once injected, permanent fillers cannot be removed, making them much riskier. Other fillers like Zyderm, are suitable for use in the delicate eye area, but don't last very long.
If your wrinkles are only visible when frowning, or making a face, Botox or Dysport is probably all you need. As your creases deepen with age, and can be seen even when not making a facial expression, then a filler is better suited. In some severe cases, both Botox and fillers are needed.
Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D. Beverly Hills Dermatologist gives the following analogy to help distinguish between Botox and fillers: The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.
Botox is most often used on the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines and can also be used to treat neck bands, but not a sagging neck. The way Botox treats wrinkles is two fold: first, it relaxes and weakens the muscles that cause wrinkles and creases and as a result the Botox user stops using those muscles, allowing Botox to actually stop the progression of the crease.
Dysport has recently been introduced in the last year as an alternative to Botox. It has been found to be just as effective and much cheaper than Botox, but has not yet found the same following as Botox. Fillers are most commonly used to: fill in scars, including those from acne, enhance cheek bones, enlarge lips, correct lip deformities or asymmetries, filling in hollows under the eyes that result in dark circles. In some cases fillers are also used to perform a "non-surgical nose job," helping to fill in the nasal bridge.
Within the category of fillers, there are a seemingly mind-boggling number of brand names. The difference between each one depends on the thickness and longevity the filler. The thicker the filler, the longer it lasts, but the thickness may also result in bumps.
Names of popular fillers are:
Restylane
Juvederm
Perlane
Prevelle
Collagen
Radiesse
Radiance
Captique
Cosmoderm
Cosmoplast
GFX
Gore-Tex
Hylaform
Sculptra
Zyderm
Zyplast
Fat may also be used to help fill in hollows that begin to appear in the face.
Some fillers, like Sculptra require multiple injections to fill in. There are also permanent fillers, like Silikon 2000 (Silicone) and Artefill (polymethyl methacrylate aka PMMA). Once injected, permanent fillers cannot be removed, making them much riskier. Other fillers like Zyderm, are suitable for use in the delicate eye area, but don't last very long.
If your wrinkles are only visible when frowning, or making a face, Botox or Dysport is probably all you need. As your creases deepen with age, and can be seen even when not making a facial expression, then a filler is better suited. In some severe cases, both Botox and fillers are needed.
