A whopping 13.28 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures took place in the US in 2020. Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers, accounted for over 3.4 million. By contrast, 4.4 million were for botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) injections, including Botox.
So, does that mean Botox is better than fillers since more people get BoNTA injections? Not always, as they don’t have the same ingredients; thus, they can treat different facial areas.
This guide on dermal fillers vs. Botox goes into more detail about those differences, so read on.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable solutions containing non-bacterial compounds and minerals. Examples are hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and polylactic acid, to name a few.
Dermal fillers act as volumizers, making the treated site look fuller and plumper. That also allows them to treat the static wrinkles that Botox injections cannot. Those include folds or lines caused by sagging skin in the cheeks, neck, or jowl.
What Is Botox Then?
Botox is one of the brands most known for BoNTA injections. BoNTA, in turn, is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. Other brand names market BoNTA injections, but Botox was the first on the market.
The term ‘neurotoxin’ sounds frightening, but Botox only uses minute amounts of it. The injectable solution works as a neuromodulator in controlled doses, blocking nerve communication. It targets specific signals, such as those that cause muscle contraction.
For instance, Botox injected into facial muscles causes them to stop moving temporarily. That then leads to the temporary smoothening of facial lines and wrinkles.
When to Choose Dermal Fillers vs. Botox
You don’t have to choose one over the other because you can get them together in one session! Some medical spa services now even offer both as in-home treatments. To learn how you can enjoy facial rejuvenation at the comfort of your home, click here for a more detailed guide.
To give you an idea of when to choose which, know that Botox can treat forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines. You can also get it to minimize the appearance of a cobblestone chin or lines at the corners of your mouth.
However, the benefits of Botox aren’t only cosmetic; it can also treat medical problems. It has 12 FDA-approved uses, including treatment for strabismus, blepharospasm, and hyperhidrosis.
Dermal fillers can help fix some of what Botox can, but they can also treat deeper smile lines and frown lines. They can also plump up cheek depressions and thin lips and redefine the lip border. The FDA has even approved them for correcting acne scars.
Consider Getting Dermal Fillers With Botox
As you can see, one of the chief factors that set dermal fillers vs. Botox apart is their ingredients. You’ve learned the former uses mostly minerals, while the latter uses a neurotoxin. Both are safe, though, and qualified professionals can administer them in one session.
So, why not consider getting them together for better treatment results?
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