What is the difference between dermal fillers (filler) and Botox?
Currently, some of the most popular products in demand in the field of cosmetology to combat anti-aging changes are dermal fillers and botox.
Let's figure out what kind of cosmetic products these are, what problems they can help solve and whether they are safe.
Fillers and Botox are cosmetic drugs that are administered by certified specialists using injections. These procedures are minimally invasive and do not require any surgical intervention. This is where the similarity of these products ends.
Botox is derived from bacteria and blocks neuromuscular transmission (freezes muscles). At the same time, it makes it possible to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and folds caused by facial expressions.
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers contain ingredients that add volume to areas of skin that have thinned due to aging. Such places are often found around the mouth, cheeks and lips.
Let's figure out what kind of cosmetic products these are, what problems they can help solve and whether they are safe.
Fillers and Botox are cosmetic drugs that are administered by certified specialists using injections. These procedures are minimally invasive and do not require any surgical intervention. This is where the similarity of these products ends.
Botox is derived from bacteria and blocks neuromuscular transmission (freezes muscles). At the same time, it makes it possible to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and folds caused by facial expressions.
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers contain ingredients that add volume to areas of skin that have thinned due to aging. Such places are often found around the mouth, cheeks and lips.
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What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, which is derived from bacteria. As you know, botulinum toxin is a poison, but its administration in small doses has no negative effects and has been used safely for decades to correct wrinkles.
The essence of Botox's work is that it blocks nerve signals in the muscles into which it is injected, as a result of which the treated muscle is temporarily frozen or paralyzed.
The essence of Botox's work is that it blocks nerve signals in the muscles into which it is injected, as a result of which the treated muscle is temporarily frozen or paralyzed.
What problems can Botox help solve?
Botox can only affect wrinkles that are formed as a result of muscle movement. These wrinkles are also known as "dynamic" and are often referred to as "mimic lines" in professional circles.
The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can remove are lines on the upper face (between the eyebrows), crow's feet around the eyes, and horizontal lines on the forehead. They occur, for example, due to a gloomy look, a smile or other facial expressions and emotions.
This product will not have any beneficial effect on fine lines and wrinkles (static wrinkles) caused by loss of facial plumpness or sagging (folds on the neck, cheeks and chin).
Botox is not a one-time procedure that will help solve antiaging problems forever. Such procedures must be repeated after a certain period of time, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the drug used.
The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can remove are lines on the upper face (between the eyebrows), crow's feet around the eyes, and horizontal lines on the forehead. They occur, for example, due to a gloomy look, a smile or other facial expressions and emotions.
This product will not have any beneficial effect on fine lines and wrinkles (static wrinkles) caused by loss of facial plumpness or sagging (folds on the neck, cheeks and chin).
Botox is not a one-time procedure that will help solve antiaging problems forever. Such procedures must be repeated after a certain period of time, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the drug used.
Side effects
Botox, which is used in cosmetology, is safe, although it can cause side effects, such as:
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swelling, bruising, redness, or numbness;
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urticaria, itching, rash;
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dry mouth;
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weakness, nausea, headache;
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paralysis of adjacent muscles;
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drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid (if the injections took place near the eyes);
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problems with speech, swallowing, breathing;
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blurred vision;
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problems with the gall bladder.
Botox wears off over time and, accordingly, most of the listed effects are temporary. These symptoms may appear within 6 hours after the procedure and up to 10 days later.
It is very important, in case of side effects, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor.
Also, it cannot be completely ruled out that Botox treatment may not help because of antibodies that have properties to fight the toxin. Such cases, according to conducted studies, may be less than one percent of patients.
It is necessary to remember that it is not necessary to massage and rub the area where the injection was performed after the Botox procedure, as this can lead to the spread of the toxin to the adjacent areas of the skin and cause sagging of the muscles, as well as other complications.
It is very important, in case of side effects, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor.
Also, it cannot be completely ruled out that Botox treatment may not help because of antibodies that have properties to fight the toxin. Such cases, according to conducted studies, may be less than one percent of patients.
It is necessary to remember that it is not necessary to massage and rub the area where the injection was performed after the Botox procedure, as this can lead to the spread of the toxin to the adjacent areas of the skin and cause sagging of the muscles, as well as other complications.
What are dermal fillers?.png)
Dermal fillers are cosmetic substances that are designed to be inserted under the surface of the skin to smooth it out, provide the necessary fullness and volume.
The duration of action of fillers, as in the case of Botox, is limited to certain terms. In this regard, the procedures must be repeated periodically.
Substances used by manufacturers in fillers:
The duration of action of fillers, as in the case of Botox, is limited to certain terms. In this regard, the procedures must be repeated periodically.
Substances used by manufacturers in fillers:
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calcium hydroxylapatite - promotes the process of production of own collagen;
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hyaluronic acid - serves to restore and maintain youth, moisturizes and makes the skin smooth;
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polyalkylimi - transparent gel, compatible with the body;
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polylactic acid - stimulates the production of a large amount of collagen in the skin;
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polymethyl methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) - a semi-permanent filler in the form of tiny synthetic balls that are injected under the skin to give structure to deep wrinkles.
What can the filler fix?
Depending on the type of substance used, dermal fillers can help treat various signs of aging or other antiaging concerns:
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fill shallow areas on the face;
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give thin lips the necessary volume;
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reduce wrinkles under the eyes, which are caused by the lower eyelid;
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fill static wrinkles.
Risks associated with dermal filler
Fillers are considered safe, but side effects may occur:
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itching, rash, redness, swelling, bruising or bleeding;
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asymmetry, excessive correction of wrinkles or bumps (usually caused by the work of an inexperienced specialist);
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granulomas;
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infections, in case of improper processing and hygiene of the skin;
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necrosis of skin cells, which can occur due to loss of blood flow to the area;
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whitening of the skin, impaired sensitivity at the injection sites.
In most cases, these problems last for a short period of time.
Key differences between Botox and dermal fillers
Botox - blocks the muscles in order to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and folds caused by various facial expressions.
Dermal fillers - fill and increase volumes that have lost smoothness (wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips and cheeks). Can be used to smooth out scars, wrinkles on the forehead and other areas.
Filler and Botox are different products and are intended for different tasks. At the same time, they can be combined in one treatment. For example, you can apply a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth, and Botox to correct lines between the eyes.
Botox results last 6-9 months. The duration of the effect of dermal fillers can be from 6 to 24 months.
Every year, millions of procedures with the help of Botox and filler are carried out in the world. Studies conducted in the field of dermatology have established that these drugs are very safe. Side effects occurred in less than one percent of recipients, and in most cases were minor.
Botox and dermal fillers are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. People who have certain diseases should discuss with their doctor whether these drugs are safe for them.
Do not forget about their components, which can cause allergies, which can lead to negative consequences.
The safety of the procedure, the result of use, as well as the possibility of side effects, depends on the quality of these products. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice and purchase of such products and its supplier with full responsibility.
Dermal fillers - fill and increase volumes that have lost smoothness (wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips and cheeks). Can be used to smooth out scars, wrinkles on the forehead and other areas.
Filler and Botox are different products and are intended for different tasks. At the same time, they can be combined in one treatment. For example, you can apply a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth, and Botox to correct lines between the eyes.
Botox results last 6-9 months. The duration of the effect of dermal fillers can be from 6 to 24 months.
Every year, millions of procedures with the help of Botox and filler are carried out in the world. Studies conducted in the field of dermatology have established that these drugs are very safe. Side effects occurred in less than one percent of recipients, and in most cases were minor.
Botox and dermal fillers are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. People who have certain diseases should discuss with their doctor whether these drugs are safe for them.
Do not forget about their components, which can cause allergies, which can lead to negative consequences.
The safety of the procedure, the result of use, as well as the possibility of side effects, depends on the quality of these products. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice and purchase of such products and its supplier with full responsibility.