What is the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

There are various forms of cosmetic treatments, and Botox and dermal fillers are some of the most common ones. While both methods don’t require any sort of surgery, they are different in many ways.

If you are uncertain of the differences between these two treatments, we will explain everything below.

Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: The definitions

Botox refers to the treatment of a certain part of the body with the purified botulinum toxin. Generally, if you are getting Botox in Calgary, you should understand that this treatment will only treat dynamic wrinkles. These are the wrinkles like crow’s feet that are found on the horizontal lines on the forehead as well as wrinkles close to the eyes.

To prevent any danger, this botulinum toxin must be used in small amounts to correct the wrinkles. This treatment blocks the nerve signals in the muscles to ensure temporary paralysis of the affected muscles. When done properly, Botox in Calgary can be used for removing, lessening, or softening some wrinkles on the face.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are known as soft tissue fillers that are injected under the skin to increase its fullness and volume. Some of the substances you can find inside dermal fillers are polylactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid, polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, and hyaluronic acid.

Botox vs. Dermal fillers: Their functions

Botox is usually used for correcting only dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that muscle movement caused. The movements that usually cause dynamic wrinkles include squinting, frowning, smiling, and other related facial expressions. And this is why these wrinkles are also called expression lines. These wrinkles appear like lines around the eyes, forehead, and upper face.

Otherwise, dermal fillers can be utilized for:

  • Filling in or softening the appearance of recessed scars or static wrinkles
  • Plumping up thinning lips
  • Filling in or increasing shallow areas on different parts of the face
  • Eradicating or reducing wrinkle or shadow under the eyes

Botox vs. dermal fillers: Duration of results

Typically, Botox in Calgary can only last for around 4 months. After this, you will need additional treatment.

There are different forms of dermal fillers; hence, the duration of their results also varies. While a few ones may last for about 6 months, you can use others for over 2 years.

Botox vs. dermal fillers: Possible side effects

Although both Botox and dermal fillers are generally safe when done by an expert, there are some possible side effects. For Botox, some of the potential side effects are:

  • Nausea
  • Drooping of the brow or eyelid if the treatment is done close to the eye
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Visions challenges
  • Dry mouth
  • Itching, rashes, or hives
  • Paralysis or weakness of the muscles close to the treated area
  • Headache
  • Problems with the gladder
  • Difficult with breathing, speaking, or swallowing
  • Redness, pain, numbness, bleeding, swelling, or bruising

A few of the possible side effects of dermal fillers are:

  • Swelling, redness, bleeding, or bruising
  • Vision problems
  • Overcorrection of the wrinkles, lumps, or asymmetry
  • Pimple-like eruptions, itching, or skin rash
  • Skin cell death as a result of the loss of blood circulation to the treated part
  • Skin damage leading to scarring, wound, or infection

Again, these side effects are only seen in less than 1% of the patients. Hence, don’t let them discourage you from undergoing any of these treatments if you think you need them.