First, let’s address the most common question…shall we?
What’s the Difference Between Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers?
In brief, Botox is used to relax muscles, and dermal fillers are used to restore volume.
Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a natural, purified protein used to temporarily relax facial muscles. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and winkles. Botox has become one of the most sought-out treatments for those who want to prevent the signs and effects of aging from occurring in their face or to correct any present signs. It’s largely used for cosmetic reasons, however, it can also be used to treat a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Dermal fillers on the other hand, aim to add volume to more pronounced wrinkles and folds, giving them a more youthful look. This is achieved through injecting the skin with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring product in our skin that’s lost with age.
The important things to consider when choosing between Botox and facial fillers is what kind of wrinkles you want to get rid of and how. Botox is more commonly regarded as a better choice for dynamic wrinkles as it will reduce their motion and visibility. These wrinkles occur when the face is in motion or making expression. They are usually positioned in the forehead and around the eyebrows. Facial fillers are ideal for static wrinkles, which are visible even when your face is relaxed and making no expression. These areas are depleted and sunken in and will benefit from the fullness that facial fillers give them.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers work by boosting the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers revitalise and add volume to the skin, instantly diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and giving a natural softer look. Dermal fillers are a soft injectable gel consisting of stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid. The gel is tissue-friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in the body. It is long-lasting but not permanent.
Precautions needed before getting the fillers -
- If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please keep in mind that you may want to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Guest should not schedule any invasive procedures for 2 weeks before or after treatment with RESTYLANE® LYFT and VOLUMA® XC. These include but are not limited to:
- Dental cleaning or dental work o Lesion excision or biopsy
- Surgery of any kind
- Internal device placement
- Tattoo or permanent makeup
- History of a surgical facelift of any kind will lead to denial of treatment of dermal fillers (RESTYLANE® LYFT and VOLUMA® XC) to the midface or cheek region.
- It is recommended to discontinue the use of Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before and after treatment to minimize bruising or bleeding. Please consult with your primary physician prior to discontinuing any medications.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or irritation.
- If you have a history of cold sores with outbreaks occurring more than 4 times a year, it is recommended that you are pretreated with medication prior to the injection treatments around or near the oral area. The medication will need to be initiated 3 days prior to your treatment visit. Please consult with your primary care physician in obtaining the medication.
- If you develop a cold/flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until it resolves.
- It is recommended to discontinue Retin-A 2-3 days before treatment to avoid any increased redness and irritation.
- It is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks to have dermal filler treatments performed if you have previously had cosmetic treatments with laser, ultrasound, peels, facials, or micro-dermabrasion.
What Are the Side-effects of Botox?
The most common side effects include bruising, redness, pain, or swelling, all of which should go away within two weeks. Less frequently, people might get raised bumps under their skin that need to be treated with injections, medications, or even surgically removed.
How Long Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections last?
In general, though, it is safe to say that the effects of anti-wrinkle injections will last anywhere between 3 to 6 months depending on the person and the location of the injection.
It is important to understand how injections work to fully understand and answer the question of how long do anti-wrinkle injections last. Anti-wrinkle injections work to block signals from the nerves to the muscles.
Once the injection is in place, the muscle is no longer able to contract, this makes the fine lines and wrinkles relax and soften.
In general, it takes about 7-14 days after the injection for the product to take full effect. For best results, you should stop drinking alcohol at least one week before the procedure. Additionally, it is wise to stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin at least 2 weeks prior to your treatment for best results and to reduce bruising.
You can expect that your first anti-wrinkle injection will last anywhere between 3 and 6 months. As the muscles slowly regain their function, the lines and wrinkles will reappear, and repeat treatment will be required to maintain your desired results.
The muscles in the treated area will begin to shrink over time because the muscles are shrinking with each treatment. As you continue on your anti-wrinkle injection journey, you should be able to go longer between treatments as the muscles in the treated area begin to minimize.
Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Fillers Worth it?
Finally…let’s address this shall we. The results of anti-wrinkle injections, done properly and with proper maintenance, are undeniable. If you, like most of us, suffer from unwanted lines and wrinkles on your face that are ageing you, anti-wrinkle injections are a great investment in yourself.
The improved sense of self-esteem that many people feel after their treatment makes the injections worth it enough.
That’s it from us guys! We seriously hope you enjoyed this blog. Comment below on what you ant us to write about next.
