Injectable treatments, like Botox, are designed to slow the signs of aging, but what are the differences between what’s available?
As you’ve surely noticed by now, our skin changes dramatically as we age. Skin becomes thinner as collagen’s plumping effects fade. Lines and wrinkles become more noticeable, and inevitably, we start to look older. There are many popular injectable treatments, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane, designed to enhance our skin’s appearance and slow the signs of aging, but what are the differences?
Let’s talk about Botox ...
Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin which can be used to temporarily smooth, correct and even remove wrinkles. Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected, causing the muscles to freeze or paralyze, resulting in smoother skin. Botox is primary used in the upper two thirds of the face.
Botox and similar products are designed to work on expression muscles. For example, the crease wrinkles in your forehead, the vertical lines between your eyebrows or the wrinkles around your eyes (crow’s feet).
Treatments made with the similar ingredients are called neurotoxins or neuromodulators.
Alternative brands, used for the same purpose, include Xeomin and Dysport.
Treatments typically last between 3-4 months and should be repeated regularly for a lasting, continuous effect. It’s important to note that Botox, or similar products, are NEVER used in the lower two thirds of the face.
Possible side effects of Botox treatments are temporary but can include: -Drooping of the brow or eyelid if injected in the eye area -Paralysis or weakness of muscles close to the injection site -Headache -Itching, hives, rashes near the injection site -Bleeding, pain, bruising, numbness, redness or swelling
Avoid rubbing or massaging of the face at the injection site(s) to prevent spreading the toxin to surrounding areas that can cause drooping or other facial disruptions. Patients are also encouraged not to lay down for a few hours following their injection treatment.
The average cost of Botox or similar injections is $450 (ranges from $350 – $600) .
Juvederm & other dermal fillers
Juvederm is a dermal filler, also called a soft tissue filler, which is used to add fullness and volume to parts of the face. The chemical compound used to create it is hyaluronic acid; a naturally occurring chemical in the body which, when injected, can be used to produce plumpness in the skin.
Dermal fillers are typically used to treat static wrinkles, such as the wrinkles around your mouth and cheeks you get from smiling, or those caused by the natural loss of collagen and elasticity we all experience with aging (thinning lips, scars, etc.)
Dermal fillers are also what’s used in lip-plumping and cheekbone enhancing treatments
Alternative brand names include Voluma and Restylane.
The length of treatment varies, depending on which filler is used and on what part of the face, but can range from 6 months to 2 years. For a lasting effect, treatments can and should be repeated.
Possible side effects from Juvederm or Restylane are not life-threatening, but can include:
-Swelling, redness, bruising or bleeding of the face at injection site and surrounding areas
-Rashes, pimple like reactions, and itching of the skin
-Damage to the skin that can cause an infection, laceration or scarring
-Loss of blood flow to the injected area, resulting in death of skin cells (rare)
-Lumps, asymmetry of the injected area and an overall undesired appearance
-Being able to feel the filler under your skin for the duration of the treatment
The cost for Juvederm and Restylane injections vary based on the procedure, however, priced per syringe, ranges from $450 – $700 each.
Something to keep in mind, dermal fillers and Botox are not mutually exclusive. You can opt to have a combination of both procedures to keep your face looking youthful and radiant.
Before you chose a treatment and a physician ...
Botox and dermal fillers can ONLY be administered by licensed physicians, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons or physician assistants (under the direction of a physician). Registered Nurses and medical assistants are NOT ALLOWED to administer these treatments in Florida, even under the supervision of a doctor.
Your face is your first impression to the world. It is extremely important you do not bargain shop when considering facial enhancements. Make sure you know the facts, short and long term effects, and the costs of treatments.
When you’re ready to move forward, do your homework. Schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bernabe Vazquez, M.S.,F.A.C.S. to have all your questions and concerns answered. Dr. Vazquez can help you decide what treatment plan is best you for!
Brevard Medi Spa offers both Botox and dermal filler treatments administered exclusively by Dr. Bernabe Vazquez, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of experience in reconstructive and plastic surgery.