Botox vs Filler: Differences explained

Overview 

Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments that are available to treat the face, usually to reduce the signs of ageing and give a more youthful appearance, but this is where the similarity ends – they do very different jobs!

It’s also important to know that in the UK at the moment there are no regulations as to who can inject fillers and anti-wrinkle products! So, please do see a trusted medical professional for a safe treatment.

What is Botox / botulinum toxin?

The regular use of certain facial muscles can overtime cause fine lines, wrinkles or frown lines. This is a totally natural part of the ageing process, however if you don’t like the lines and wrinkles, the option is available to treat them with anti wrinkle injections, often known as Botox.

By injecting very small quantities of this medication directly into the muscles the anti wrinkle medication will stop the muscle in a targeted area from moving.

That’s all it does, it doesn’t ‘fill’ fine lines or wrinkles, it just stops the muscle moving and by doing so the lines will soften and fade over time. For example, anti wrinkle injections can stop the muscle in between the eyebrows from frowning, and by stopping it from working so hard the line softens and fades. Likewise, lines on the forehead and around the eyes.

Anti wrinkle injections can also be used to treat the enlarged muscles at the side of the face, the masseter muscles, to relax them and slim the face. In addition neck muscles can also be treated if they protrude.

It is good to know that anti wrinkle injections have come a long way over the last 20 years and by going to an experienced medical practitioner who assesses your face and listens to your concerns you can get very subtle results that can soften rather than ‘freeze’ your expression lines.

It’s also good to know that anti-wrinkle injections are often referred to as ‘Botox’ but this is just one brand of botulinum toxin, and even if a medical practitioner is using this brand they aren’t allowed to promote the brand name on advertising or social media and instead must refer to it as Anti wrinkle injections.

What are dermal fillers?

As we age we naturally lose collagen and elastin from our skin, these are two important building blocks within our skin giving it supporting structure. Add to this a decline in fat loss, hyaluronic acid and bone resorption, all natural parts of the ageing process, and it’s not surprising that we notice the decrease in volume and hydration and therefore an increase in fine lines and wrinkles!

This is all perfectly natural and happens to everyone, but there are dermal filler treatments you can have to help if you so wish. Dermal fillers are available to replace the natural youthful volume which without it leads to wrinkles and our skin to sag. By replacing the volume back into the face fine lines and wrinkles can be smoothed out and your natural contours restored, without having any impact on your ability to show facial expressions.

Dermal fillers are substances made up of naturally occurring hyaluronic acids which replaces and augments the depleted hyaluronic acid in our skin.

The result of these fillers when injected is instant and visibly reduces wrinkles and gives a natural lifted appearance to the face. The length of time they last for depends on the type of filler used and what part of the face it is injected into. The premium filler we usually use at thespaCLINIC is called Teoxane which lasts up to 22 months.
Areas that can be treated with dermal fillers include: lips, cheeks, jawline, nose, chin, tear trough as well as the nose to mouth lines and mouth to jaw line.

Botox vs. Fillers: Which Is More Effective?

Botox and dermal fillers are both effective treatments but they do different jobs. Anti wrinkles injections are very effective at stopping the movement which causes fine lines and wrinkles whereas dermal fillers are very effective at giving structure to the face particularly where it has been lost with the ageing process. Often they can be used in conjunction with each other to give a youthful result.

Side effects

All treatments can have side effects and it is important that your practitioner explains these to you fully in a consultation first. Allergies or infections can occur but are thankfully extremely rare. Any pain within the first few hours after a treatment needs immediate attention as does swelling or a general feeling of unwell.

Costs, treatments and results

All clinics will have their own pricing often dependent on the experience of the practitioner – have a look here at the treatments available at thespaCLINIC. A consultation is usually required to get a price as it will depend on the amount of medication required to treat your concerns.

Summary

If you are thinking of dipping your toe into the world of aesthetic injectables it is important to find a medically trained practitioner who is recommended. Do have a consultation first to discuss your concerns and if you are happy with the practitioner and ready for a treatment then you can always start very slowly with just a treatment to one area to see how you like the results first.