Botox and fillers are household names in the cosmetic industry. In this post, we cover the differences between Botox and dermal fillers, with a focus on HA fillers, like Juvederm. Read on to learn more.
Botox and dermal fillers are the top two minimally invasive cosmetic treatments on the market. Botox comes in at number one with over 8.7MM procedures completed in 2022, followed by dermal fillers coming in at 5.6MM procedures completed. Of the 5.6MM dermal filler treatments, the vast majority – 4.9MM – were HA dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane.
Suppose you’re considering minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the near future. In that case, dermal fillers and Botox are likely on your list of possibilities. That said, you might be wondering how each works, including similarities and differences.
We turn to San Antonio-based Nurse Injector Vanessa Sandoval for answers.
Are fillers and Botox the same?
First things first, are Botox and filler the same?
No, they’re not. Though they’re both innovative injectable treatments that complement each other well, they differ in terms of what they treat, what they’re made of, and how they work.
“Botox helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles that are formed from facial expressions such as scowling, frowning, smiling, and squinting,” Sandoval points out, “It relaxes muscles that create movement, which in return helps lines not to settle or become permanent ahead of time. Fillers, on the other hand, are typically used to help restore volume to the face and lips, fill in wrinkles, and add structural support.”
Fillers and Botox: What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator that, once injected into the muscle, paralyzes it, which prevents it from moving. The reduction in movement helps to relax the muscle, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines. Once injected, results can be seen in as little as five days and can take up to two weeks to fully take effect. Results last for up to four to six months. Once the treatment begins to wear off, additional injections are needed to maintain results.
Off-label uses for Botox include:
- Smoothing bunny lines across the bridge of the nose
- Eyebrow lifting
- Lifting the corners of the mouth
- Slimming the jawline
- Smoothing the chin area (aka “cobblestone” chin)
Fillers and Botox: What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers help to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of scarring, add volume, improve facial balance, and augment the lips, chin, and jawline. There are various types of dermal fillers, the most popular of which is HA fillers, as previously mentioned.
HA fillers are made from hyaluronic acid. HA is a naturally occurring substance in our body that helps to hydrate and plump our skin. Over time, HA decreases in our bodies, leading to an appearance of volume loss and fine lines and wrinkles. HA fillers help to temporarily reverse these signs of aging.
Other types of fillers include those made from materials like:
- Polymethylmethacrylate
- Poly-l-lactic acid
- Calcium hydroxylapatite
- Collagen
- Autologous fat
Most fillers provide immediate results. Some fillers, however, are injected into the skin, and results build over time. The latter types of fillers are referred to as biostimulant fillers that help to stimulate collagen production in the body.
For the purposes of this post, we’re focusing on HA fillers, like Juvederm.
HA dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years. As results wear off, additional filler is required to maintain results. HA fillers, unlike other fillers, can be dissolved with an enzyme if needed.
A couple of Sandoval’s favorite dermal fillers to treat signs of aging are Voluma and Vollure, both from the Juvederm family of fillers.
“I have two favorite fillers,” shares Sandoval, “One is Voluma, as it’s a wonderful product for the cheeks. Most concerns I get from clients stem from diminished fat pads or changes in bone structure. Voluma is a great option for providing support and creating that fuller and lifted look or projection – and the best part is, it lasts up to two years! Vollure is a top contender – it gracefully enhances lips and softens nasolabial folds with its velvety texture and natural-looking results.”
Additional fillers from the Juvederm family include:
- Volux: Lasts up to 12 months and treats moderate to severe loss of jawline definition
- Volbella: Lasts for up to 12 months and is great for adding volume to the lip area and treating vertical lip lines
- Ultra Plus XC: Lasts for up to 12 months and is used for moderate to severe facial wrinkles
- Ultra XC: Lasts for up to 12 months and treats moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds and lip augmentation
How do fillers and Botox treatments complement each other?
For many people, combining filler treatments and Botox treatments is like a match made in Heaven. Where Botox is used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, primarily in the upper facial areas, HA fillers can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and add volume in other areas of the face.
“Combining both fillers and Botox together will help enhance a person’s natural features to achieve facial balancing, while providing a more refreshed and youthful look,” states Sandoval.
How can you maximize your Botox and filler treatments?
It’s a wise choice to turn to your local MedSpa for innovative aesthetic treatments, like Botox, fillers, laser treatments, and more. However, as Sandoval points out, the skincare you use day to day is vital to maintaining healthy skin.
“Remember to prioritize skincare first and foremost. Your skin serves as the canvas upon which treatments like Botox and fillers work their magic. A good skincare regimen will help overall skin texture and quality. Botox and fillers are like the cherry on top!”
SkinMedica is a medical-grade skincare backed by science and proven results. It’s an ideal choice to maintain healthy skin at home and between in-clinic treatments.
Schedule a filler and Botox consultation
Now you know the difference between Botox vs. filler. If you’re considering these treatments and still unsure if one or both are right for you, take advantage of a personalized skin care consultation at your local MedSpa to find out. A professional Provider can conduct a comprehensive skin analysis and tailor a treatment plan to address your unique skincare concerns and goals.
Book online with DermaTouch RN 24/7!
Vanessa Sandoval, BSN, RN
NURSE INJECTOR
Vanessa has over a decade of clinical expertise. Prior to her nursing career, she proudly served in the United States Air Force. In 2012, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Vanessa’s extensive experience includes a decade as an ER nurse, along with roles in Case Management and as a Hospice Community Liaison.
Her commitment to staying at the forefront of aesthetic advancements is demonstrated through hands-on training in neuromodulators and dermal fillers, acquired from Allergan Medical Institute and Texas Institute of Medical Aesthetics. Vanessa’s passion for aesthetics is driven by the belief that boosting clients’ confidence is synonymous with empowerment. She takes pleasure in educating clients about aesthetic procedures and specializes in creating treatment plans that not only address their goals and concerns but also enhance their natural beauty features.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
