Botox® and fillers are specially formulated products that target common signs of aging on several areas of the face. They have different functions and they are meant to treat different areas of the face. So, you should not compare Botox® to fillers – they are entirely different treatments. Botox® works by relaxing the muscle movements that contract to produce wrinkles, while fillers replace volume loss where a wrinkle has formed.
How Is Botox® Used?
Botox® is generally used in the upper portion of the face to treat wrinkles. It works to relax the muscles that deepen wrinkles, especially in the forehead and around the eyes. Botox® is a very effective treatment for crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines between the eyebrows and horizontal worry lines on the forehead. These lines and wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of the muscles from facial expressions. Botox® works by weakening specific muscles of facial expression so that the contractions cannot continue to occur.
How Are Fillers Used?
Fillers are used to add volume to deep wrinkles or volume-depleted areas of the face and typically used in the lower portion of the face – the cheeks, nasolabial folds and around the mouth.
There are many different types of fillers. Juvederm® and Restylane® are two fillers from different companies, both composed of hyaluronic acid, which your skin naturally contains. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin, providing youthful volume. When injected, these fillers create lost volume to diminish deep lines and wrinkles.
How Long Do They Last?
The results of Botox® injections will typically last three to four months. Most patients return for repeat treatments 2-3 times per year.
The results of fillers can last about a year. Just like Botox®, you’ll need to maintain your results with additional injections over time.
To find out if Botox® and/or fillers are right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. David J. Levens M.D. Plastic Surgery is located in Coral Springs, Florida, serving residents of Fort Lauderdale and neighboring cities in Broward County.
