What is the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

The short answer is….everything!!!!!!

Botox and dermal filler actually couldn’t be more different. They are used for completely different things. It’s not really surprising that people generally get the two mixed up - why would you know such a thing?

If you are considering aesthetic treatments, it is firstly really important to understand that our skin ages in lots of different ways. This is the reason that there is not a 'one single' treatment approach that can address all the visible signs of ageing…maybe it will happen one day, but definitely not in our lifetime.

Here’s a whistle stop of manifestations of ageing aspects and the corresponding treatments:

• Volume loss: Dermal fillers
• Lines and wrinkles caused by muscles contracting under the skin: Wrinkle reduction (Botox).
• Textural changes to the skins surface caused by chronic conditions like acne, rosacea and scarring: Peels / medical skincare / needling.
• Colour changes to the skin surface caused by sun exposure or scarring: Peels / medical skincare / laser.
• Loss of elasticity, increased dullness: PRP / Profhilo /needling.

As you can see from the list above, Botox and dermal fillers act on the different effects of ageing. They also work in a very different way and they work best in synergy with each other.

Differences between Botox and Dermal Filler

• Botox is a 'prescription only medication' whilst dermal filler is officially classified as a ‘medical device’.

• Botox is mainly used in the upper face whilst dermal filler is mainly used in the lower face.

• Botox is the consistency of water whilst dermal filler is the consistency of gel.

• Botox takes 2-10 days to take effect whilst dermal filler results are visible immediately.

• Botox lasts around 3 months whilst dermal filler lasts around 12 months.

• Botox addresses the lines and wrinkles caused by the activity of muscles lying underneath the skin whilst dermal filler corrects deep lines and sagginess caused by volume loss.

Similarities between Botox and Dermal Filler

• Botox and dermal filler are delivered using a needle.

• Botox and dermal filler are best used for prevention / maintenance of the signs of ageing. However they can both also be used as effective correction tools.

• Botox and dermal filler compliment each other really well and help to keep synergy in the face.

• Botox and dermal filler may be given together in the same appointment or separately.

• Botox and dermal filler can be used in men and women.

• The results from Botox and dermal filler can be really natural so that you are the only person who knows you have had treatment.

Summing it up

To summarise, it’s not  a question of which is better? Botox or dermal filler. They do completely different things and actually are the perfect complement to each other.

What to do next

At your first appointment for aesthetic treatments you should have a thorough consultation.Tell your practitioner what bothers you- to enable them to provide you with suggestions. Ask for some written follow up information that you can refer back to, whether that is straight away or weeks or months later. Try not to be closed off to treatment suggestions. It's always better to make informed decisions, sometimes you will find that your pre conceptions are not right. Your practitioner is your expert, so use them as a resource to gain better understanding of  what could work for you.

Secondly, at least once a year, sit down and have a consultation again - a clean slate. That way you will be sure to keep your treatment plan on point and relevant to the way you are changing over time.

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