Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: What Is the Difference?

The main differences between Botox and dermal fillers are that Botox involves the use of a neurotoxin that freezes the area that it has been injected into, whereas dermal fillers contain ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, that plump the skin’s appearance but both create the desired effect of reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers do have one different use they are also used to plump certain areas like the lips and under the eyes for those who feel they have a hollow appearance in the area. Both have results that can vary in the length of time they last; many people find that Botox treatments last between 3-4 months, and dermal fillers can last anywhere from three months to a year depending on the treatment area.

Botox began its medical start as a treatment in the 1970s for those who had strabismus and later it was noticed that it had other effects like blocking sweat glands in those who sweat excessively and reducing the wrinkles in those who had them while receiving treatment for strabismus. Through the approval process, it later became FDA-approved for the treatment of crow’s feet. Botox is used off-label based on the discretion of the doctor or nurse injector doing the treatment, Since Botox is a neurotoxin, it is best to have your injections done by an experienced professional.

Since everyone is unique, the amount of time that you will experience results from Botox can vary, with most experiencing results within three to four months, but many can see longer-term benefits lasting up to six months, or less than three months. Clients who undergo frequent Botox treatments to maintain their results may see it last the full six months. Your injection specialist will have a better idea of how long your results will last after your second Botox treatment, as most clients find the first treatment wears off faster than the subsequent treatments.

Botox can be started at any age, but it is recommended to wait till you are at least 18 years of age and have begun to see signs of aging. Most medical experts recommend that clients wait till they are in their mid-twenties to early thirties to begin this treatment and use it as a preventative treatment, since the muscle movement is restricted by Botox wrinkles will not form as quickly or deeply as they would without receiving Botox. Since some wrinkles are genetic, you can determine if you should have Botox treatment by looking at your older relatives, and if you begin to develop these similar lines, then it is worth beginning a Botox treatment to reduce the chance of yours becoming as noticeable as your relatives long-term.

This will be based on the age you are when you get your Botox treatment, since those in their twenties to their thirties may not have as noticeable results as those who are slightly older and have had more signs of aging. Through your 10 to 20-minute appointment, most clients find that their appearance decreases by 10 years; however, those who start the treatment earlier as a preventative measure will age more slowly and may have less noticeable results as they continue their treatments while they age. However, those who started the treatment in their twenties will notice that the aging process does not happen as quickly as it does in their friends of the same age, and they will still look much younger than those who wait to start their Botox treatments.

If you are interested in having Botox done, Dr. Pantea Nikaeen at Golden Health and Beauty Center is here to answer your questions or book you in for a consultation appointment to see what Botox can do for your appearance. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 16661 Ventura Blvd #700, Encino, CA 91436. We serve patients from Encino CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Studio City CA, Woodland Hills CA, Calabasas CA, West Hollywood CA, and San Fernando CA.