BOTOX vs FILLERS: Everything You Need To Know
We get asked this ALL THE TIME!
The majority of people think that too much Botox created the infamous 'Cat Lady,' and they want to stay clear of that particular look. Below we are going to discuss the difference between Botox and Dermal Fillers, what they are used for, and debunking 6 common myths that our clients have about them both.
BOTOX VS. FILLER
BOTOX - falls under the umbrella of neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport etc.). Neuromodulators are commonly used to temporarily "freeze" muscles to reduce or eliminate lines created by dynamic facial movements. It is used both cosmetically and therapeutically.
FILLERS - are dermal fillers (commonly known as Juvederm, Revanesse, etc.) and are a hyaluronic acid gel that is both biocompatible and biodegradable. Fillers are commonly used to address volume loss, facial asymmetry, and to enhance contours for a more defined face shape.
DEBUNKING BOTOX AND FILLER MYTHS
#1 - Botox will make your face look unnatural and puffy
Fillers if done improperly can lead to that puffy and unnatural look in the lips, cheeks, eyes, and chin area. Botox and other neuromodulators DO NOT add volume, instead they temporarily immobilize facial muscles. They DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT change the shape or structure of your face.
#2 - Botox is toxic and harmful
Another circulating myth is that Botox is a harmful form of Botulism and therefore dangerous. While it is true that Botox is derived from a purified protein of this toxin, it is completely safe for its designed use. To put it simply, Botox is Health Canada and FDA approved, and these health authorities only approve cosmetic treatments that are thoroughly researched, clinically trialed, and proven to be safe.
#3 - Botox ONLY works for wrinkles
Botox has many cosmetic and therapeutic uses. It is most commonly used to smooth out lines and wrinkles, but it can also be used to treat migraines, neck and back pain, facial twitches, jaw joint pain, excessive sweating and even depression. It's damn near magical!
#4 - Botox makes you lose ALL facial expressions
Botox ONLY immobilizes muscles at the point of injection. This means that it will not effect your facial movement or expressions anywhere other than where it is placed. Provided that it is administered by a skilled physician or nurse who knows exactly where to inject the substance, clients will still maintain an entire range of facial expressions, only with fewer lines!
#5 - If you get Botox or Dermal Fillers, you will have to keep on getting them FOREVER
False. Many of our clients have the concern that once they start Botox or Dermal Filler treatments, their skin will look worse than before and that they won't be able to stop. This is just not true. Your skin will not sag and wrinkle anymore than it did before you received your treatment. When the effects of Botox or fillers wear off, your skin will look exactly the same as it did before the treatment and no worse. BUT, most of our clients are so happy with the results of their treatment that they choose to continue getting Botox and Dermal Fillers to retain their youthful and refreshed look.
#6 - Botox and Dermal Fillers are extremely painful
Our first time clients always ask us how much each of these treatments will hurt. A reasonable question before any medical procedure and one they should ask. We always inform our clients that there will be some amount of discomfort with any cosmetic injection, BUT it is not extreme pain. Botox feels a lot like a small pinch and some clients have compared it to a mosquito bite. Dermal Fillers are more uncomfortable, but we use a numbing agent on the treatment area to help reduce pain. Clients have compared this treatment to a vaccination and a small cramping sensation. ALL of our clients have found these treatments bearable and come back for more, so it can't be that bad right?!?! LOL
We hope this post helped you with understanding what Botox and Dermal Fillers are and what they can be used for. We ALWAYS enjoy demystifying any common misconceptions about these treatments and encourage you to reach out and ask us any questions you may have about cosmetic or therapeutic injections at Rise Medical Aesthetics.