Botox or Fillers: Which is Right for You?

Injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are a popular way to meet your cosmetic goals without downtime. These minimally-invasive treatments reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a refreshed, youthful look. To make the most of your treatments, it is important to understand how each formula works and exactly where they are most effective.

Explaining Wrinkles
There are two basic types of wrinkles that develop as part of the aging process. Dynamic wrinkles are formed when you make certain facial expressions, like squinting or frowning. These types of wrinkles usually appear in the upper portion of the face, on the forehead, between the eyebrows and in the outer corners of the eyes.

Static wrinkles typically appear on the lower portion of the face, around the nose, mouth and chin. They tend to always be present, although they may get more pronounced when you smile or laugh. Static wrinkles are caused by a loss of collagen, a substance produced by the body that supports the underlying skin structure and gives skin its smooth, supple texture. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to skin laxity and the appearance of these types of wrinkles.

Botox: The Wrinkle Relaxer
Botox is a neuromodulator or wrinkle “relaxer.” This medication works by relaxing the facial muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles. Because it primarily targets dynamic wrinkles, it works best on lines etched in the forehead or around the eyes. Botox is a temporary treatment and you will need to repeat injections every 3-4 months to maintain your results.

Fillers: Support from the Inside Out
Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse, Belotero and Sculptra address the loss of collagen underneath the skin’s surface. These injectables provide added support to the underlying structure of the skin, smoothing away wrinkles from the inside out. The formulations differ somewhat, which allows us to tailor your treatment to your specific concerns. These treatments work well on creases that appear between the nose and mouth, lines that extend from the mouth to the chin and small wrinkles that often appear in the corners of the mouth.

The best treatment for you will depend on the specific area of the face you want to treat and the depth of the crease. At New Visage, we will help you choose the best injectable treatments for your unique needs and desired outcome. In some cases, a combination of injectable formulas may be used to give you the best possible results. To learn more about your choices in injectable treatments, contact New Visage at 252-808-2NEW.