If you’re new to medical spa treatments, you may be wondering what the difference is between Botox (or Dysport) and dermal filler. The short answer is that Botox works to smooth wrinkles and filler works to restore lost volume and enhance facial features.
What is Botox/Dysport?
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the facial muscles for wrinkle reduction. When the underlying muscle relaxes, the overlaying skin becomes smoother, and you have less wrinkles. Dysport is a different brand of neurotoxin, and patients often report that results are seen sooner and last a bit longer.
Results from Botox or Dysport can take up to 14 days to fully set in, and results can last about 3-4 months, although this is unique to each person.
Common treatment areas:
- Forehead
- Crows feet
- Glabella (between the brows)
Lesser known treatment areas:
- Gummy smile
- Bunny lines
- Chin dimples
- Neck laxity or neck lines
- Jaw slimming
- TMJ issues
What is dermal filler?
Dermal fillers are injectables that replace lost volume. Most are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in your body. It is a basic element in connective skin tissue, in spinal fluid, in the eyes, and in joints. HA has the ability to draw and hold water and it helps to nourish and moisturize the skin.
There are many types of HA dermal fillers being used in the US, and they all have different molecular makeups that range from very small molecules (a very delicate filler) to larger molecules (a stronger filler that is better for providing structure and volume). Common fillers are Restylane and Juvederm. Results are immediate, and should last 6 months to a year, depending on which filler is used, what area is treated, and your own metabolism.
Treatment areas:
- Lips and perioral lines
- Under eyes
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Neck lines
Sculptra
There are a few other fillers that are not HA’s and they all have their own unique properties. One of our favorites is Sculptra, which is a biostimulator and works by stimulating your own collagen over time. Results with Sculptra are not immediate, but rather gradual and natural, as it takes time for collagen to regrow. Another benefit of Sculptra is the “Sculptra glow” which develops with the replenished collagen, giving your skin a luminous quality. Results from Sculptra can last up to 2 years.
Radiesse
Radiesse is another non-HA filler and it’s great for providing structure in areas like the jawline, hands, and cheeks. It can also be used in a hyper-dilution for treating crepey skin on most body areas. Radiesse has the added benefit of giving instant results like an HA filler but also stimulates your own collagen over time.
