Botox and dermal filler are beauty treatments that are given through injection. They both include treatments that do not involve surgery. However, these two procedures are very different. Know the difference between filler and Botox injection by Nexus beforehand and consult your doctor so you do not choose the wrong procedure.
Botox injection is a skin treatment that reduces wrinkles. Usually, wrinkles occur as a result of everyday facial expressions, from smiling, cringing, to crying.
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals in the muscles and making them more relaxed. Thus, the skin surface becomes smoother and firmer.
While fillers or commonly referred to as dermal fillers aim to fill soft tissue beneath the surface of the skin to increase volume on certain areas of the face. It is usually used to increase volume on the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth which is thinning as a result of aging.
Botox uses protein from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum to be injected into the skin.
Dermal filler is a synthetic material injected into the dermis layer to provide support in that layer. The use of this material is widespread in the field of cosmetics as it involves less invasive procedures.
It can be divided into two types:
Short-term type
The most commonly used agent is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has a fine particle size and depending on the composition provided, it can be used for injection in the upper or lower layers of the dermis. This agent will remain in the dermal layer for 9 to 12 months. the injection should then be repeated for the desired effect. This hyaluronic effect can also be treated with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that can dissolve the acid in the event of a side effect.
Permanent type
Examples of permanent types of agents include “calcium hydroxyapatite”, “polymethylmethacrylate” and silicone. These agents, when injected into the dermis layer, will last forever.
This type of agent will not self-destruct and no drug can break it. In the event of complications, the procedure to remove them is also difficult as it will attach to the dermis layer.
Dermal filler is used in cosmetics as an anti-aging agent by reducing fine lines, tightening sagging tissues and increasing tissue volume such as cheeks, lips, nose and so on.
Botox injections usually last for 3 to 4 months after treatment. So you need repeated injections to maintain the results.
The effect of filler depends on the material used as mentioned above. However, they usually have longer results than botox. The timeframe is around 4 months to 2 years. However, just like botox you still need advanced care to maintain the results you want.
Side effects of botox include:
- Bruises in the area around the injection
- Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis), usually takes several weeks to treat
- Red eyes and irritation
- Headache
Some of the side effects of the filler include:
- Allergic reactions
- Bruises
- Infection
- Itchy skin and redness
- Skin is numb
- Growing of scar tissue at the injection site
Before choosing between fillers or botox, you should first consult a certified doctor or beauty specialist. Your doctor will help you determine which facial treatment is best for your needs. Of course with as few side effects as possible.
