BOTOX® and Fillers – What’s the Difference?

BOTOX® and fillers and injectables, oh my! If you’ve ever Googled how you can reduce frown lines or achieve fuller lips, chances are you’ve come across these terms. If you’ve ever been confused, you’re not alone. While all BOTOX® and fillers are considered injectables, not all injectables are BOTOX® and fillers. Still confused? Don’t worry, today we’re going to break down the difference between BOTOX® and fillers and set the record straight on injectables!

BOTOX® vs. Dermal Fillers

Understanding Injectables in BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers

An injectable is basically a catchall term for anything that can be injected into the skin by a professional to achieve an aesthetic goal. The American Society of Dermatological Surgery defines injectables as being “used to relax facial wrinkles and folds (such as “smile lines”), contour the body (such as reducing the appearance of a “double chin”) and improve the signs of facial fat loss by creating structure, framework and volume to the face and lips. There are different types of injectable procedures that improve various areas of concern.”

BOTOX® and fillers are two of the most popular and widely used categories of injectables on the market. They have very different uses which we’ll cover today. 

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is an injectable drug used to gently and temporarily relax muscles, improving the look of wrinkles or helping to prevent them from developing. (It can also be used to help you stop grinding your teeth!) It’s made of botulinum toxin type A, which when artfully injected by highly-trained professionals, relaxes overactive muscles in the face. This prevents those muscles from being able to contract. BOTOX® does not numb the face.

According to the BOTOX® website, “It’s the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults.” 

With BOTOX® you may be able to see results in as little as 48 hours, with full results in 14 days. You can also return to your day-to-day life immediately after treatment.

The team at Dermacare of Hampton Roads has over 40 years of experience injecting BOTOX®. If you’re considering BOTOX® treatment, schedule a free consultation with one of our staff members! 

What are fillers?

When we say fillers, we mean dermal fillers. Dermal fillers address volume deficiency, an issue that BOTOX® can’t help with. Fillers lift and smooth wrinkles and lines by adding volume back to the face for a fresher, younger look. They can even be used to augment the lips. 

Here at Dermacare of Hampton Roads, we use the Allergan family of fillers, each product of which differs in its lifting capacity, solubility, and cohesiveness. Allergan’s dermal fillers are all hyaluronic acid (HA) based. Since our skin produces HA naturally, the potential for allergic reaction with one of these fillers is low.

We offer all 5 of Allergan’s Dermal fillers:

Juvederm Ultra

• Used commonly around the mouth, lips, smile lines, and for lip augmentation
• Expect some swelling after treatment
• Lasts between 6 months to 1 year

Juvederm Ultra Plus

• Used for more moderate to severe lines and folds
• Expect some swelling after treatment
• Lasts around 1 year for most patients

Vollure

• Moderate/Severe Lines and Folds
• Commonly used for smile lines, marionette lines, and volume loss in cheek hollows (Vollure can also give very soft, full lips!)
• Some swelling, but less than Juvederm
• Lasts up to 18 months

Volbella

• Used for soft, natural-looking lip augmentation
• Expect some swelling, usually less than Ultra or Ultra Plus
• Lasts up to 1 year

Voluma

• Used for upper cheek, chin, and jawline contouring and augmentation
• Expect some swelling after treatment
• Lasts up to 2 years

BOTOX® vs Dermal Fillers, What’s Right For Me?

To determine which filler is right for your goals, your Dermacare of Hampton Roads Expert Injector will look at what area(s) of the face you’re looking to treat, listen to your personal preferences and concerns, and then determine which is best for you. Rest assured that during your consultation our Dermacare of Hampton Roads Experts will cover everything you need to know and answer any questions you may have about your skincare treatment. 

And while there aren’t many limitations to the use of BOTOX® or fillers, there are a few important ones we’d like for you to know:

1. We will not inject filler or BOTOX® if you have an active skin infection, acne breakout, or a rash over or near the treatment site.
2. Fillers cannot be injected if you are sick or if you have received or plan to receive any vaccination two weeks before or two weeks after your treatment.
3. If you have an underlying inflammatory disorder, please notify your Dermacare of Hampton Roads injector. More caution related to post-treatment swelling will need to be taken when using filler.

Dermacare of Hampton Roads is your trusted Virginia Beach BOTOX® Clinic, If you have any questions about which is right for you, book a consultation with one of our experts who have a combined 40 years of experience with injectables 757-547-7546 .