Botox vs. Fillers — how are the two used?

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are usually consisted of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is naturally occurring in our body and as we age, the amount of HA decreases. Moreover, our skin loses ability to produce collagen and elastin. Hence, our skin looses its youthful appearances and becomes dryer and thinner. Dermal fillers are used to lift and smooth our skin, and to stimulate and encourage production of collagen and elastin. There are different types of dermal fillers, but all of them serve the same purpose of lifting and smoothing wrinkles, folds, add volume and bring back that youthful appearance.

Dermal fillers are injected using syringe and needle. The results are seen immediately. Side effects such as swelling may last up to two weeks. Different dermal fillers have different lasting time. We offer a wide range of dermal fillers that meet requirements of wide range of our patients. Some want more temporarily and more affordable solution while others seek for a more permanent solution, regardless of its price. Some prefer their fillers to be absorbable while others dare to make the decision to go with a non-absorbable filler. Different fillers are used to treat different conditions. Some work miracles with wrinkles and fine lines, while others are used to obtain face symmetry, fill in scars, or get a plumber and more defined lips. The usage of dermal fillers is getting more and more diverse. Some of the fillers that we offer at Ethos Spa are Juvederm, Bellafill, Volbella, and Sculptra.

Botox

Botox injections are one of the most famous and used treatments nowadays. It is a group of medications based on botulinum toxin that is used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. Botox is used for a variety of different conditions, starting from wrinkles to cervical dystonia, excessive sweating, lazy eye, and much more. In some cases, it is used to treat migraines. Not always, but in majority cases, doctors use numbing methods including topical numbing creams, ice, and/or vibration. The numbing methods are used to ease discomfort associated with the Botox injection. The doctor may mark areas that s/he will be working on. Botulinum toxin is injected into the skin with a thin needle. The amount of botulinum toxin used varies and depends on one’s personal condition and area that has being treated.

It is important not to exercise and not to rub and massage the area. Try to keep area intact as long as possible so the Botox injected does not migrate to the different area. Botox injections are considered as safe procedures, especially if they are performed by an experienced physician. Still, there are possible side effects that every candidate needs to be aware of and those include swelling, bruising, headache, droopy eyelid, crooked smile, tearing or dry eyes. Some more serious side effects have been experienced by a number of patients and those include muscle weakness, sight problems, difficulty swallowing, speaking and breathing, as well as loss of bladder control. The results are usually visible within a few days after the treatment. It all depends on everyone’s individual case. The results can last three months or longer.