Botox vs Dermal Fillers? Ask DR. RICHARD GALITZ, MD, FACS
Breaking Down Botox
If you’re looking for non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatments that you can easily squeeze into your busy schedule or lunch break, you might want to look into getting Botox or Dermal fillers.
For starters, Botox injections are the most popular non-surgical procedure that are typically used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, while enhancing and lifting facial features or treating areas like upper face and forehead. The injections are inserted into the skin to relax and soften the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles.
Botox is made from a safe neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin, which works to send a signal to the nerves. The toxin sends a signal and acts as a barrier to paralyze or stop specific muscles from moving to create wrinkles or cause the formation of new wrinkles. (Think of it as a traffic controller that stops and freezes cars from moving past a red stop sign.)
For Botox, you’ll have to revisit a laser clinic or facility that administers these injections in a few months or so. The procedure is not permanent, and you may need to schedule regular sessions with Botox to get the results you want.
You may think Botox is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, non-surgical aesthetics.
Actually, it turns out that Botox is also beneficial for treating a variety of conditions and persistent problems such as migraines, muscular disorders, excessive sweating and body odor, arthritis pain, crossed eyes, overactive bladders, among others.
For patients who are going through Botox for the first time, it is recommended to avoid taking products with aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E to prevent the possibility of bruising post-treatment. The treatment also consists of a gel applied to the desired area prior, followed by a series of injections.
You will need to follow the proper pre- and post-treatment rules given to you by a licensed physician who administered the Botox. You should understand that with any procedure, there is always a risk for serious and life-threatening side effects, so make sure you are being seen by a licensed provider, facility, and experienced physician. You should also make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients listed in Botox.
Facial Fullness with Dermal Fillers
If you are looking to plump thin lips, wrinkles; or target imperfections and premature aging, then dermal fillers might be the right choice for you.
Like Botox treatments, Dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers, are affordable, temporary treatments that provide the feeling of volume and “fullness” on the face while creating a natural look using hyaluronic acid.
Dermal fillers differ from Botox treatments in that fillers work to smooth out the area rather than “freezing” wrinkles. If you’re looking to plump the skin and add some more volume to thin, lifeless skin, then Dermal fillers might work best for natural, subtle rejuvenation rather than a drastic change.
According to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some of the popular types of dermal fillers include the following:
- Radiesse
- Juvederm Ultra
- Sculptra
- Perlane
- Restylane
- Belotero
- PRP
- Artefill
Richard Galitz, MD, FACS currently carries and administers some of the most popular and top of the line dermal fillers mentioned from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, and more.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Galitz can effectively administer and perform these non-invasive, injectable treatments at Aventura in just about ten minutes. The treatment involves administering a topical anesthetic followed by injecting the filler into the area. Some of the ingredients used in dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid which signals the skin to produce more collagen.
With any cosmetic procedure, it is important to do your research and figure out if Dermal fillers can be beneficial for you. Although dermal fillers are safe, side effects such as skin rash, skin damage, bruising, or vision problems may occur.
Consult your physician before booking a treatment. Dermal fillers, like Botox, is a temporary cosmetic procedure that may need several sessions for the desired look. While not long-lasting, it is a great temporary procedure for those who are constantly on the go and don’t have time or are concerned about surgical methods. It’s also a great option for prospective patients who would like to test out a cosmetic procedure before they feel comfortable about a surgery option.
In conclusion, Botox and Dermal fillers each have their pros and cons. Pick the procedure that you feel most comfortable with after doing research, speaking to your physician and consulting your family and friends. If you are concerned about wrinkles, Botox might be an option. Or, if you are looking to restore that youthful radiance and fullness of your face with a little plumping action, Dermal fillers might just provide the confidence you need for a smoother, more refined look.
Book your consultation with Richard Galitz, MD, FACS now at Aventura Plastic Surgery to see which option is best for you.