Dermal fillers and botox are both cosmetic treatments that are injected into the skin and is offered here at IV League Injections. Registered Nurse Injector, Vicki Nguyen is extensively trained in both of these procedures, which are minimally invasive and require little to no down-time.

Fillers vs. Botox

A purified toxin is used in Botox to freeze muscles. As a result, Botox can help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions or over-contracted muscles. Botox can also be used to reduce the size from contraction of masseter muscle, resulting in overall facial slimming in the lower cheek.

Dermal Fillers add volume or fullness to thinned or hallowed areas of the face due to aging and asymmetry. There is a tendency for tear trough, cheeks, lips, and around the mouth to thin. Dermal fillers can add shape and fullness to any of these areas. Bony structures of the face such as the temples, nose, cheeks, chin and jawline can also benefit from fillers if it is lacking projection. For example, fillers can be used to build a higher nose bridge or higher cheek bones. Whether it be convex or concave, dermal fillers can sculpt the face for a more youthful appearance.

What are dermal fillers?

Often called soft tissue fillers, dermal fillers are substances injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume.

Dermal fillers contain substances such as

Hyaluronic acid, a substance which is found in some body fluids and tissues which can carry 1000x water molecules enhancing hydration.
A mineral-like compound found in bones is calcium hydroxylapatite such as Radiesse
Platelet-rich plasma which is a natural alternative where this plasma is extracted from your own body converted into biofiller and is used as a dermal filler which also improves skin texture

These treatments are all designed to treat different signs of aging or cosmetic issues.

It also varies how long they work and how long they last. Depending on the filler, it can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. Filler can take building time as well and require maintenance.

What can dermal fillers do for the face?

In order to treat different signs of aging, different types of dermal fillers are available. According to the filler selected, they may:

Make thinning lips look fuller
Enhance or fill in shallow facial areas
Reduce or remove the shadow or wrinkle caused by the lower eyelids under the eyes
The appearance of recessed scars can be softened or filled in
Especially on the lower face, fill in or soften static wrinkles
Create new contours of the face such as the chin, jaw, cheeks, and temples
Rejuvenate the mid-face or lower face

In addition to wrinkles around the mouth and along the cheeks, static wrinkles are also found in the skin. Skin loses its elasticity and collagen when it develops wrinkles.

What is botox?

Botox is the commercial name for neuromodulators and these substances disrupt the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. This is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis and helps the muscles to become less stiff.

The primary use of Botox is reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines.

The effects of botox are temporary, lasting 4-6 months, depending on the type of treatment, and should be re-done to retain results. The good news is that less botox is usually required at your top-up appointments than your initial first appointment.

There are also medical uses for botox such as reducing underarm sweating or sweaty palms, also known as hyperhidrosis. It is also used to prevent migraines in people who suffer from severe repetitive migraines.

What can botox do for the face and body?

Smooth your forehead wrinkles, crows feet around the eyes, glabellar lines in between the eyebrows, frown lines, bunny lines across the nose bridge
Lift your top lips so it appears plumper
Provide a brow lift
Reduce a gummy smile
Reduce neck lines and platysma bands
Prevent migraines in people who suffer from severe repetitive migraines
Reducing underarm sweating or sweaty palms (hyperhidrosis)

Conclusion

It is sometimes possible to combine Botox and fillers in one treatment since they are different substances designed for different purposes. For example, Botox may be used to correct lines between the eyes and a filler may be used to correct smile lines. Botox and filler can also complement each other, botox for example can preserve the longevity of lip fillers.

Botox and fillers are performed in millions of procedures each year with a good safety record. Almost all side effects were minor, and less than 1 percent of recipients experienced them. It is important to note, however, that Botox and fillers are still minimally invasive procedures. The risks and benefits of these treatments should be explained to the patient before undergoing them.

In pregnant or breastfeeding women, Botox and fillers should not be used. Botox and fillers may not be safe for people with certain health conditions or taking medications.

It is also important to discuss what Botox and fillers can accomplish for a person's appearance. Although they can enhance a youthful appearance, they are not as powerful as surgical procedures like facelifts.

It is important to use a qualified medical provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or registered nurse injector, to ensure that the procedure is done safely and correctly. Choosing a dermal filler or Botox provider should be based on the provider's experience and training.

For a free consultation on Botox or Dermal Fillers in Vancouver, Contact us

What's the difference between fillers and botox?