Let’s face it: life takes a toll on our faces. Laughing, frowning, and the aging process cause wrinkles and fine lines. Many of us want a youthful, rejuvenated look but aren’t ready for the expense and recovery time of plastic surgery. Botox injections and dermal fillers are two of the best non-invasive options for a facial refresh. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for me?
How Can I Achieve a Youthful Look Without Surgery?
Both Botox and fillers are injectable and provide a less expensive, less invasive alternative to a facelift. They both offer a natural look with minimal downtime. You don’t need to see a plastic surgeon for injectables, but they should be administered by a medical provider. Medical spas and holistic primary care practices are ideal for Botox and fillers.
How Does Botox Help Me Look Younger?
Botox uses the FDA-approved botulinum toxin to eliminate wrinkles by relaxing muscles in the face. It’s especially effective on wrinkles caused by facial movements like squinting and frowning. Botox is best for wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), frown lines between the eyebrows, and forehead lines. Botox injections usually last around three months. They’re quick and inexpensive and ideal for small wrinkles and fine lines. You will need a refresh every few months, but treatment only takes around 15 minutes, so it’s easy to schedule an in-and-out appointment.
How Do Fillers Help Me Look Younger?
As your body ages, the natural hyaluronic acid that gives your face its firm, youthful look decreases. Most injectable fillers use hyaluronic acid to smooth out wrinkles, restore firmness and volume to facial tissue. Some widely used dermal fillers include Restylane, Juvederm, Bellotero, and Bellafill. They’re ideal for those deeper age-related wrinkles we often notice in the middle and lower parts of our faces. Fillers work well on frown lines around the mouth and those pesky wrinkles between the nose and lip. Dermal fillers can also plump your lips and cheeks and gently reshape your jawline, giving nature a boost without surgery. Fillers are pricier than Botox but longer-lasting, often going strong for 8 to 12 months.
Is There Downtime with Botox or Fillers?
Unlike surgery, there’s virtually no downtime with these minimally invasive injections. Most patients feel little or no discomfort during the procedure. We may use a local anesthetic for filler injections, but many patients are completely fine with Botox injections with no anesthetic. Some patients experience minor swelling after filler injections, but it’s gone after a day or two. Most patients see immediate results after filler injection, while Botox may take up to 10 days to activate.
Should I Choose Botox or Fillers for a Fresh Look?
Which injectable is right for you? Talk with your provider about your aesthetic goals. Using both Botox and fillers creates a youthful, rejuvenated look without surgery. Using Botox around the eyes and forehead and dermal fillers around the cheeks and jaw can be a winning combination. Botox and fillers can help avoid plastic surgery, but you still want a qualified medical provider to administer your injectables. At Cavery Health Clinic, our med-spa providers understand that looking good can help us feel our best. As part of our commitment to holistic wellness, Cavery Health Clinic’s med-spa offers a range of aesthetic services, including Botox injections and dermal fillers. Come see us and let’s talk about your goals and we’ll recommend the best path forward. Our focus is on supporting your well-being and confidence with natural-looking, non-invasive anti-aging procedures.