Neurotoxin VS Dermal Filler
What’s the difference?
DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers work to plump up the area of skin suffering from volume loss. They work by filling in static lines or hollowness that are present at all times, even when facial muscles are unused. Dermal fillers are a gel-like material consisting of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. The intention of dermal fillers is to provide a youthful look while compensating for areas of your face suffering from volume loss. One of the biggest benefits of a dermal filler is that the injection process will only take approximately 45 minutes, depending on which filler you choose and which area it is injected into. FDA approved fillers involve minimal risk to the patient and post-procedure downtime can be considered little to none. The best part? You should see the results immediately after the injection! They may be used to treat a variety of concerns, such as:
- Adding volume to your lips
- Filling in hollow areas of your face
- Removing or decreasing under eye shadows and/or bags
- Lifting and voluminizing
- Adding structure and shape
- Soften scars
- Add volume to your face in an effort to fill in wrinkles and fine lines
NEUROTOXINS
Neurotoxins, like Dysport, are injected into the skin in order to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines to form. While Botox is the most commonly known neurotoxin other commercial products, like Botox and Xeomin, are popular as well. The results from a neurotoxin injection generally last 3 to 4 months. They are considered a “lunch time” procedure, meaning that they can be administered in 15-30 minutes. They may be used to treat a variety of medical issues, such as:
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Relaxing muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- Lazy eye
- Muscle contractures
- Chronic migraines
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Neurotoxins freeze the muscles that cause wrinkles and other lines to form on the face. These muscles are involved in forming facial expressions. When these muscles are frozen, they are not used, resulting in the relaxation of expression lines in the surrounding areas. This is different than the static lines or hollowness that dermal fillers help. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to plump up areas that have suffered from a loss of volume and fullness. When these areas are filled up, a smooth look is restored.
Neurotoxins are typically injected into the upper half of the face, with a few exceptions. Around the eyes and the forehead are popular areas for injection. This is because these areas consist heavily of muscles that work to create facial expressions. Dermal fillers are injected into both the upper and lower half of the face. Around the mouth, lips, cheeks, and eyes are areas that typically suffer from volume loss as you get older.
The results of a neurotoxin injection will last approximately 3 to 4 months. On the other hand, you can expect the results of a dermal filler to last around 12 to 14 months. Both time frames will vary depending on the type of filler or neurotoxin used.
Both products are fantastic for different reasons and almost always work beautifully when combined for optimal results!
