Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments used to treat wrinkles. Both botox and dermal fillers are minimally invasive procedures and give long-lasting results. Although the two are commonly used together, they actually work differently and are used on different lines. So, if you were thinking about treating yourself with a beautiful, youthful look, check out how Botox treatment work in Singapore, their side effects, and their costs.
How Do Botox and Dermal Fillers Work?
Injectable cosmetic treatments are among the most sought after around the globe. Although Botox still holds the first place, dermal fillers are also high in demand. But what is the difference between them?
What Is Botox? How Does It Work?
Botox is one of the brand names for a purified form of botulinum toxin. This toxin comes from a kind of bacteria, and, in small amounts, it can serve as a muscle relaxer. Other brands you can find are Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. However, Botox is the best known. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 7.7 million people received Botox treatments in 2019.
For cosmetic purposes, Botox is mainly used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are lines of expression, such as crow’s feet, the 11 between brows, lines around the lips, bunny lines on the nose, or forehead wrinkles. These wrinkles become more pronounced with age.
Botox injections relax the muscles near dynamic wrinkles. After some time without movement, targeted wrinkles on the face can soften or even disappear.
However, botox will not work on lines caused by collagen breakdown, called static wrinkles. If you want to treat static wrinkles or plump up your lips or cheeks, that’s where dermal fillers come in.
What Are Dermal Fillers? How Do They Work?
Dermal filler is a substance injected under the skin, used to fill lines and treat different signs of aging. There are various types of fillers, the most common ones being hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, or calcium fillers such as Radiesse. American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that 2.7 million people received dermal filler treatments in 2019.
With dermal fillers, you can
- plump up thinning lips
- add volume to the shallow areas on the face
- decrease or even remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
- reduce the appearance of scars
- fill in static wrinkles, especially on the lower face
Efficacy of Botox and Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers and Botox both have long-lasting but not permanent results. Repeated treatments are necessary with both of these treatments if you want to maintain the results.
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOS) notes that Botox gives good results for most people. You’ll probably start noticing its effects a week after the injection, depending on your reaction to the toxin. The results should last around 3–4 months, sometimes even up to 6 months.
When it comes to dermal fillers, the time they take to work and how long the effects last can vary. Effects generally last longer than those from Botox — between 6 months and two years.
Side Effects
Just as all other procedures, Botox and dermal fillers can both come with side effects. However, if you have a board-certified doctor, the odds of experiencing side effects will be low.
Side Effects of Botox Use
The most common problems include:
- bruises at the area of injection
- drooping eyelids — this can take several weeks to go away
- eye redness and irritation
- headaches
The treatment can also fail in less than 1 percent of people. However, this mostly happens to people who get regular Botox treatments. If you want to avoid possible side effects, ASPS shares a bit of advice: don’t massage or rub the area of the injection. Doing this can cause the toxin to spread to surrounding tissue and affect other muscles, causing drooping.
Side Effects of Using Dermal Fillers
Possible side effects include:
- allergic reaction
- bruising
- infection
- itching
- numbness
- redness
- scarring
- sores
To reduce the risk of side effects, you can do allergy testing beforehand. AAOS recommends Botox and dermal filling only to people who are in good health.
Botox and Dermal Fillers Cost
When it comes to the cost of the treatments, Botox seems like a more affordable option. Of course, it all depends on your geographical location and skin area that is being treated. Anyway, the average price for a Botox session is around 500$. However, you’ll need to pay it more often as effects wear out sooner than those of dermal fillers.
The cost of dermal fillers depends on the type of substance and how much filler needs to be used. The price range goes from 650$ to 2000$.
Conclusion
Botox and dermal fillers are safe cosmetic treatments that help you smooth out wrinkles and signs of aging. However, it would be best to choose Botox to treat dynamic wrinkles and dermal fillers for your static wrinkles. Both treatments show great but not permanent results. Dermal fillers might have longer-lasting results but also carry more side effects than Botox.
All in all, Botox and dermal fillers are an excellent way to achieve that fresh, youthful look. Still, before you decide, consult with your dermatologist to get the best possible results.
