While filler injection is commonly used to address concerns related to the lips, Botox is necessary to treat more complex issues such as vertical lips lines that result from movement as opposed to simple volume loss.
lip filler or botox ( wrinkle injection ) ?!!!
Table of Contents
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria. Though it is deadly in larger amounts, the tiny, regulated amount of Botox given to correct wrinkles has been used safely for decades.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.
Botox and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are sometimes called neuromodulators or neurotoxins.
What can Botox correct?
Botox only works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic wrinkles, and are often called “expression lines.”
The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions.
Botox will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles include lines in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas.
Botox is not a permanent treatment. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.
What are filler?
Dermal filler, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.
Substances used in dermal fillers include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite , which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.
- Hyaluronic acid, which is found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the
- skin Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
- Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler.
- Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.
The time they take to work, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer.
People should discuss their individual needs and expectations with their doctor to determine what filler would be the best choice for them.
What can dermal fillers correct?
Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat varying signs of aging. Depending on the filler selected, they may:
- plump up thinning lips
- enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
- decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
- fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
- fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face
Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.
Lip filler vs Botox
Putting these two treatments side by side will help you to understand the differences and the similarities between the two, to help you choose which is right for you. Here’s what you need to know:
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Administration: Both treatments involve multiple injections in the lip area. HA fillers are injected into the lips themselves, and then massaged for even distribution. Botox is injected around the mouth to reshape the lips. Both treatments use a numbing cream so that the procedure is not painful.
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Composition: Lip fillers use hyaluronic acid to plump up the lips. Botox is a toxin which relaxes the muscles around the lips.
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Results: The results of lip fillers are apparent right away. Botox, on the other hand, takes around five to seven days to start working, and two weeks to see the finished result. Results can be similar, although Botox does not add volume to the lips. HA lip fillers actually fill out the area, whereas Botox simply reshapes what is already there.
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Longevity: Botox lasts from three to six months, depending on the area treated. Lip fillers usually require a top up after four to six months.
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Side effects: Both treatments can leave bruising, swelling and redness immediately following treatment, but this usually subsides within a day or two. Botox has been known to cause headaches and flu like symptoms in a few rare cases.
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Other risks: HA is known to cause allergic reactions in just 1 – 3% of people. In the rare event that a reaction does occur, it’s usually limited to itchiness, redness and swelling. Botox tends not to cause allergic reactions, although occasionally contaminated product or mistakes when injecting can cause complications.
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Reversal: Lip fillers using HA can be reversed through an injection of an enzyme which breaks down the HA within a few minutes. Reversal of Botox is impossible.
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Cost: The cost of both treatments will depend on the number and type of injections you want to have. The best way to find out the cost for yourself is to book a free consultation with an expert at Serenity.
Contact Serenity Beauty Clinic for advice and more information about Botox and lip fillers.
