Botox and fillers are among the most preferred applications worldwide. However, contrary to popular belief, Botox and fillers are not alternatives to each other. So, what is the difference between Botox and fillers, which are often applied together to achieve effective results? Dr. Lida Çiteli has compiled the answers to frequently asked questions about Botox and fillers for you.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Volume-adding substances are called "**dermal fillers**." They are mostly recommended for facial areas with volume loss and for wrinkles that begin to deepen, typically with advancing age.
What is Botox?
**Botox** is a medication that reduces or stops muscle movements to minimize wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
What Does Botox Do?
Botox blocks nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When nerve signals are cut off, the muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. This softens, reduces, or eliminates some wrinkles.
It can also be injected into lines that appear due to aging to relax muscle tension, thereby relaxing lines and wrinkles.
Botox can also be used to relax neck muscles or muscles that pull the face downwards. Additionally, it can be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by blocking sweat glands.
The effect of Botox begins within 3 days and fully settles in 15 days. It is permanent for 4-6 months, depending on the individual.
What Do Dermal Fillers Do?
Factors such as aging, facial expressions, and sun exposure lead to a decrease in the amount of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. The reduction of these substances, which give the skin a youthful appearance, causes sagging, lines, and wrinkles. **Hyaluronic acid-based fillers** add volume to the skin and alleviate these complaints.
The effect of fillers generally lasts for 12-18 months.
Differences Between Dermal Fillers and Botox
- Fillers are a gel, while Botox is in powder form.
- Botox is used after being diluted.
- Fillers provide volume, whereas Botox does not.
- Botox is effective at the nerve-to-muscle connection level and relaxes muscles.
- Fillers work by attracting water to the injected area and provide volume.
- Fillers are injected into intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and sub-muscular planes, while Botox is injected only into muscle tissue.
- Fillers can be used in almost any area of the face and body.
- Fillers can be injected directly into wrinkles.
- Fillers show their effect immediately. It takes 4-7 days for Botox to show its effect.
NOTE: Our content regarding diseases and treatment methods is for informational purposes only. For all matters related to your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
Share on Social Media
