Will I Benefit From Botox or Dermal Fillers?

botox and dermal fillers in colorado springsAs we age, our skin begins to wrinkle and could eventually sag in certain places. This is particularly true with facial skin, which can begin to appear less resilient and healthy than it did in the past. Fortunately, advances in medicine provide a solution for the deterioration of skin. Botox and dermal fillers continue to be the top choices among anti-aging treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

What is Botox?

Botulinum Toxin type A, or Botox, is created by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. In essence, Botox is a muscle relaxer that works temporarily to treat several conditions. Medically, Botox is used to treat migraines and other neurologic conditions. As a cosmetic treatment, Botox is used as a treatment for dynamic wrinkles.

How Does Botox Treatment Work?

Many of us have naturally-occurring wrinkles around the eyes and mouth that become more pronounced with age. Botox relaxes the muscles surrounding those wrinkles, which restricts the movement of the muscles and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

When you have a Botox procedure, the material is injected with a fine needle, and you will feel little to no pain. It generally takes up to seven days to receive the full effect of the treatment, and it's best if you avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs in the week leading up to the procedure.

The Benefits of Botox

Botox is an excellent treatment for certain types of wrinkles and those who choose it find that it offers several benefits. Among them are:

  • Youthful appearance. Botox can take years off of your life and provide you with a more youthful appearance.
  • Preventative treatment. Botox not only treats wrinkles but can prevent further development.
  • Treats more than wrinkles. Botox can be beneficial for other health concerns such as migraines, muscle spasms, and heavy sweating.
  • Retrain muscles. If you get repeated Botox treatment, there can be a gradual relaxing of the muscles, which could lead to your treatments lasting longer.

What are Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another type of injectable substance used to treat facial wrinkles and fine lines. The fillers are composed of natural and synthetic materials, the most common of which is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a tissue-friendly gel that is also a naturally-occurring substance in the body. HA breaks down in the body over time, which causes a loss of moisturizing and results in wrinkles or lines.

How Dermal Fillers Work

Dermal fillers don't relax the muscles around wrinkles or restrict muscle movement like Botox. Instead, they pump up the areas that have wrinkles or depressions by "filling" them in.

Dermal fillers involve an injection into the skin, similar to Botox. The treatment takes just 30-45 minutes to perform, and there is minimal, if any, discomfort associated with the procedure. The aesthetic results of dermal fillers are experienced immediately, and you will not have any scars from the treatment.

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

There are many benefits associated with opting for dermal fillers for the treatment of different areas of the face. Among them are:

  • Choices in products. There are several different types of fillers that can be used to treat different areas, such as fine lines, deep skin depressions, and adding volume to lips.
  • Long-lasting. Dermal fillers can last as long as 24 months, although most treatment effects are noticeable for as long as 18 months.
  • Immediate benefits. You don't have to wait to see the results of the treatment. As soon as you have the fillers, you can view the transformative results.
  • Skin rejuvenation. In addition to subtly changing your appearance, dermal fillers are also good for your skin because they add hydration.

Choosing Between Botox and Dermal Fillers

While Botox remains the most popular treatment for facial wrinkles, dermal fillers are a close second. If you're trying to decide between the two, speak with your skin care professional about making the best choice for your needs. In general, Botox treatments are used to treat lines in the upper part of the face and as a means of stopping further wrinkle growth. Fillers have the advantage of treating firmly established wrinkles, so may be a better option for someone over the age of 40.

In some cases, a combination of Botox and dermal fillers can provide the optimum treatment for your needs. You can speak with the cosmetic specialist at OASIS Prosthodontics about choosing the right treatment to meet your goals.

Dr. Marina Funtik is a certified medical professional who happily serves clients throughout the Colorado Springs area. Contact our office now to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.

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