Non-surgical treatments to enhance the appearance of the skin are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why: they are now safer, more effective and more affordable than ever before. Botox and dermal fillers are both available at our Windsor clinic, and are two of the most popular skin enhancements.
However, each treatment has a different purpose, so it’s helpful to understand what’s involved and which one might be most beneficial for you.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are also known as soft tissue fillers, and they involve injecting a substance into the skin to fill in wrinkles, restore volume, and enhance facial features. At our clinic, we use hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers. HA is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, helping it to appear smooth and plump.
As we age, our bodies produce less HA and so our skin is more prone to wrinkles, sagging, and developing hollows in areas such as under the eyes (tear trough) and the cheeks. Dermal fillers are designed to restore volume to these areas, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and create more defined facial contours.
The treatment can target specific areas, such as the lips, cheeks, or sides of the mouth, or jawline. It can also be applied in smaller quantities to the whole face, for a subtle and natural rejuvenating effect.
Dermal fillers offer immediately visible results that will typically last for around six to 18 months.
What is Botox?
Botox (or botulinum toxin) is an injectable treatment that is designed to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. It works by blocking the nerve signals in the muscles so that they are temporarily paralysed, thus softening or even eliminating the wrinkle in the skin.
Botox is only effective on ‘dynamic wrinkles’; in other words those that are caused by muscle movement. These typically occur between the brows, across the forehead, or the outer corners of the eyes. Botox cannot correct ‘static wrinkles’ that are caused by loss of elasticity and plumpness in the skin.
The full effect of a Botox treatment can take up to seven days to emerge, and the effect will typically last three to six months.
Which treatment is right for you?
The best type of treatment for you depends on the concerns that you want to address. If you want to restore volume or definition to your face, then dermal fillers are the right option. They can also soften the appearance of ‘static wrinkles’ that are not the result of facial movement.
If you are unsure of the cause of your lines, your skin consultant will be able to give you tailored advice. It may be the case that you can combine the two treatments for best results.
Further considerations
Who are dermal fillers suitable for?
Dermal fillers are considered to be a safe treatment when carried out by a qualified practitioner. However, they are not considered to be suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for people with certain allergies. Occasionally, undesirable side effects may occur, including skin rash, redness, pustules, bruising, bleeding or swelling.
Before going ahead with a treatment, it’s important to have an initial consultation with a qualified skin therapist, who will assess your skin and ask some questions about your medical history and general state of health. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions you might have, such as their level of experience in carrying out this type of procedure.
Who are Botox injections suitable for?
Botox injections are considered to be safe for the majority of people, but the same advice applies about having a pre-treatment consultation to establish any contraindications. It is also essential that the treatment is carried out by a properly trained and competent practitioner.
The possible side effects of Botox are usually temporary and will wear off after a few days. They include rashes or itching; bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness or numbness in the treated area; headache; dry mouth; and nausea.
During your consultation, it’s advisable to discuss your expectations from the treatment to ensure that you have a realistic idea about what can be achieved, what aftercare treatment might be needed to maintain the results, and how long you should wait before having a repeat procedure.
