Fillers vs. Neurotoxins: What's the Difference?
Because there are many different types of injectables combined with the many areas that can be treated, it’s no wonder it’s confusing. Dermal fillers and neurotoxins are vastly different so we can help you choose which is the best treatment for you and your area of concern.
How are Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins the Same?
They both are minimally invasive with minimal downtime. While they both offer natural-looking results, neither are permanent procedures.
Dermal Fillers
As we age, our bodies are not able to produce enough collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin to maintain tight, plump, smooth looking skin like we had in our early twenties. Even as young as our 30s, our skin begins to lose these essential building blocks and expression lines may start to appear around the forehead, eyes, and mouth.
We have multiple fat pads in our face that give us shape, volume and definition during our younger years. As we age in combination with lifestyle and genetics, these crucial fat pads begin to atrophy (shrink), descend and change orientation resulting in less support of the tissues above it, ultimately causing hollows and the facial changes associated with aging
Juvederm® and Restylane® are injectable fillers used to replenish areas where there is loss of volume, mainly in the face. The active ingredient is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that stimulates collagen production in the skin, softening unwanted lines, enhancing lips, cheeks as well as other areas. They work by absorbing water molecules, which in turn fills in around the area that is injected. A numbing cream is used and the procedure takes 20-60 minutes depending on the area(s) being treated with immediate results. Treatments last typically 6 to 12 months depending on the individual.
Learn more about dermal fillers here.
Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins use a substance called Botulinum Toxin Type A that blocks nerve impulses to the facial muscles, causing them to relax. This softens expressions and wrinkles are reduced.
Jeuveau®, Botox® and Dysport® are popular neurotoxin treatments that help reduce the appearance of moderate to severe lines in the face. They temporarily stop the underlying muscle activity that causes these wrinkles by temporarily blocking the neurotransmitters to the muscles. A quick 10 minute treatment is all it takes. Onset can be as soon as 24 to 48 hours with full effect in 14 days. Results are known to last as long as four months.
Learn more about neurotoxins here.
How are Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins Different?
While both procedures treat the effects of aging and are often used conjunctively, there are several differences. Neurotoxins can take a few days or up to two weeks to take effect while Hyaluronic Acid fillers show improvement instantaneously. Neurotoxins are better for dynamic wrinkles (those that are caused my facial muscle motion) while dermal fillers are better for static wrinkles (those that appear when the face is relaxed)
What to Remember
When choosing an injector, make sure you go to someone who is qualified and is equipped to address unforeseen circumstances that may occur when injecting fillers. Although rare, this may include vascular occlusions which cause initial blanching of the skin followed by redness that deepens and spreads over the course of a few hours. It is crucial to address this as soon as possible. When choosing an injector, make sure they have Hyaluronidase or Vitrase in their emergency kit and that it is not expired. These medication can be injected into the area of question and used to dissolve the poorly paced filler, restoring the blood flow. More on these medications in another blog.
Which One is Right For You?
If you’re considering injectable treatments but don’t know where to start, please contact us at Wisdom and Youth in Westport, CT for a consultation. We can perform and evaluation and customize a plan best suited for you and your needs.