London Real Skin: Botox Vs fillers – what is the difference?
Botox and fillers are aesthetic treatments administered with injections. Both treatments are often used as an alternative to more invasive surgical treatments and are best carried out by a licensed medical professional – that’s just about the only similarities between botox and fillers.
Although botox and fillers are popular combination treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, correct facial symmetry, replace lost volume, or for medical purposes, like treating chronic migraines and reducing excessive sweating, they do target and treat different things and work in different ways.
Dr Flor Kent gave us a full rundown of uses, effects and differences between botox and fillers, which we discussed in more detail below.
What is botox and how does it work?
Botox is a purified form of prescription-only medication which acts as a muscle relaxant. It works on dynamic lines – the lines that naturally appear with facial movement, usually in the upper third of the face – typically around the eyes where crow’s feet form, frown lines and forehead lines. A small amount of neutralised toxin is injected to temporarily reduce muscle movement and prevent permanent lines from forming, or to improve the appearance of lines already present.
Botox is also used for medical reasons and can reduce excessive sweating up to 87%, as well as helping to manage chronic migraines and prevent teeth grinding. Botox has been safely administered for both aesthetic and medical purposes for decades, and when carried out by a knowledgeable practitioner, is a very effective treatment for a number of reasons.
What is filler and how does it work?
Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance within the human body. Fillers work on passive lines – the lines that appear over time due to the loss of volume, and are present even without movement. The skin’s natural collagen production decreases with age, which leads to loss of volume and so fillers are used to replace the lost volume, which helps to regain a more youthful appearance. Similarly, those who have suffered with acne are generally left with some form of scarring. With filler we are able to target the deeper, individual, more stubborn scars to elevate the damaged tissue and improve the appearance of the surface of the skin, resulting in a more even texture.
Fillers are also a safe and effective treatment to naturally enhance facial features. They can be used to balance the structure of the face, correct symmetry, or to simply add more volume for aesthetic purposes. Fillers can also be used to replace lost volume and reduce signs of ageing in other areas of the body, such as the hands.
FAQ
Every patient is different and it depends on your desired results. This will be assessed during the consultation with your Aesthetic Doctor. It’s really important that you get the most out of your consultation and discuss with your practitioner to ensure you get the most suitable treatment.
Botox lasts between 2-3 months when treating lines and wrinkles in the face. When used in other areas of the body to treat excessive sweating, botox can last up to 6 months.
Fillers do last longer and depending on the filler used, individual lifestyle factors and the area treated, it can last between 8 and 18 months, sometimes longer. A patient’s lifestyle factors and differences in metabolism can sometimes contribute to the time in which the body breaks down the filler and we recommend having a follow-up appointment in the diary to ensure results are maintained.
You can often make this observation/decision yourself, and actually it depends on what you want to achieve. Filler enhances facial features and replaces lost volume, botox is used to reduce fine lines by temporarily reducing muscle movement. If you look in a mirror from a short distance and notice unwanted lines or shadows, you may benefit from botox or fillers. Book a free consultation and go through your desired results and treatment options.
Filler and botox are different treatments and are therefore priced accordingly. Both treatments are used to treat different areas of concern, so it’s better to have a consultation to make sure that you are recommended the best treatment for you and your desired results.
Getting combination treatments will help you to achieve optimal results and our combination treatment packages have discounts already applied, which your practitioner can clarify for you. You can call the clinic on 0207 183 5892, or email info@londonrealskin.com to enquire about a free injectables consultation.
Botox and fillers target separate areas of the face and combined, they work as a powerhouse duo to combat early signs of ageing, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and to make subtle facial enhancements.
The best way to decide whether botox or fillers will achieve your desired results is to book a free consultation with one of our Aesthetic Doctors, who will take you through the treatment, results and aftercare. You have the chance to ask your practitioner any questions and to discuss your ideal results in order to come to a decision together on the best treatment for you.
Make an enquiry online, or contact the clinic on 0207 183 5892 or info@londonrealskin.com to book in your free injectables consultation with one of our Aesthetic Doctors.
