Smooth and supple skin, youthful volume, and strategically enhanced facial features are just a few benefits of cosmetic injectables. These popular treatments typically come in two varieties: neuromodulators, such as BOTOX® and Jeuveau™, and dermal fillers, such as JUVEDERM® and RADIESSE®.
While these injectables may share the same goal (facial rejuvenation), their approach is fundamentally different. We’ve put together the following guide on injectable cosmetic treatments to help patients understand more about their BOTOX and filler options.
What Is the Difference Between BOTOX and Fillers?
BOTOX and similar treatments (e.g., Dysport®, DAXXIFY®, and Jeuveau) are all neuromodulators. In other words, they modulate the nerve signal that prompts the muscle to contract. As the muscle relaxes, the expression lines (caused by dynamic facial movements) soften and fade for a calm, rested appearance.
Dermal fillers also seek to address wrinkles. As the name implies, however, they add volume beneath the skin to physically “fill” in the lines and folds. Most fillers use hyaluronic acid, but a few others fall into a class of biostimulators that prompt the skin to produce more collagen and elastin for smoother, plumper skin over time. While neuromodulators target dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers are ideal for static wrinkles resulting from sun damage and aging.
Neuromodulators and fillers also differ in longevity. BOTOX results last 3 to 6 months on average, and filler results last up to 6 months to 2 years, depending on the filler product and its placement.
Can You Get BOTOX and Fillers at the Same Time?
BOTOX and dermal fillers are complementary facial rejuvenation treatments. They are so effective together that they’ve even earned their own nickname: the liquid facelift.
Combining neuromodulators with fillers targets both static and dynamic wrinkles for smooth, even skin all over. Fine lines and folds aren’t all that these injectables are good for, however. BOTOX can lift a sagging brow to make the eyes appear more open, whereas fillers can restore volume to areas like the temples, tear troughs, and cheeks that have lost volume with age.
Another popular combination is a BOTOX masseter reduction to soften a square jaw and fillers to enhance the plushness of the lips and make the chin more distinct from the neck. Depending on your aesthetic goals and unique facial anatomy, our highly trained MediSpa team will guide you on the most flattering and effective combination of treatments.
Our Menu of Injectables
Our Jade MediSpa is proud to offer a comprehensive menu of cosmetic injectable treatments. Each has been rigorously vetted by our medical spa director, Dr. Simeon Wall Jr., for safety and efficacy. His philosophy of “If it doesn’t work, we don’t have it” gives patients the peace of mind that any treatment they receive puts medical soundness over marketing trendiness.
Neuromodulators
- BOTOX – Approved for use all over the face, BOTOX can reduce wrinkles, slim the jaw, lift the brows and corners of the mouth, and soften vertical neck banding. Treatments typically last 3 to 4 months.
- Dysport – This neuromodulator is specifically formulated to target frown lines (or “11” lines) on the forehead. Like BOTOX, Dysport results usually require a maintenance treatment every 3 to 4 months.
- DAXXIFY – DAXXIFY uses a novel peptide to stabilize its wrinkle-reducing formula. This injectable also targets the “11 lines” for long-lasting results—up to twice as long as BOTOX and Dysport.
- Jeuveau – The last in our neuromodulator lineup, Jeuveau is unique because it is specifically formulated for cosmetic wrinkle reduction. It is manufactured using Hi-Pure™ technology and soothes frown lines on the forehead (though it and the other neuromodulators are often used off-label for other facial areas). Read more about this #NEWTOX treatment in our related blog post.
Dermal Fillers
- TEOSYAL® RHA – Made with resilient hyaluronic acid (RHA), this dermal filler hydrates, smooths, and volumizes the cheeks, lips, and facial contours in a natural, subtle way. Results from this treatment can last up to 18 months.
- RADIESSE – RADIESSE treats nasolabial folds and marionette lines (wrinkles that run from the corner of the mouth to the chin) using a gel-like solution that contains collagen-stimulating microspheres. This restorative approach provides long-lasting results, with patients going up to 2 years before needing a top-up injection.
- BELOTERO BALANCE® – This hyaluronic acid-based filler is highly versatile, able to smooth deep folds and treat the most minute areas, such as vertical lip lines. It is also extremely effective for adding volume beneath the eye and can last 6 months or longer.
- Restylane – Together with its sister treatments (Restylane Silk and Perlane), Restylane can be used to plump the lips and smooth wrinkles for up to a year of cosmetic benefits.
- JUVÉDERM – The JUVÉDERM line of treatments is ideally suited for nasolabial folds and marionette lines as well as the lips, under-eyes, jawline, and cheeks. Results can last 1 to 2 years, depending on which treatment is used.
- Sculptra® – Like RADIESSE, Sculptra also stimulates collagen production to supplement its volume-enhancing effects. It requires multiple treatments spread out over several weeks, but the poly-L-lactic acid at the heart of its formula promotes new collagen growth for long-lasting (up to 2 years) results.
Our before and after photo gallery can show you the versatility of dermal filler treatments—and how beautiful the results can be when performed by a highly trained and skilled medical professional.
Dermal Fillers vs. BOTOX: Final Thoughts
Dissimilar but far from incompatible, dermal fillers and BOTOX (or similar neuromodulators) can help patients achieve a vibrant, full, and younger-looking face. The most comprehensive results often come from using these treatments in tandem, although a solitary approach may be more suitable for certain aesthetic goals. We would love to discuss how BOTOX, fillers, or both can help you achieve your desired level of facial rejuvenation. Please request a consultation or call us at (318) 795-0801 to get in touch.
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