Botox and Dermal Filler Esthetics

If your serums and creams deliver disappointing results, your next option could be injectables. Injectables soften wrinkles and can even fix the loss of volume in the face, restoring youthful contours. 

Below, we asked Dr. Charley Cheney, our expert at Complete Dental Arts, to explain how Botox® and dermal fillers work. Read on to find out which one may be the best option for your cosmetic goals.

Botox and its uses 

Botox is a first-line non-invasive treatment for signs of aging. It’s one of the most widely used injectables around the world to reduce wrinkles. In certain cases, it can even be used as a preventive measure against wrinkles. 

Botox uses a purified form of a naturally occurring neurotoxin that temporarily shuts off the ability of nerves to communicate and for muscles in the area to contract. 

As you age, your collagen levels decrease. However, because Botox prevents targeted muscles in your face from contracting, your skin no longer folds throughout the day. As a result, it enables you to enjoy a smooth complexion even after your collagen levels decrease. 

Botox only works on wrinkles caused by movement, namely crow’s feet, frown lines, and smoker’s lines. The effects of Botox are visible a few days after the injections, but you won’t see the full effects until about two weeks after the treatment. 

Your body eliminates the neurotoxin within three to four months following the injections. After that, you will need to repeat the treatment. 

You may be a good candidate for Botox if you don’t have any active skin infections and aren’t pregnant or nursing. 

Dermal fillers and their uses 

Dermal fillers add volume to the face and lips. They can be used to restore the loss of bone, muscle, and fat that often occurs with age. In addition, they can be used to combat certain types of wrinkles that appear due to the loss of volume. 

Dermal fillers address the following concerns:

• Hollow cheeks 
• Loss of volume underneath the eyes
• Loss of volume in the chin and lower face 
• Loss of volume in the lips 
• Smile lines
• Lines around the nose 

Fillers last longer than Botox. Depending on the ingredients of a specific filler, its results may last six months to two years, and the results are almost immediate. Most people are good candidates for fillers as long as they’re not allergic to any of the ingredients used in the fillers. 

Finding the best anti-aging treatment for you

Sometimes, the best results come from combining dermal fillers with Botox injections. If you have concerns about facial aging and aren’t willing to go under the knife, our specialist can help you find the right type of injectable for your concerns. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Newnan, Georgia office for expert advice.