Difference between Botox® & Dermal Fillers.
Among the treatments available for eliminating facial wrinkles, fillers and injectables are perhaps the most common ones, but the two are very different, says Dr. Golshani. While injectables like Botox® and Dysport work by temporarily paralyzing active muscle, dermal fillers work by plumping the problem area to restore its volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Dermal fillers include Juvederm, Selphyl, Perlane, Restylane, and Radiesse, all of which can be used to re-contour the face and correct wrinkles by restoring plumpness to the cheeks, chin, lips, lower eyes, and other areas that have lost volume due to aging. These procedures can:
- Soften fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhance hollow areas of the face
- Enhance the appearance of settled scars
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Fillers are administered by injecting the top layer of the skin with hyaluronic acid, or some other naturally-occurring substance in the body that plumps the tissue to create a soft, natural-looking outcome.
The procedure is painless, and the level of discomfort largely depends on the area being treated. Dermal fillers are typically prepared with lidocaine, which is numbing agent. Furthermore, a numbing agent can be applied to the treatment
area to manage pain.
For the highly sensitive areas such as the lips, the doctor can perform a nerve block, which is a minimally painful procedure that numbs the lips.
Dermal Fillers – The Procedure
Before the filler treatment, your doctor will evaluate your facial structure and skin tone to gain better understanding of the areas that need filling.
Then, the filler material will be injected into the designated areas. Topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand, though most patients find the pain manageable. The process takes between 15 and 60 minutes depending on the number of areas that need treatment.
No downtime is required after treatment with injectable fillers, though you can use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that occurs.
The duration of the dermal filler depends on the product used, though it typically lasts 6-12 months. You need more than one treatment.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
The ideal candidate for dermal fillers should be in good general health, a non-smoker, and be well informed about the outcome of the procedure. For instance, you should know of the wide selection of fillers available, and be aware that the results from dermal fillers are different from those of a facelift or forehead lift.
Dermal fillers are safe, with rare occurrence of allergic reactions or serious complications from the procedure. However it is important to consult with your doctor to identify if the filling injection treatment will address your concerns.
Dr. Golshani offers a variety of dermal fillers in Beverly Hills, as well as Botox® and Dysport that are similar, but do offer differences. Looking for more information? Please call our office @ (310) 274-3481 & we’ll answer any questions or inquiries you may have. 🙂