Both Botox and dermal fillers are proven ways to eliminate wrinkles and achieve firm, youthful skin – without going under the knife. Better yet, both of these procedures are nearly painless, and can be performed in about half an hour.
The beautiful people of Beverly Hills have been using Botox for decades. The concept of injecting fillers has been around for even longer, but advances in dermal fillers emerged in the early 2000’s and made this treatment a game changer. Both of these treatments continue to be wildly popular. How popular, you say? In 2018, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported Botox as the #1 most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure, with 1,801,033 recorded injections. Fillers came in 2nd place, with 810,240 recorded procedures being performed. (1)
If you’re debating which injections are right for you, it’s important to understand how each of these treatments work, and what they can do for you.
Dr. Michael J. Yoo is committed to keeping Beverly Hills gorgeous, and has extensive understanding and experience with both Botox and dermal filler injections. Schedule a personal consultation at his office on Roxbury, or a virtual consultation to learn more about your options for smooth, supple skin.
It’s Good to Have Choices
Botox and dermal fillers alike treat wrinkles on the face. Each treatment is also delivered via injection. But how to pick? To know which treatment best meets your needs, it’s important to understand what Botox and dermal fillers each do. First off, know your wrinkles! Some wrinkles respond better to one treatment, and some to the other. Once you understand your options and the benefits of both Botox and dermal fillers, the only question you may be left with is:
Why choose? Botox and dermal fillers can be used at the same time, and with other treatments for total rejuvenation.
Before and After Photos
Benefits of Botox
In short, Botox relaxes your muscles, keeping them from fully contracting, and broadcasting those troublesome wrinkles.
Botox is an ideal solution for:
- Forehead lines that deepen when you raise the eyebrows
- Glabellar wrinkles, known as “the 11’s” between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet that crinkle when you smile or squint
- Smooth out “smokers’ lines” around the mouth
- “Bunny” lines – wrinkles on the sides of and across the bridge of the nose that can appear when squinting, smiling or grimacing
Botox has many more applications than just reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Botox can also:
- Turn the corners of the mouth upwards
- Give the appearance of a fuller upper lip
- Soften the jawline, and reduce the appearance of masseter hypertrophy
- Tighten the neck and smooth out vertical neck banding
- Smooth out chin dimpling
Botox also has life-changing non-cosmetic applications. The FDA has approved Botox as a treatment for migraines, and has been proven very effective in reducing the pain associated with this condition. 12% of Americans are severely impaired by throbbing head pain. Thanks to Botox injections, chronic migraines can be eased for up to three months, and injections can be administered every 12 weeks. Dr. Yoo may recommend the injections as a great non-invasive solution.
Are you embarrassed to shake hands? Botox injections can help treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis – or profuse sweating of the palms of the hands, the feet, armpits, groin, or other parts of the body. Botox can often solve the problem by interrupting the chemical that triggers the sweat glands and cutting the process of perspiration off at the source.
Benefits of Fillers
Unlike Botox, which keeps your muscles from contracting, dermal fillers work with your body. There are several different types of filler available. Depending on the type, fillers work by restoring hyaluronic acid or stimulating the production of collagen underneath the skin.
As the name suggests, dermal fillers “fill” in wrinkles from below the surface of the skin. Dermal fillers also have an advantage over the surgical facelift – besides being minimally invasive with no recovery time. The traditional surgical facelift doesn’t restore plump, youthful volume to the face, rather, it only repositions the facial skin.(2) Dermal fillers can restore sunken cheeks, or be used in lip augmentation for fuller, more voluptuous lips. Fillers can also be a powerful tool for reconstructive aesthetic procedures. These injections can correct skeletal facial asymmetry in the cheek, jaw and forehead.
Common cosmetic uses for dermal fillers include:
- Volume restoration in the cheeks and temples
- Acne scars
- Aging skin with a crepey appearance, like that commonly found on the back of the hands
- Frown lines and forehead furrows
- Scars that are depressed, or sink below the surface of the rest of the skin.
- Deep Wrinkles and creases, like those from the sides of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
Make an appointment today to meet with Dr. Yoo and determine how you can make these dynamic treatments work for you. Call his office in Beverly Hills at (949) 861-3340.
Personal Consultation
To discover the individual benefits of dermal fillers, request a consultation appointment in Beverly Hills with Dr. Yoo. Once personal goals have been discussed, a detailed analysis of the patient’s facial anatomy will be performed to determine if the patient would be a good candidate for dermal fillers. During the visit, Dr. Yoo will discuss the pros and cons of each dermal filler, recommend the best filler or combination of fillers for the individual’s case, address concerns and questions, and provide the patient with an estimation of cost based on the treatment customization. Be sure to disclose any pre-existing skin or health issues, as well as current prescriptions, as certain medication regimens may need to be stopped or altered to reduce risk of complication.
Before You Get Started
If you’ve decided on your rejuvenation regimen, congratulations. There are a few things you’ll need to do. Whether you’re having Botox or dermal filler injections, discontinue blood thinners two weeks before your procedure. You’ll also want to avoid alcohol the day before and after your injections to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. Most importantly, Botox is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The toxins can harm your fetus or breastfeeding child. The safety of dermal fillers is unknown for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in patients under 18 years of age. Consult with Dr. Yoo immediately if you think you are, or might become pregnant.
After Your Injections
Whether you’ve opted for Botox, fillers, or both, you should notice results right away. They’ll continue to improve over the course of a week. One important area where Botox and dermal fillers differ is longevity. The effects of Botox wear off after three to six months. Fillers, on the other hand, can last anywhere from six months to five years. There are many different kinds of fillers on the market today, and longevity depends on the specific type of filler being used. During the consultation appointment, Dr. Yoo will be able to assist the patient in determining the treatment option that will stay with them for as long as they need.
During your consultation, Dr. Yoo will discuss your medical history with you to prevent any adverse effects from your injections. Like any injection, you will feel a pinch, and may experience the same irritation that you would with any other shot. Side effects are minor, and usually clear up on their own. If you experience sudden and alarming side effects after Botox or filler injections, contact your doctor immediately.
Side Effects of Botox
In general, adverse reactions after Botox injections are minimal and uncommon, especially when the dose does not exceed that recommended. These reactions include dry mouth, temporary muscle paralysis, headache, and nausea.(3)
Side Effects of Fillers
The most common side effects from dermal fillers include, bruising, redness, swelling, mild pain, and itching. Most side effects occur shortly after injection and go away within two weeks.(4)
Cost
Because of the extensive array and varied applications of dermal fillers, the cost of dermal filler treatment varies. Similarly, the cost of Botox procedures will depend on the sites addressed and the amount of Botox used. Dr. Yoo will sit down with you during the initial consultation to discuss which option is the best for your facial contour, problem areas, and preferred outcome. All of these factors will help dictate the actual cost of the customized procedure.
FAQ
What’s better, Botox or fillers?
It depends on you – Botox eliminates wrinkles and can create the appearance of a fuller lip by keeping muscles from contracting and creating creases. Dermal fillers “fill” deep lines and wrinkles and create volume underneath the skin. Dr. Yoo will examine your skin and discuss the best strategy to achieve your aesthetic goals.
I just had a baby and I’m exhausted. Can I get a little Botox to make me look refreshed?
The FDA asserts that Botox and dermal fillers are not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The toxins in Botox could harm your baby, and dermal fillers have not been tested on pregnant women.
Can I get Botox and a filler at the same time?
Treat yourself! These products can be used together safely to address all of your problem areas. After all, each treatment has advantages that can address issues that the other does not.
References
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery National Data Bank.; 2018. Accessed January 22, 2021. https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2018_0.pdf
- Fagien, Steven M.D.; Klein, Arnold W. M.D. A Brief Overview and History of Temporary Fillers: Evolution, Advantages, and Limitations, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: November 2007 – Volume 120 – Issue 6S – p 8S-16S doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000248788.97350.18
- Shilpa PS, Kaul R, Sultana N, Bhat S. Botulinum toxin: the midas touch. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2014;5(1):8-14. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.127274
- Office of the Commissioner. Filling in Wrinkles Safely. Food and Drug Administration. Published online November 18, 2020. Accessed January 22, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/filling-wrinkles-safely