Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers are both extremely popular facial injectable procedures that work to improve the appearance of aging, With Neurotoxins making up 63% of all procedures preformed on women according to the according to the latest survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dermal Filler is the second-most popular non-surgical facial procedure. Although the term “facial injectables” is used interchangeably for Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers, there are distinct differences which we will discuss below.
There are many Neurotoxins on the market such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau which all work by temporarily blocking the nerve signal that controls muscle movement. When the Neurotoxin is injected into a particular muscle it restricts the ability of that muscle to contract, leading to a temporary paralyzed or frozen muscle. Any untreated muscles in proximity to the injected muscle work normally. Restriction of movement of selected facial muscles can help prevent, reduce, smooth and soften or even remove certain wrinkles. The use of cosmetic Neurotoxins is generally in the upper face and treats areas such as frown lines, forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes and other areas are for the neck and jaw. Neurotoxins can also be used medically for the body helping to treat chronic migraines, overactive bladder, excessive underarm sweating and more.
The procedure takes approx. 15 minutes and lasts 3 to 4 months until the results wear off. It takes only a few days to see the results. The costs are based on how many units are injected. There is no downtime, however, one many incur minor side effects such as bruising, swelling and redness which resolves quickly.
It is important to note that you should only received neurotoxin injections from a certified trained health care provider with extensive experience and knowledge of facial anatomy.
Dermal Fillers are a gel like substance consisting of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. They are used to fill out lost volume or plump up certain areas of the skin, leading to a more youthful appearance. Dermal Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra help treat lost volume by filling in static hollowness or lines that are always present (even when these facial muscles are not used). They can help correct deep set wrinkles and folds that occur due to a reduction in volume and can also stimulate natural collagen in your skin of which declines naturally as we age. Common areas of treatment are lips, cheeks, chin, jaw line, under eye shadows or bags, ice pick scars and more.
The procedure takes approx. 30 minutes (depending on which filler is used and the area of treatment) and lasts several months depending on treatment area. The costs are based on the provider’s qualifications and how many syringes are used to during treatment. (Prices of syringes vary by provider) The downtime in minimal, however, one many incur minor side effects such as bruising, swelling and redness which resolves quickly. Results are immediate.
It is important to note that you should only received Dermal Filler injections from a certified trained health care professional with extensive experience and knowledge of facial anatomy.
Although Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers are both facial injections used to treat signs of aging, the main differences are how they work, where they are administered and how long they last.
While Neurotoxins, help to temporary restrict muscle movement and thus treat fine lines and wrinkles seen with facial expression, Dermal fillers help to fill the hollowness in the face and add volume or plump up areas that have lost volume due to aging.
Neurotoxins when used cosmetically are generally injected into the upper half of the face where muscles work to create facial expression (eyes and forehead for example) while Dermal fillers are injected into areas that typically suffer from volume loss as we age – upper and lower half of the face. Common treatment areas are the mouth, lips, cheeks, and under eyes.
For both neurotoxin or dermal filler injections, the time frame they last for are dependant on the type used. Neurotoxin injections last approx. 3 to 4 months while dermal fillers can last around 10-12 months.
