Botox vs. Fillers: Which Is Better for You?

Over the last decade or so, injectables have become more popular, especially for those who want to get rid of wrinkles without resorting to surgery. Botox is still the leading choice, but dermal fillers are quickly catching up. If you are considering either treatment, here are some things you should know…

Consult with a Pro

We’ve all seen the disastrous images of fillers or Botox treatments that went horribly wrong, making people look feline at best, or just totally unrecognizable. Before you dash out to try either Botox or fillers, you have to know which is suitable for you. Don’t rely on ‘Dr. Google’ – consult a highly experienced professional or certified plastic surgeon as to which treatment will work best. The answer will depend on factors like what areas of the face you wish to treat and the outcome you hope to achieve.

What’s the difference between fillers and Botox?

Botox is a brand name for a particular botulinum neurotoxin. In the U.S. there are 3 FDA-approved neurotoxins – Xeomin, Dysport, and, of course, Botox. They all function in the same way, by paralyzing the muscles to prevent them contracting. Fillers, on the other, can be either permanent or temporary. The most popular are hyaluronic acid fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, like Radiesse; Juvederm; Balloters; or Restylane. Note that fillers and botulinum toxin may be used together on different lines, but they do not work in the same way.

When should I use which?

The rule of thumb is that if you experience lines on areas of your face and lips even when your facial muscles aren’t contracting – so-called deep lines at rest – you should go for a filler. If the lines are more like crease points where muscles contract, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, ‘11s’ between eyebrows of expression – known as lines of expression – botulinum toxin could be the answer.

How long do the effects of treatment last?

Botox usually lasts about 4 months. Fillers with hyaluronic acid come in an array of thicknesses suitable for different specific skin types, and typically  last 9-12 months. Fillers that contain calcium (such as Radiesse), are best for even deeper line filling (sleep wrinkles on chin and cheeks) and can last 12-14 months.

Each treatment has a different price tag, so keep your pocketbook in mind while considering your options. And remember –  make sure you see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before going for either treatment!

Of course, you could avoid having to make the ‘filler or Botox’ decision altogether and go for a completely non-invasive approach. Sensilift is an at-home beauty device by Sensica that dramatically improves your skin’s elasticity to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. Ideally suited to working on crow’s feet, cheeks, around the mouth, chin, and jawline, Sensilift uses a unique dual action approach: while the fingers of the device move continuously across the skin, clinically-proven Dynamic RF™ technology allows the radio waves to penetrate multiple layers of skin simultaneously. The result? Reduced wrinkles and younger looking skin.

To find out more about Sensilift, visit sensica.com