Do I need Injectables or Fillers?
When you are looking up ways to get rid of your wrinkles, there is a ton of information on the web and it can get a bit confusing. First and foremost, it is best to book a complimentary consultation at Bella Lei to let an expert give you in-person advice, which will always be the most accurate. In the meantime, we are going to give you some tips on injectables and fillers, so you can be informed ahead of time.
First off, let’s take a look at what injectables and fillers are, and what they are used to treat. While both are injected to treat wrinkles, they each have distinct purposes and can actually treat more than just wrinkles.
What Are Injectables (aka Botox)?
Botox, the most popular injectable, is a brand name of specific botulinum neurotoxin. Other common brands include Dysport and Xeomin. Botox is considered safe and has been used for decades in treating wrinkles. It works by weakening or paralyzing the injected muscle. Once the muscle is essentially frozen, the wrinkles are softened and reduced, or even eliminated altogether. Patients see the full results within 1-2 weeks.
What Does Botox Treat?
Botox is mostly used to treat “dynamic wrinkles”. These wrinkles are caused over time by muscle movements or facial expressions. A few examples are those stubborn “11” lines between the brows, crow’s feet (smile lines near the eyes), or forehead wrinkles. It is recommended to start Botox treatments by your early to mid-thirties to prevent wrinkles from forming altogether. If those muscles aren’t contracting, then they won’t give you the creases and wrinkles over time. Botox won’t work on existing deep wrinkles caused by loss of volume or the static wrinkles seen when the face is at rest. Skilled injectors can also treat patients with a “lip flip”. This treatment gives patients a fuller upper lip without dermal fillers and can also show less of the gums when smiling. Read more about this type of injection on HealthLine.
What are Fillers?
Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance the body already produces, making it safe to use. As we age, we lose volume and moisture in the skin. The gel-like product of hyaluronic acid fillers is used to replenish volume and fill lines. A couple of the most common hyaluronic acid fillers are Restylane and Juvederm.
What are Fillers Used to Treat?
One of the most common places to treat with filler is the lips. This will fill wrinkles, smooth the texture, or just give extra fullness. Smile lines can also be treated with fillers. Cheeks are another place we tend to lose volume and start to see sagging. Filler added to the cheek can restore volume, and even help to lift the lower face and soften those stubborn smile lines. It can also be used to fill in static wrinkles that Botox would not be able to help. Often these static wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin as we age.
How Long Do Fillers and Injectables Last?
Both injectables and fillers are temporary. While results vary with each person, we normally see patients every 3-8 months for injectables, and filler patients may see results last anywhere from 10-24 months. Additionally, over time, most patients can go longer between treatments because their results tend to last longer.
Our takeaway- both injectables and fillers are great at preventing and treating lines and wrinkles. Lines at rest need filler. Lines of expression need Botox. A customized treatment plan for each individual’s goals and needs is our biggest priority at Bella Lei. There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to injectables and fillers so an in-person consultation is a necessity. Call or text us today and let us customize a treatment that will make you feel your best!
904-579-4323