What is Botox?
Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin in the form of a purified protein. The mechanism of action for Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) is really quite simple; it is injected into facial muscles but really doesn’t affect the muscle at all. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) works by blocking the transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate the muscle.
The areas typically treated with Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) for wrinkles are the forehead, between the eyes (glabellar region), around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) and around the lips (smokers lines or gummy smile). There is no loss of sensory feeling in the muscles. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscle cannot contract, causing wrinkles in the skin to smooth. The effects of Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) last approximately three to four months, at which time the patient will require retreatment.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) has important clinical uses as an adjunct in facial pain and bruxism cases for patients with chronic TMJ and orofacial pain. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) is also used to complement esthetic dentistry as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
What are Dermal Fillers?
If you are looking for a non- surgical face lift or you just want to smooth out a few fine lines or fill in deep set wrinkles, injectables are for you. Millions of people use dermal fillers to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance while still having the freedom of expression.
As skin ages, it begins to lose collagen filled with hyaluronic acid (HA). Collagen and HA add structure and volume to the face, therefore a lack of HA causes the skin to sag and wrinkle – that’s where dermal fillers come into play.
Dermal fillers are smooth injectable gels made from naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers add volume to weakened facial features and can stimulate collagen growth. Each dermal filler is unique in its own way but similar in two. First, they plump skin and gently lift it to restore collagen loss due to the normal aging process. Secondly, dermal fillers motivate the body to create its own natural collagen and restore your face to a more natural, youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers approved by the FDA are minimally invasive and very safe. As with any procedure, there are possible risks, the most common being post-procedure bruising and swelling which are usually very minimal and resolve quickly.
Dermal filler treatments typically take 20-40 minutes and the amount of dermal filler needed will depend on volume loss and the areas you would like to restore to its natural beauty. You will see results immediately after treatment.
*Disclaimer: Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, facial injections, and other skin care information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. To consult one of our AAFE trained members, please use the doctor locator.
Sourced from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics at facialesthetics.org