How to Draw the Line Between Botox and Fillers

Over the years, your skin loses elasticity due to a decline in collagen and elastin production. That is the natural consequence of aging, which is, unfortunately, inevitable. Although you cannot prevent aging, Philadelphia, PA Botox and weight loss management can help you combat its effects. If fine lines and wrinkles are a blow to your self-esteem, you may be happy to know that there are various procedures to give you smooth, younger-looking skin. Initially, surgery was the only resort for people who desired youthful skin. But, less invasive treatments like Botox injections and dermal fillers are available today. They have a reduced risk of complications and require less downtime than surgery.

What are Botox injections?

Botox injections use a purified form of onabotulinumtoxinA – a toxin produced by the microbe that causes a type of food poisoning. Administering Botox in large amounts is deadly, but a regulated quantity of Botox has been used safely for decades to correct fine lines and wrinkles. Botox works by blocking specific chemical signals from nerves in the injected muscles. These nerve signals cause muscle contraction; interrupting the signals paralyzes and freezes the affected muscles. Relaxation of selected facial muscles minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Although most people know Botox as a cosmetic treatment, healthcare providers use these injections to treat various medical conditions. They include lazy eyes, an overactive bladder, excessive sweating, cervical dystonia, eye twitching, and chronic migraine.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal, or soft tissue fillers, are substances injected beneath the skin surface to add volume and fullness. The injected substances can be:

•     Hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurs in some fluids and tissue in your body and can add plumpness to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular injectable fillers to address skin concerns like acne scars, cheek depressions, facial scars, and nasolabial furrows or smile lines.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound occurring in bones. Because this substance is biosynthetically produced, it lowers your risk of an allergic reaction. It is known to produce natural results and has a long safety record.
• Polylactic acid. This synthetic dermal filler is injected into your face, causing more collagen production. It works particularly well in the lower half of your face and is used to plump thin lips and treat nasolabial folds.
• Polyalkylimide. This is a semi-permanent filler often used by plastic surgeons to treat deeper wrinkles, plump thin lips, and restore facial volume lost to age or HIV medications.
• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres. This semi-permanent filler treats moderate to severe wrinkles and nasolabial folds.

These substances address various signs of aging and other cosmetic concerns. The amount of time needed for them to take effect varies. For example, Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres can take up to three months before you realize the full impact.

The duration of the effects of dermal fillers also varies. Some fillers last six months, while others can last up to two years or longer. For this reason, it is essential to discuss your individual needs and expectations with your doctor to determine the best dermal filler.

Book an appointment with your healthcare provider at Penn’s Rock Primary Care to know how you can benefit from Botox and dermal fillers.