I frequently get asked what the difference is between neurotoxin injections and filler. These are both aesthetic injections used for purposes of facial rejuvenation, but they are two completely different treatments with different outcomes.
Neurotoxin = Paralyzing
There are currently four brands of neurotoxins or muscle paralyzers in the US that are FDA approved and perform the same function. These products differ in their biologic properties, but each are composed of the active ingredient botulinumtoxinA. Depending on each patient’s metabolism and response to the neurotoxin, onset and duration of the product may vary slightly. For this reason, some people prefer one product over another, but ultimately they all work towards the common goal of paralyzing certain facial muscles that form wrinkles.
The repetitive movement of each muscle in the face is what causes wrinkling, so by paralyzing certain muscles you can prevent the deepening of these lines. Neurotoxins cannot erase static lines or deeply set lines that are visible when you are not making facial expressions. These lines are formed over the course of many years of movement and are best treated with skin resurfacing treatments like skin care, chemical peels and lasers. What neurotoxins can do is help soften dynamic lines that are visible with facial movement, preventing them from becoming deeper set and more prominent as you age.
You may start to see effects of a neurotoxin after a few days but the full effect does not take place until two weeks after treatment. This treatment does wear off over the course of a few months but multiple treatments, spaced three to four months apart, can help further relax your muscles and diminish lines and wrinkles in the long term. The treatments take about 20 minutes - you will be in and out of the office in no time, with relatively no downtime!
Fillers = Plumping
Now onto
dermal fillers. These are the plumping agents of cosmetic injectables. These treatments fill deeply set wrinkles and plump areas of volume loss. As we age, we begin to lose fat and volume in our face and wrinkles become more prominent. Fillers are meant to volumize areas like your cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, marionette lines, and other shallow contour deformities of the face. Most fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), but calcium hydroxylapatite is another filler meant to enhance areas overlying bone. HA is a natural compound found in our bodies, so these are relatively safe treatments. Of course, there are risks involved with any procedure, but we take appropriate measures to avoid any serious side effects.
There are multiple types of fillers that are meant for certain areas of the face. Your provider will help you to determine the best choice filler for your desired treatment area.
You will see results from filler immediately, but you will also see swelling in the first few days, so plan on a little bit of downtime! Swelling will peak over the first three days, and bruising resolves in one to two weeks. After two weeks you will see a stable result. Most products last anywhere between six months to one year, but again, this will vary depending on patient metabolism and location of filler placement. Leave a little extra time for your filler appointment so that your needs can be addressed in detail.
Your provider will work with you to find the best treatment options for you. Our goal is to provide you with subtle enhancements to address your areas of concern.
Schedule your consultation and treatment for neurotoxin or dermal filler today!
