Botox and Dermal Fillers

Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria. Though it is deadly in larger amounts, the tiny, regulated amount of Botox given to correct wrinkles has been used safely for decades.

Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

In Dr Naeem’s Clinic, we use the only two FDA approved types in Jordan which are Allergan and Dysport.

Botox only works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic wrinkles and are often called “expression lines.”

The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions.

Botox will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles include lines in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas.

Botox is not a permanent treatment. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.

As Botox wears off over time, most side effects are only temporary, which may include:

• Drooping of the eyelid or brow if injected near the eye
• Weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles
• Hives, rashes, or itching
• Pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• The treatment may also fail to work due to antibodies that fight the toxin. This happens in less than 1% of people who have repeated the Botox treatment.

Consult your board-certified dermatologist before taking any medical or aesthetic procedure.

Resource: Healthline WebSite

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.

Substances used in dermal fillers include:

• Calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.
• Hyaluronic acid, which is found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin.
• Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
• Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler

Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.

The time they take to work, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer.

People should discuss their individual needs and expectations with their board-certified doctor to determine what filler would be the best choice for them.

In summary, the differences between Botox and fillers are:

Botox: This freezes muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. These are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes.

Dermal fillers: These use hyaluronic acid and similar substances to “fill in” or plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They may also be used on forehead wrinkles, scars, and other areas that need extra volume for a smoother look.

Botox results last 3 to 4 months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on which filler is used.

Because Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined in one treatment. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth.

Consult your board-certified dermatologist before taking any medical or aesthetic procedure.

Resource: Healthline WebSite