The Difference Between Botox and Fillers

Everywhere you look, celebrities and citizens alike are sporting pouty lips and lifted cheek bones or appear to be evading the dreaded wrinkles that form with age. ‘How do they do it?’ You wonder. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, and everyone needs a little help from time to time. Life is full of stressors and pollutants that do nothing good for our skin. Things naturally start to sag or lose their luster, but what if there is a way that you too can drink from the fountain of youth? Zahra Salon and Medical Spa has got you covered! There are two options available when it comes to turning back the clock: Botox or Fillers. We get asked all the time, “What’s the difference between Botox and Fillers?” Read on to discover the benefits and how they each work together or on their own to give your look a more youthful appearance.

What is Botox?

Botox is a toxin created from a bacterium called botulinum Clostridium. Although it is technically classified as a “Neurotoxin,” it has been deemed safe for human consumption by the FDA and utilized in cosmetic procedures since 1989. It has the ability to freeze muscles so that they lose the ability to create deep expression lines. So, if you have deep forehead lines, “elevens” between your brows, “crow’s feet” at the corners of your eyes, “marionette lines” or “smoker’s lines” around your mouth, Botox can be a great option for you. Once the Botox is injected using a tiny needle, it will take up to two weeks to settle in to the muscle tissue. It is important to remain upright for six hours after the procedure and to avoid touching or putting any pressure on the area. Botox will last about 3-4 months, so subsequent appointments will be necessary to upkeep your results.

What are Fillers?

Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in the body to promote plumping and hydration of the skin. It is also injected with a needle but can be a little more painful than Botox; To remedy this, we can freeze the area to be treated beforehand. Rather than relaxing muscles, like Botox, filler is used to build volume or contour the face. If you have a sagging neck, a weak chin or jawline, small lips, flat cheek bones or would like to change the shape of your nose, fillers are your best friend. You can soften the appearance of the skin and smooth out wrinkles with fillers as well, making it a versatile option. Fillers can take up to 4 weeks to fully settle in and last substantially longer than Botox (between 4-9 months). You will need a touch-up only once a year, but because they are water-binding, it is important to stay hydrated for best results.

How Can I Figure Out Which One Is Best for Me?

At Zahra Salon and Medical Spa, we pride ourselves on giving our clients all of the information upfront so that they can decide if these procedures are a good fit for them. In order to make the client aware of any risks and alleviate any fears, we offer complimentary consultations with the doctor’s assistant. It’s always a good idea to discuss what your concerns are beforehand so that you can feel confident in choosing the best way to proceed. If your main concern is a lack of volume in certain areas, we recommend fillers. If your concerned about frown lines or deep wrinkles, Botox is the better option. Or perhaps you require a little bit of each-in which case, both can be conveniently administered in the same appointment.

If you have been thinking about whether or not injectables are for you and would like to learn more about fillers or Botox, don’t hesitate to call Zahra Salon and Medical Spa at 250-762-8700 and book in for a complimentary consultation.