Hi everyone! Nikki here, I’m a PA and aesthetic injector at Amélie Aesthetics. One of the most common questions I get is whether to do Botox or filler? This question really depends on what your overall goals are. I’m going to break down these two AMAZING aesthetic injectables, so you understand which is best for you!!
So What is Botox…
Botox is an injectable medication (neurotoxin) that works by temporarily weakening specific muscles so they contract with less strength or are paralyzed. When these muscles are unable to contract it can create a smooth appearance on skin and soften wrinkles. Giving us that refreshed and well rested appearance we all love. Botox can be injected in the office in minutes. It takes up to two weeks to see results, and results usually last 3-4 months. Although I keep mentioning Botox, there are actually four FDA approved neurotoxins available in the U.S.: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeauveau.
Botox can be used in areas where there are wrinkles and lines from muscle movements. Most commonly between the brows “elevens”, the forehead, and around the eyes. Additionally it can be injected above the upper lip for a lip flip, into the muscles we chew with to decrease their size and help jaw pain, and into the neck to help smooth fine lines or stop the pull from certain muscles.
Now Tell Me About Filler…
Fillers are gel-like products made out of hyaluronic acid. They can help fill folds and creases, as well as add volume to places that we want to look more full. These fillers come in a variety of thicknesses and are chosen based on where they are being used. Fillers provide instant results once injected and will last 6-24 months depending on the type used.
Fillers can be used to plump lips or give more hydration. They can be injected into your midface to create more defined cheekbones. Fillers can be used to lengthen or project chin for better facial balancing. Additionally they can help support hallowing in the under eyes, soften lines around the mouth, restore volume loss in the hands with aging.
Combining Botox and Filler
Combining Botox and dermal fillers in cosmetic procedures has become a popular approach for achieving comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Botox is used to relax muscles and minimize the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines. On the other hand, dermal fillers, typically made from hyaluronic acid, are employed to restore volume loss, plump lips, and smooth deeper lines and folds. When used together, Botox and dermal fillers can complement each other’s effects, addressing different aspects of facial aging for a more balanced and natural-looking result. This combination allows for a customized approach tailored to individual needs, ultimately enhancing facial harmony and youthfulness with minimal downtime. However, it’s crucial for patients to consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.
What to Expect
Botox and filler can both cause discomfort, swelling, bruising, and redness when injected. This is more expected with filler. Ice, topical numbing creams, and even dental blocks can be used to minimize discomfort. Anytime a needle is placed into the skin people are at risk for infection, but injectors do everything they can to minimize risks by cleaning patient’s skin before they are injected. After botox injections, you cannot exercise, lay flat, or massage your face for 4-6 hours. After filler you should not exercise for 24 hours or wear make up for 24 hours. Alcohol can increase risk of swelling when consumed within 24 hours of filler. Ibuprofen, fish oil, and caffeine can make you more likely to bruise. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get filler or Botox.
So Which is Right for Me?
This question really depends on what you want. Are you desiring more volume or are you desiring decreased muscle movement, or better yet both. Most of us can benefit from both of these injectables. For example, we can use filler to increase our lip size and then botox around the mouth to prevent the muscle from pulling your lip in “lip flip”. Or we can use filler in the chin to help balance our face and improve our jawline, while using botox to prevent the muscle on our chin from dimpling.
If you aren’t sure which product meets your needs, schedule a consultation where a trained injector can listen to your wants and evaluate your face individually for the most personalized results.
