Botox vs. Fillers
You’ve probably heard of these two terms used everywhere— from your family members, friends, social media, to celebrity culture. If you’ve ever wondered what Botox and fillers are, what they’re used for, and which one may be right for you, read below:
Botox:
Derived from a commonly found bacteria, Botulinum toxin, Botox is only one of a few brand names that utilize this bacteria for cosmetic purposes (think Kleenex or Q-tips being used interchangeably for tissues or cotton tips). And yes, Botulinum toxin is responsible for botulism, a rare and life-threatening disease. HOWEVER, decades of robust research and manufacturing has allowed the bacteria to be utilized for cosmetic and medical purposes.
Side fun-fact: Did you know that in early says, Botox was used to treat strabismus (or wandering eye)? Over time, its uses have been far and wide. It truly is a miracle drug.
So, what does it do? When injected into a muscle, it blocks a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, from crossing the space between the nerve and muscle (also referred to as the neuromuscular junction). This blockage essentially ‘deactivates’ the muscle. As a result, the skin that overlays said muscle is no longer able to contract, wrinkle, or crease. Using this same premise, it can also block the activation of sweat glands, blood vessels, and inflammatory markers.
What can it treat? SO. MUCH. Wrinkles, migraines, excessive sweating, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, muscle hypertrophy, TMJ.
Fillers:
There are two subtypes of fillers on the market now— hyaluronic acid-based fillers and biostimulating fillers. For the sake of conciseness, we’ll discuss HA-based fillers only.
Our skin naturally produces and stores hyaluronic acid, a substance that gives our skin volume, plumpness, bounce, and hydration. Over time, through weight loss and aging, our HA stores deplete and volume reduction can lead to deflated contours of the face, body, and more. Cue HA fillers. When injected, this substance reintroduces this lost volume, in addition to adding on volume that may not have been there initially.
But wait, there’s more: Not only does it target volume loss, but it can also instill hydration to areas of the face and body that may need it.
So what can it be used for? Contrary to popular belief, filler use spans far beyond just making lips and cheeks bigger. Due to its hydrating properties, it can be used simultaneously with Botox to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. It can also be used to provide textural evenness and smoothness to acne scarring and areas with cellulite.
