BOTOX® vs. Fillers: What Is the Difference Between These Injectables?

Have you ever wondered what the real difference is between fillers and BOTOX®? Chicago-based Dr. Lawrence Iteld, who provides both BOTOX® and other injectable cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers at Iteld Plastic Surgery, is aware that patients who are new to the world of nonsurgical cosmetic treatments may feel overwhelmed or confused at first.

“Many women and men know that they want to do something about age-related wrinkles and other signs of aging, but are unsure as to which strategy would be best.” Dr. Iteld explains. “Fortunately, nobody needs to make this decision alone. An experienced and trusted provider will be able to make recommendations and explain the benefits of the various available options.”

That said, it can be helpful to have at least a basic grasp of what the most popular injectables can do. Keep reading to learn more of the most important facts about BOTOX® and dermal fillers.

How Does BOTOX® Work?

To start, patients should know that BOTOX® is a brand, not a type of treatment. The treatments themselves are known as neuromodulators or neurotoxins. The active ingredient in BOTOX® is a purified, diluted form of a bacterium called botulinum toxin type A. Other neurotoxins currently on the market include Dysport®, Xeomin®, Juveau™, and Daxxify™. Daxxify™ is unique in that the duration of effect is twice as long as the other medications. One of the primary differences between this treatment and fillers is the type of wrinkles they address. As Dr. Iteld explains, “Neurotoxins work on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements. They relax key facial muscles, causing them to stay at rest instead of contracting and pulling the skin into noticeable folds.”

Facial lines associated with muscle activity are known as dynamic wrinkles or expression wrinkles, and many develop in the upper third of the face. Some examples include crow’s feet, which are the small lines at the corners of the eyes, vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows called frown lines, and horizontal lines on the forehead known as worry lines. We can also treat the lower face to raise the corner of the lips, decrease lip lines,create a “lip flip,” or treat some lines of the neck.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

As their name implies, fillers work by “filling in” areas where volume loss has led to the development of facial lines. However, not all wrinkles are made equal. There are many types of stressors that cause wrinkles, including smoking, poor nutrition, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation or air pollution. In addition to forming creases, aging can cause a loss of definition in the face as its shape changes. Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers and injectable fillers, are designed to address cosmetic issues that develop because of natural volume loss over time.

“These are soft gels that are injected to add plumpness and lift to areas that are lacking in volume,” Dr. Iteld says. “They are typically used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but fillers can also add volume to areas like the cheeks or lips to improve facial contours.”

Many fillers contain hyaluronic acid as their main ingredient, and come in varying consistencies that are designed to address different types of cosmetic concern. For example, denser fillers are often used in the cheeks, while lighter, more malleable fillers are ideal for adding lighter touch-ups to the lips. There are also fillers that primarily work by stimulating your body to create collagen. Lastly, the grand-daddy of all filler is your own fat that can be used to fill areas of the face, just like the off-the-shelf products.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Both fillers and neuromodulators are safe, effective, and expert-recommended options. However, neuromodulators are thought of as great entry-level treatments. Plenty of people decide to get neuromodulators like BOTOX® first, since dynamic wrinkles tend to develop at an earlier age when compared to the concerns commonly treated with fillers.

No matter what, the most important recommendation is that you start with a meeting.

“You should always have a consultation first to discuss your needs, goals, and expectations with an experienced, trained injector before you have fillers or neuromodulators,” Dr. Iteld says. “There’s no one treatment that’s best for everyone. It all depends on your needs.”

Want more details about injectable treatments like facial fillers and BOTOX®? Contact Chicago-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld at Iteld Plastic Surgery to find out more. Call 312.757.4505 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to find out whether you are eligible for these treatments.