The demand for no downtime, cosmetic treatments that yield youthful results continues to rise. And with that increase, we hear more questions from clients such as this one: “Is filler the same as Botox?”
So, we asked our expert nurse injector, Kassandra, to break down all the similarities, differences and frequently asked questions she regularly receives from our clients.
Neuromodulators like Botox® and fillers, both commonly known as injectables, do have a few things in common.
They are minimally invasive, office based procedures with no downtime.
They are alternatives to surgical procedures and often may be the steps taken to delay or prevent the need for traditional surgeries such as a facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Their results can be extremely natural looking when done properly and by a highly trained, experienced injector
The most important thing to understand, especially depending on how early you’re addressing your concerns about aging, is that you’ll achieve the maximum and most pleasing results with the combination of neuromodulators and fillers.
Since anti-aging is a three-dimensional problem (volume loss, fine lines and wrinkles) not just a two dimensional problem (fine lines and wrinkles), we often use a combination of neurotoxins to relax muscles and hyaluronic acid based fillers to replace lost volume and to address the aging face.
You’ll also learn about Kybella, a different type of injectable, used specifically to permanently diminish extra volume in the chin and to refine your profile.
All Injectables Are Not Created Equal
Neuromodulators are used to weaken and paralyze the muscles in the face. The most common one is Botox, but other options include Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau.
While most people think of neuromodulators as mainly a treatment for forehead wrinkles, they have a wide number of uses, including:
Eliminating fine lines in the forehead or crow's feet (or wrinkles around your eyes)
Treating “bunny lines,” the fine lines that appear on either side of your nose when you wrinkle it.
Adding volume to the top lip area
Both Neuromodulators and Fillers can be used to enhance your lips.
Removing marionette lines, or lines that run downward from the corners of your mouth
Treating frown lines (also called 11 lines) that form in between your eyebrows
Correcting a gummy smile
Reducing wrinkles in the neckline
Treating patients with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Pain relief for chronic migraines
Depending on the individual, the results will show up within 5-10 days after treatment, peak in 2-4 weeks and will last for 3-6 months. These results all vary by client.
Dermal fillers sit under the skin to provide volume and support in multiple areas of the face —like lips, for instance. The ones you'll see most commonly are based on hyaluronic acid (yes, the same ingredient often used in your favorite hydrating serums): Restylane, Juvederm, Vollure, Volluma and Volbella, just to name a few.
The effects of dermal fillers can last anywhere between three months to two years. It depends on the product being used, where on the body the product is being injected and of course, the client, because everyone metabolizes injectables differently.
Fillers are typically used for:
Plumping up thin lips
Learn about the difference between a lip flip and lip filler
Enhancing shallow facial contours
Softening facial creases and wrinkles
Improving the appearance of recessed scars
Reconstructing contour deformities in the face
Decreasing or removing the shadow of the lower eyelids
Hand rejuvenation
Kybella
Kybella is a deoxycholic acid, which occurs naturally in the body, helping to break down that dissolves small quantities of fat. It works by dissolving the targeted fat tissue, which is then removed through metabolic processes.
It is the first and only FDA approved non-surgical treatment that permanently destroys excess fat cells under the chin. Kybella® has been shown to create a more defined facial contour and an improved profile. It can also eliminate the appearance of a double chin.
Injectable Recovery Time
There's a reason so many clients are now opting for minimally invasive treatments; they offer fast results and very little downtime.
Neuromodulators have the least amount of downtime, meaning you may have some small pink dots right after the treatment that typically go away within 10 to 15 minutes. In certain instances, minor bruising can occur, but it typically goes away in a few days.
Dermal filler recovery time can be slightly longer but still a week at most. You may have some swelling and bruising but both can be diminished by following the advice of your injector.
Kybella has the longest recovery time which is anywhere from three to 21 days of swelling, depending on the client. But, it’s important to note, that Kybella is the only treatment that’s permanent which makes the downtime easier to justify.
Cost
Neuromodulators are sold by the unit and the prices can run from $4 to $6 for Dysport to $10-$15 for Botox, Xeomin and Juveau. Dysport is less potent which is why it’s cheaper but you will also end up needing more units.
Dermal fillers are mostly sold by the syringe with a few being available in a half syringe. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $900 per syringe. The length of time that filler results last compared to neuromodulators are at least double if not more, which again, can explain cost.
Kybella is also sold in syringes and prices can run close to the price of dermal fillers. It is important to note that most people will need more than one treatment for optimal results. Often times, it takes 2 to 3 treatments but again, the results are meant to be permanent.
Choosing an injector
Last but certainly not least, if you’re thinking about getting any sort of cosmetic injectable for the first time or you’ve had injectables before but are switching providers, choosing the right injector is crucial. Whether you choose me or another injector, I can't emphasize that enough.
If you’re a newbie to the world of injectables, we’ll schedule your appointment for a free consultation where I can answer any questions you may have and show you some before and after pictures of my past work.
In addition to listening to your concerns, I’ll do an in-depth facial analysis to determine how many units or syringes you'll need. We'll also discuss future problem areas that can be lessened by taking a more proactive approach to various areas on your face.
My approach to any sort of cosmetic injectable is always to be conservative at first, let the results settle in and then see if you feel like you need more. This is especially important if you’ve never had injections before. Our goal is for you to still look and feel like you, just a younger version!
That being said, you are the client and I’m here to work with you to achieve whatever goals you’re trying to achieve. This is my passion, and nothing brings me more joy than a happy client!
Have more questions? Ready to book your appointment? Call us at 817-361-1372