Botox vs Filler: What you need to know to choose the right procedure

There are a lot of speculations by many women & men about the nature of these two substances, to make the best decision regarding the most suitable procedure for them. In certain situations or as people age, many of them desire to improve their appearance by filling in their fine lines for a more youthful look. They may also be suffering from certain health issues and seek to treat them through various procedures whether by Botox or fillers. 

Most people group Botox and fillers together due to the similarities of their purpose, type and benefit. However, the nature of these substances differ, making it necessary to distinguish between them. The question about their differences puzzled many, that is why it is essential to answer your inquiries and most commonly asked questions about them.We will define each one of them and make a fair comparison. 

What is Filler? 

It is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that improves the skin’s appearance in different body parts, especially the face.It is considered an alternative to surgical cosmetic procedures.

Filler works by filling the skin and enhancing its smoothness by injecting the product underneath the skin to give a more vibrant and supple look. It is also used to significantly improve the appearance of the lips and cheeks, providing instant results. However, filler is a temporary cosmetic procedure, requiring repetition when the effects wear off.  

Usually, filler is composed of various ingredients with Hyaluronic acid being the most important and commonly used one, as the substance that forms it is naturally occurring in the body. Additionally, there are other filler ingredients such as Calcium hydroxylapatite which is used for treating deep wrinkles and Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). 

What is Botox? 

An uncommon fact about it is that Botox is only the trade name for it, the scientific name is Botulinum toxin, which is the primary ingredient of it. Botulinum toxin is derived from the infamous bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes food poisoning. However, in cosmetic procedures, only a small amount is injected hence why there is no concern regarding using it. On the other hand, increasing the dose may lead to various complications over time.  

When Botox is injected, the muscles that are responsible for the creation of fine lines and wrinkles over time, are temporarily paralyzed. A very minuscule dose is extracted from the bacterium then injected into the muscles to relax them. 

Botox is used in various cases such as forehead and eye wrinkles injection. It is necessary to be cautious when choosing the correct area to inject in as any error may paralyze the actual muscle.  

There are many types of Botox, each serving different applications but they all have the same purpose which is reducing the appearance of wrinkles. These include Dysport, Xeomin, Siax and Botox itself. 

The purpose of Botox 

Botox is a solution for many issues as it has both cosmetic and medical therapeutic uses:

Cosmetic Botox uses

Some the cosmetics uses include:

1. Reduction of wrinkles and early signs of aging.
2. Restoring skin’s radiance and vitality. 
3. Elimination of fine lines such as the lines between the eyebrows (fine lines).
4. Correction facial flaws such as deviated jaw and nose.  
5. Reducing wrinkles around the eyes.
6. Enhancing self-esteem and confidence in one’s look. 

Therapeutic Botox uses

Botox is also a solution to many medical issues:

1. Treatment of migraines.
2. Excessive sweating.
3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
4. Teeth grinding.
5. Muscle spasms in children. 

The purpose of filler

As the name implies, fillers are used to fill in the desired areas to achieve a more supple natural appearance. Similar to Botox, it also has both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. 

Cosmetic filler uses

1. Increased Collagen & Elastin production.
2. Reduction of wrinkles. 
3. Lip augmentation and plumping.
4. Treatment of dark circles.
5. Filling thin areas such as the face.
6. Defining the jawline.
7. Reduction of scars. 

Therapeutic filler uses

1. Increasing hair thickness and filling the scalp. 
2. Treating the pain of the joints & knees due to arthritis. 

Botox & Filler differences 

As previously mentioned, Botox and filler are different procedures so making a comparison is not entirely accurate. While they may have a few similarities, the main difference is the purpose of their intended use and the area to be injected. 

Botox is used to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles which makes it not suitable to be injected in any area. Filler works by filling dull areas that have lost their fullness due to aging and help restore their volume. One of the main differences is that Botox is used on the upper part of the face, however, filler is commonly used in the lower part of the face. It is crucial to note that both treatments may be possibly used in the same area or different areas depending on the case and desired outcome. 

But can Botox be used in place of Fillers and vice versa? The answer is no, as each procedure has its own purpose and nature of use. 

Botox & Filler similarities

We discussed the differences between Botox & filler them, now let’s move to the similarities:

1. Both reduce wrinkles and tighten skin.
2. Both procedures usually take between 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Pregnant & Breastfeeding women are prohibited from getting them done.
4. Bruises & swelling appear at the injection site post treatment.
5. They are performed by a dermatologist. 
6. Non-surgical treatments.
7. It is recommended to get a medical follow up after treatment.
8. It is preferred to not put pressure on the areas after the procedure. 

8 FAQs regarding Botox & fillers 

What is the nature of Botox and filler substances?

1. Botox: is a substance that is in powder form, diluted by a saline solution to become liquid. 
2. Filler: is a gel like substance, easily injected beneath the skin. 

When do Botox & Filler results appear? 

1. Botox results: usually appear after injection, within one to three days or may not fully appear till a week or more has passed. It is also possible that you may need additional procedures to achieve the desired results, especially in cases of deep wrinkles. 
2. Filler results: usually appear instantly, face filler may take longer and can reach up to 6 weeks. It is also possible to get extra procedures done to achieve the desired outcome. 

Are Botox & Filler safe? 

1. Is Botox safe? Yes, especially when done correctly and using the suitable amount of doses by a dermatologist. There are some complications that appear after the injection such as swelling of the area, headache, nausea and dry mouth.
2. Is filler safe? Yes, but it may cause mild side effects such as redness, mild bleeding, rashes and impaired vision. 

When should I start getting Botox & filler? 

You should start getting them done as soon as the problem appears to prevent bigger problems, so as soon as signs appear, you can start. 

How long do Botox & filler last? 

1. Botox results typically last from 3 to 6 months. To maintain long-lasting results, you may need to get the same area injected constantly over a specific period of time, usually being 3 months at least between each session. 
2. Filler results typically last from 6 months up to a year with a consideration to not smoke. Filler results usually differ depending on each individual, their skin type and the type of filler used.Age also matters as the younger the patient is, the longer the results last. 

Who are the best candidates for Botox & filler? 

1. Botox candidates: adults who don’t have a medical history of neuromuscular disease and anyone who is facing signs of aging. It is crucial to consult a doctor before getting this procedure done.
2. Fillers candidates: adults & non-smokers, consult a doctor before getting this procedure done.  

Cost difference between Botox & fillers? 

Costs of Botox & filler vary depending on different factors such as the area to be injected, the dose amount and the used brand and others. To know more about the cost of Botox & filler, contact the clinic’s  number (+962) 799377600 .

Can Botox & filler cause pain?

Filler may cause a mild uncomfortable feeling for the patient which goes back to the size of the syringe used for injection. As for Botox, the feeling may also be possible. In general, applying numbing creams before the injection for both procedures may increase patient comfort.