Botox vs. Fillers: Which Way Should I Go?
No one can avoid the passage of time. The years will fly by and they will inevitably leave their mark. Some of us will find ourselves dealing with more wrinkles and sagging skin than others. This is especially troubling when it affects our face, the calling card to the world. If you are looking at fine lines, or even more pronounced wrinkles and drooping skin, you might be considering doing something about it.
While a face lift may be too involved, Botox and fillers are a popular solution. Different products are injected into the area of concern to provide fullness to the skin, lifting out wrinkles, giving an appearance of more youthful skin. Make sure you weigh your options before you go ahead with any type of procedure.
Botox: What’s the Story?
Botox is a tried and true alternative when it comes to injectables. It is a drug manufactured from botulinum toxin, a type of protein.
It differs from fillers in that is paralyzes the muscles in an affected area, making them stop contracting. As a result, lines and wrinkles on the face will soften, becoming less apparent. It has a good track record and has been used to treat many areas of the face, including the forehead, around the eyes, the creases beside the nose, around the mouth, and the lips.
Many people prefer to use Botox because it does not involve surgery, there is very little recovery involved, and results endure for as long as four months. Botox is a quick, outpatient procedure that will take about ten minutes of your time. You could do this on a break and be back in business.
What About Fillers?
Fillers are similar to Botox, in that they are injected into an area of concern. However, fillers do not affect the muscles. They will actually fill in a wrinkled area, giving the skin a plump appearance that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
Types of fillers include Collagen, Juvederm, Sculptra, Restylane, Radiesse, and Perlane. Like Botox, fillers can be injected in a brief, outpatient procedure. Recovery time is short as well, with only minor discomfort in most cases. Most fillers will last for several months. Some have been known to endure as long as a year. Fat Transfer: Another Option as a Filler Fat transfer is quickly becoming a popular alternative on the cosmetic enhancement scene.
Excess fat is actually removed from a person’s body through liposuction. It could be taken from the thighs or the abdomen. From that point, the fat is then injected into the area where there is a concern with wrinkles or to plump up an area of the face, such as the cheekbones and lips. Many prefer to go the route of fat transfer for an injection because it is completely natural. There is less risk of infection or complications caused by using a substance that is foreign to the body.
Most patients are satisfied with their appearance as well, stating that they have a more natural appearance as compared to other fillers. This procedure is considered a minor procedure and does not have a lengthy recovery time. It lasts longer as well. When making the choice about Botox and any kind of filler, whether it is chemical or natural, consider all of the negative and positive arguments first. Cost and any risks should be a priority. Also, think about howl long the effects will last. You’re sure to want to make fewer visits and spend less money. Finally, find a first rate cosmetic surgeon for the procedure.