While man’s best friend may not mind a face filled with wrinkles, they don’t look quite as adorable on people. When youth is so valued, wrinkles are something many people work hard to avoid.
In the past, Botox was the solution to smoothing out those pesky wrinkles and hiding your age. Now, fillers are also an option. But which one is best for you?
Some say fillers are the best, but others still swear by Botox injections. It’s a good idea to look carefully at the pros and cons of each before making your final decision.
What Are Fillers?
Fillers are designed to actually fill in lines, creases and wrinkles. Think of it as a more permanent makeup that blends away those annoying signs of aging. Fillers are often used to add volume back to sagging cheeks and chins, thin lips and even sagging skin on hands.
There are different types of fillers available that are designed to treat different types of wrinkles. The four main types include:
- Hyaluronic Acid – Most common, lasts several months to a year, regular use can lead to improved collagen production, less hyaluronic acid is needed with each injection to achieve the same results
- Synthetic – Uses only synthetic products, often lasts longer than other options but may have more side effects
- Collagen – Can break down within a month, causes more allergic reactions, new forms of collagen are lasting longer and with fewer side effects
- Autologous – Results are semi-permanent, uses fat from your own body, requires two treatments but can be done in a single visit
The side effects vary slightly based on the type of filler you choose, but the most common ones include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Allergic reactions
- Small bumps
These all usually go away quickly, but you should talk to your doctor if any side effects persist.
How Does Botox Differ?
While fillers are injections too, Botox doesn’t actually fill in anything. Instead, Botox injections relax the muscles around the wrinkle, which smooths out your skin. The results typically last anywhere from 3-6 months. The chemical used in Botox is a natural and purified protein. It’s considered one of the most certified wrinkle treatments available.
Side effects are usually minimal and temporary. Bruising, redness and swelling at the injection site are the most common issues. Severe allergic reactions can occur if you’re allergic to the botulinum toxin. Some people have even developed an immunity that causes the injections not to work at all. Depending on your needs, Botox may not be the best choice.
Are Fillers Better Than Botox?
The question now is which is better for you. Fillers usually last far longer than Botox injections, but they are slightly more expensive. However, you’ll need Botox injections more often to achieve the long lasting results of fillers.
In many cases, you may find that fillers and Botox work together to give you a more youthful appearance. Botox injections are used to treat fine lines, while fillers treat those deeper lines that appear even when your face is at rest. Some doctors prefer the combination treatment to better target different types of wrinkles and lines.
Overall, fillers last longer and don’t introduce the botulinum toxin to your body. These reasons alone make them a popular choice for many people. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask about different types of fillers to see which ones will work best for your needs. Getting the best results depends on using the right filler.
Exercising Your Face
An alternative to both fillers and Botox are facial exercises. The earlier you start, the better the results. As with any muscle in your body, your face needs exercise to tighten skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Doing exercises on a regular basis is easy, since you don’t need equipment and you can them pretty much anywhere, though you may get a few funny looks if you’re in public.
Depending on the area(s) you wish to target, there are different facial exercises to try. Try these out to see if they help before making a decision between fillers and Botox.
Image: Andrew Roberts