comparing botox to oranges… i mean filler
(what the heck is the difference?!)
Botox & Filler Basics:
So you’re new to this whole Botox and filler thing, maybe you’ve been curious about it for a while, but you have so many questions and don’t know where to start. Well, you’re in the right place!
Before diving in, there are some fundamental things to know about these two products. For starters, what the heck is the difference between Botox and filler?
Comparing Botox and filler is like comparing apples to oranges. Or maybe more like apples to tacos. Apples and tacos are both foods, just as Botox and dermal fillers are both cosmetic products, but the similarities end there. So let’s break it down, starting with Botox.
What is Botox?
First, “Botox” is just a commonly known brand name for a class of drugs called neuromodulators. These drugs, also known by the brand Dysport, Xeomin and Nucevia, are Health Canada-approved drugs used to minimize and prevent wrinkles by relaxing muscle function.
How does Botox work?
These neuromodulators are a protein complex (Botulinum Toxin Type A) produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (Phew! Say that ten times fast!). They temporarily paralyze your muscle’s ability to contract by stopping the signal between your nerves and muscle fibres. When this happens, the skin that sits over the top of the muscle is no longer subjected to repetitive creasing. The result?… beautifully smooth and youthful skin!
Depending on the product used, these desired effects can kick in after 2-9 days and results generally last around 3-4 months.
Although these products are typically used for cosmetic purposes, it’s important to remember that they are still drugs and come with possible side effects
Always talk to your injector (a trained licensed healthcare professional) or your doctor before receiving any treatment.
Okay, now what about filler? What is it?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances made primarily of hyaluronic acid (naturally occurring in our body tissue). They add volume, contour or hydration to various facial features.
Did you know there are over 30 hyaluronic acid fillers approved in Canada?!
Filler is super versatile and can enhance almost any area of the face! In addition, these products can last anywhere from 6 months to a year and even longer!
Just like neuromodulators, dermal fillers come with possible risks and side effects. Your injector should be well-versed in facial anatomy and know how to mitigate or avoid these risks altogether!
Now THAT’S a lot of info!
Well, if you made it this far, you can now book your first treatment without feeling in the dark about what you are getting yourself into!
Always tell your injector all about your aesthetic hopes and dreams! They are there to guide and inform you, and most importantly, help you look and feel your absolute best!
