Cosmetic injections are some of the most popular minimally invasive procedures performed today. . Injectable fillers and neuromodulators are used for a range of indications pertaining to the correction of facial aging and disfigurement.However popular they are, many prospective patients don’t actually know the difference between neurotoxins and fillers. Both types of injectables are excellent at softening the signs of aging, but in very different ways.
The Main Difference Between The Two
Simply put, neurotoxins block muscle movement by relaxing muscles, and fillers just fill in a depression in the skin. If a line is being caused by a repetitive muscle movement in the face, a neurotoxin treatment will most likely be recommended for the patient. However, if the patient has deep lines and wrinkles that are not affected by facial expressions or cannot be easily corrected by relaxing, muscle filler may be recommended.
It’s not uncommon for filler and neurotoxins to be combined for elevated results. Since both treatments can be used to treat signs of aging, you may benefit from using both as part of an anti-aging treatment plan. This is a great combo for those with deep wrinkles and folds as well as the more minor lines in the upper face caused by expressions.
What Are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxin (Type A) is a cosmetic injection, including Botox that interferes with the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This causes a relaxed effect that smoothens the look of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions. The most common areas treated are between the brows, crows-feet at the outer corners of the eyes, and horizontal forehead lines. Neurotoxins can also be used to balance facial asymmetry.
Who Should Consider Using Neurotoxins?
- Patients with deep lines between the eyes (“11” lines) that make them look tired, irritated, or upset.
- Those with facial expressions causing wrinkles and lines around the eyes and forehead.
- Those with an asymmetry in eyebrows or face that can be adjusted by relaxing a muscle on one side.
It’s important to remember that the effects of neurotoxin injectable treatments aren’t immediate. Full results will appear within one to two weeks. The neurotoxin treatments that we like and use include:
BOTOX® Dysport® Xeomin®
Although these injectable treatments are commonly used to treat wrinkles, they can also be used to treat excessive sweating, TMJ and soften vertical neck bands.
What are Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a type of minimally invasive cosmetic injectable used to add volume, improve the contours of the face, and fill in lines and wrinkles. Common areas to inject fillers are in the cheeks, lips, and facials folds and lines. The result is a volumized, smooth and more youthful appearance.
Who should consider using fillers?
- Patients that have deep lines around the eyes, brow, or mouth.
- Those who would like to lift or change the contours of their face or lips.
- Patients that have folds or lines that are static and not controlled by a muscle.
Dermal fillers and neurotoxins are both ideal ways to treat wrinkles and recapture a youthful glow, but only an experienced Plastic Surgeon knows how to wield a needle to achieve the best possible results for you.
