Botox or Hyaluronic acid filler?
All you need to know when considering anti aging treatments at Beauty Bar in Hertfordshire
If you are considering aesthetic treatments you probably thought of botox and hyaluronic acid filler, the two most popular treatments. We will explain to you the differences between these two treatments.
Botox works well for reducing facial wrinkles such as horizontal forehead lines and frown lines, these are wrinkles formed by the facial expressions. Hyaluronic acid filler is good for filling in (it’s a dermal filler) deeper creases and lines that are showing at rest. In some cases, a combination of both treatments may be recommended.
Botox or hyaluronic acid
Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for facial expression. Hyaluronic acid filler is a cross linked hyaluronic acid. It’s a natural component of the skin, is used to fill static wrinkles and and hollows, adds volume and attracts moisture.
Types of facial wrinkles
Mimic wrinkles
They form as a result of repeated facial muscle movements, smiling or frowning.
Static wrinkles
These are visible even at rest, may result from the loss of collagen and skin elasticity, very thin skin.
Hyaluronic acid is intended for filling and smoothing static wrinkles, and botox for mimic wrinkles and expression lines.
By using appropriate treatments, signs of aging and aging look of skin may improve. Neither of these treatments can boost collagen or increase skin elasticity.
What is botox and how does it work?
Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, works by temporarily blocking the contractions of facial muscles. In aesthetics can be used to reduce facial wrinkles, such as forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet. It may be also used to treat migraines, teeth clenching and grinding, excessive sweating and muscle spasms.
How does Botox work?
Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles, which causes them to relax. As a result, the skin over these muscles becomes smoother. The effects are visible within 14 days of the procedure and last approximately 3 months.
Does Botox eliminate wrinkles?
Botox is effective in preventing or minimising facial wrinkles, but it does not eliminate them completely. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for the formation of facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and lines between the eyebrows.
Some areas where botox can be used
- forehead – to reduce horizontal lines.
- eye area – crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes.
- between the eyebrows – frown lines
Other uses for botulinum toxin
- migraine treatment, can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- hyperhidrosis, used to reduce excessive sweating in areas such as the armpits, hands and feet.
- muscle spasms, helps treat muscle spasms and dystonia.
- overactive bladder, some stomach issues and some eye conditions.
How long does botox last?
The effect of the first botox treatment usually lasts for 3 months. In regular, subsequent treatments, this time may be longer.
Immediately after injection, botulinum toxin binds to the nerve endings in the muscles, blocking nerve signals and causing them to temporarily relax. This process begins a few minutes after the injection, and the full effect is visible after 14 days. Over time, the body metabolises and removes it, and the muscles regain their function. The effects of the treatment gradually disappear.
Can botox damage your face?
Botox is safe when used responsibly. Excessive or incorrect use can lead to unnatural look with limited facial expressions, facial asymmetry, droopy eyelid (ptosis) or mouth, and temporary problems with speech. Very rarely allergic reactions or infections at the injection site may happen.
Regular breaks between treatments are important, so you will not become resistant to the toxin.
Can botox be ineffective?
This may be result from an incorrect dose for example dose was too small, expired product, incorrect injection technique, individual predispositions for example taking certain medications, having some health conditions, or getting top ups too often and developing a resistance to botox.
What happens to botox after many years?
The effects of botox gradually wear off after 3 months to a maximum of 6 months. Over time, the muscles regain their function and muscle movements and expression wrinkles may become visible again. Botulinum toxin has been studied well and has been used in medicine for many years. It was originally used to treat muscle spasms and neurological conditions. It is a prescription product.
What are the side effects of Botulinum toxin treatment?
Possible bruising, swelling, droopy eyelids or mouth corners with incorrect use, unnatural look with excessive use.
What is hyaluronic acid filler?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, it gives hydration and volume to the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers may be injected to smooth out static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are visible even at rest, without any facial expressions. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be used to add volume or contour to the cheeks, lips, and other areas of the face.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
Hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the treatment area using needles or cannulas. The procedure is precise and minimally invasive.
Hyaluronic acid binds water, it adds volume to areas where volume and fullness is lost, such as cheeks, lips, or wrinkles.
Non cross linked hyaluronic acid can stimulate collagen production, which contributes to improvement in skin texture. Collagen is a protein responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Botox can be used to relax the muscles, which may prevent expression wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid is used to fill in creases and folds.
These treatments are not a substitute to skin care and anti aging treatments like microneedling, rf needling, skin boosters, mesotherapy etc. In plump, well moisturised and revitalised skin, wrinkles do not show as much as in the dehydrated and thinner skin. It is always a good practice to look after your skin at any age.