Botox® vs. Fillers: Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Cosmetics have come a long way over the years. But with their advancements often comes an overwhelming sense of choice paralysis. 

That’s where our experts at Sanford Dermatology come in.

We know how overwhelming it can be to navigate your options. Here, we take the guesswork out of cosmetic treatments, so you can stay focused on discovering your most confident self. 

Filling you in on fillers

These days you can’t hear enough about hyaluronic acid (HA) — and there’s a good reason for it. HA is a naturally occurring substance found in your body that’s responsible for helping your skin retain water and maintain shape. 

That’s why we offer dermal fillers that contain high concentrations of HA and use them to directly address specific areas of your face, including around your mouth and lips and around your eyes. 

Fillers work best against a specific type of wrinkle called static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are those that are visible when your face is at rest. You typically see these lines form between your nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and between your mouth and chin (marionette lines). 

When we inject fillers into those problem areas, they quickly plump out the creases and significantly reduce the appearance of pesky wrinkles. The effects of fillers usually last a few months before your body starts to break them down and flush them out of your system. 

The basics of Botox®

Back in the ’70s, researchers discovered that a derivative of the botulism toxin could safely and temporarily paralyze the small muscles in the face. The result? A significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle contractions and facial expressions (dynamic wrinkles). 

Since receiving its FDA approval in 2002, upwards of 4-5 million women and men have flocked to their nearest provider to get treatments every year.

During your treatment, we use a thin, sterile needle to apply the Botox solution along each line or wrinkle being treated. Before we start, we administer a numbing agent to keep you completely comfortable. 

The paralytic agent in the injection blocks the nerves in your face from communicating with your brain when you make a facial expression. This effectively reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and makes you look as young as you feel. 

Botox can last up to a few months, so we recommend getting repeat injections as needed. 

Making the decision

Not sure which injectable is right for you? The good news is that both are likely an option. You read that right — both, simultaneously. We often recommend getting Botox and fillers together to fight against both static and dynamic wrinkles in multiple areas of your face. Bonus: Botox and fillers can address loose, sagging skin, as well. 

We take the time to discuss your concerns and treatment goals with you before recommending a course of action. You can be confident that you’re taking the best steps toward a younger-looking you. 

Don’t spend another day wondering about your options — take your beauty into your own hands. Call our friendly staff to request an appointment at either our Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina offices today.