Aging is an absolute truth that we cannot stop and it is often one of the harder truths to accept, especially with the advent of social media and selfie generation. No one likes to have their lines and wrinkles highlighted in their pictures. Thanks to technology, apps and camera features allow us to edit our faces so we can smooth away signs of aging virtually. But it isn’t as easy hiding wrinkles and fine lines in real life. Fortunately, at Tacoma Laser Clinic, we offer a variety of cosmetic treatments to significantly reduce and in some cases eliminate unwanted signs of aging. Our most popular minimally invasive treatment options are Botox and dermal fillers.
What Is The Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is a poisonous biological substance known as a neurotoxin. During the late 1980s, the botulinum toxin was purified and approved by the FDA as a way to primarily stop ailments such as uncontrolled muscle twitching, constant blinking, and even lazy eyes. Today, it is used to treat a range of conditions such as migraines, facial creases, crow’s feet, and even excessive sweating.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles that cause fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth, also known as expression lines. By blocking the nerve signals, the muscles at the injection site become temporarily paralyzed, thus softening or eliminating wrinkles from the area.
Dermal fillers also known as soft-tissue fillers or soft-tissue augmentation, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness back into the targeted area, common areas include cheeks, lips, and the area around the mouth.
As we age, we begin losing collagen and elasticity, which ultimately leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and thinning of the face. Dermal fillers fill in the targeted area reducing the appearance of wrinkles and can also be useful for creating contours on the face such as fuller, higher cheeks; defined, structured chins; and smooth, chiseled noses.
The main difference between Botox and dermal fillers is that Botox relaxes muscles to remove signs of aging while dermal fillers fill in areas of loss volume to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines. Both are administered through injection..
Results
With Botox, you are able to return to work immediately with minimal instruction. Following treatment, you should avoid consuming alcohol or heavily touching the treated area for at least 24 hours. We also advise you to wait a minimum of 2 hours before engaging in any strenuous physical activity such as working out, heavy lifting or activities that might raise your heart rate. Do not use any blood-thinning medication as well, as this may produce a reaction following treatment. Results of Botox last about 3-4 months. Additional treatments will be required to maintain results.
Similar to Botox, the recovery for dermal fillers is minimal. Patients are allowed to return to work after treatment but should avoid strenuous activities and excessive sun or heat exposure within the first 24 hours following treatment. Depending on the type of filler used, results may last anywhere from 2 months to 2 years. Patients often report seeing results immediately after a single treatment, though more may be required to achieve desired results.
We are proud to offer these beauty enhancement treatments at Tacoma Laser Clinic. Using the latest advances in minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures and brand name prescription products, our goal is to make you feel confident in your skin. For more information on dermal fillers and Botox or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
