Cosmetic fillers and anti-wrinkle injectables containing muscle relaxing toxins are both widely used to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and facial sagging. You might wonder which one is best. Well, it depends on your specific needs. Both will leave you looking younger.
Understanding What the Two Anti-Ageing Treatments Have in Common
Both treatments are a form of cosmetic injections:
- They are both administered by a trained medical professional using a syringe and needle.
- The treatments are designed to successfully treat and prevent the signs of ageing.
The Differences
- Dermal fillers are made to fill and plump out the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing the muscles in the face to prevent new wrinkles from forming and smooth out existing lines.
Anti Wrinkle Injections
- Anti-wrinkle injections are administered to only specific facial muscles
- Once injected, you will notice smoother, younger skin in about 3 to 14 days.
- The effects of the injections wear off in about three to four months.
- You will need to repeat the injections every three to four months to maintain your appearance.
- The injections are made from botulinum toxin.
Dermal Fillers
- The injections are placed in problem areas.
- Unlike anti-wrinkle injections which are injected into the muscles, dermal fillers are placed deep in the skin’s dermal layer.
- The injections are administered in various milliliters which depend on how much filler is required to smooth out the skin.
- Dermal fillers work immediately to fill out wrinkles and plump the skin
- Swelling may occur after injections but is usually resolved in 48 to 72 hours.
- The effects will last for six to 12 months.
- The treatments should usually be repeated every 6 to 12 months.
- Dermal fillers are made from sugar molecules that are derived from plant sources.
- Injecting dermal fillers into the lips provides a fuller appearance and creates a pouting look.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are rare with anti-wrinkle injections. There is a 2% chance of creating a ptosis, (where a brow or eyelid may sit lower post treatment) this can last for a few weeks but will resolve. You might experience mild irritation at the injection site. On rare occasions, there may be slight bruising or swelling. All of which resolve quickly.
With dermal fillers you may experience redness at the injection site but it typically diminishes within 24 hours. Bruising and swelling post injecting are all normal side effects after treatment, so plan your treatment around a time that you have very few commitments. One of the greatest risks of dermal filling is vascular-accident, this is when the dermal filler causes occlusion to a vessel thus restricting blood supply to the surrounding skin. The side effect would be increased pain that does not subside, a dusky colour to skin in the area of the pain. Dermal fillers are reversible with a medication called Hyaluronidase which dissolves the product and helps reverse the complication.
Both dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are highly beneficial in reducing the effects of ageing. Anti-wrinkle injections also prevent new wrinkles from forming. You will need to weigh out the benefits of both treatments to decide which one will meet your unique requirements, and seek consultation with a skilled and reputable practitioner.
At the Laser Skin & Vein Clinic our medical professionals are trained in all aspects of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Call today to book a consultation to discuss which cosmetic method will best fit your needs.
