With so many different injectable options on the market and so many areas that can be treated, we know it can be confusing. In this post, we fully explain the difference between Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers to help you get a better idea of which treatment is right for you.
Botox®/Dysport®/Xeomin®: These are all neurotoxins that work by blocking the nerve impulse that controls muscle movement, thereby temporarily restricting the ability to contract the facial muscles. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed. Untreated muscles still work normally, so you can continue to express feelings naturally. Neurotoxins are injected to help smooth the appearance of wrinkles and are generally used to treat the upper face in areas such as frown lines, forehead, and crow’s feet. The results from neurotoxin injections last between 3-4 months and then need to be repeated.
Dermal Fillers: As we age, we lose the volume, collagen, and elastin in our face. The tissues under the skin also start to thin. Dermal fillers can help restore lost volume and even stimulate collagen production by being injected beneath the surface of the skin. They can help correct facial wrinkles and folds in your mid and lower face and fine lines. Filler can also be injected in the lips to plump and replace volume loss. The dermal fillers we inject are comprised of either calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones and stimulates collagen production, or hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body and hydrates and adds volume to the skin. Depending on which filler you use, results can last 6 months to a year.
Which is right for you? Upon having a consultation with Michelle O’Neill, PA-C, she will evaluate you and customize an injection plan best suited for your needs. It is possible you may need Neurotoxin injections and dermal filler injections.
