There are several treatment options available for reducing wrinkles. A lot of people use over-the-counter creams, gels, and serums, while others look forward to getting treatments that produces longer lasting results such as botox and fillers in Singapore. An assortment of people considers both botox injections and dermal fillers the same.
However, others may be curious about what differences there are between the two. Both botox (botulinum toxin type A) and dermal fillers can be used to reduce wrinkles. Nonetheless, there are various dissimilarities between the two, which will be discussed in this article.
Comparing Uses
Both botox and dermal fillers use a syringe to deliver the medicine through injections and aim to smoothen the skin and bring back your youthful looks. There are some differences in their application.
Botox
Botox serves to lessen the wrinkles and fine lines on the face due to muscle movement. It is predominantly used for the treatment of wrinkles, particularly those that are naturally found surrounding the mouth and eyes and in the area between the brows. These wrinkles become even more prominent as you age. Botox injections primarily relax the muscles around the wrinkles, preventing them from contracting and moving. However, botox is not utilized for the fine lines that occur due to the breakdown of collagen.
Botox injections can be also be used for treating the following conditions.
- Platysmal Bands – Platysma muscle originates from your neck’s base through the sides of the neck into the jawline. As the fatty tissue is lost with age, the underlying muscles protrude out, making your neck appear more aged. Botox injection can tighten and rejuvenate the neck area, resulting in a more youthful look.
- Hyperhidrosis – Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which excessive sweating occurs. For the treatment of this condition, the botox injection is delivered under the skin surface, where it has an effect on the acetylcholine receptors. Hence, sweat is not produced in excessive amounts. This makes a huge difference to patients as they get great relief in their daily life. Moreover, the treatment lasts for about 5 to 6 months.
- Teeth Grinding – in cases of teeth grinding, botox injections are helpful in relaxing the muscles involved and decrease pain. Besides, botox also aids in shaping the jawline that has become square because of teeth grinding.
- Migraines and Headaches – Botox also serves to alleviate tension headaches and migraines, reducing their frequency and severity.
Dermal Fillers
Employed to deal with facial wrinkles, dermal fillers are fundamentally used for treating smile lines or lines that remain on the face when the facial muscles are at rest. Dermal filler treatment in Singapore are also used to enhance facial plumpness and contour, particularly around the lips, cheeks, forehead and chin, but are not approved to be used for plumping other body areas like breasts.
These are sometimes used as skin boosters, injected under the skin surface, on hands, cheeks, and periocular area, serving to hydrate and enhance skin texture. The fillers may also be utilized for reducing the appearance of scars.
Comparing Efficacy
Botox
As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAOS), the results of botox Singapore are first noticed within a week of the injection. However, the side effects are negligible; any that may show up fade away shortly. You might also have some condition that prevent the demonstration of Botox’s full effects. Consult your doctor to talk about them beforehand.
After receiving your injections, you can continue your regular chores or activities. The results of Botox can last for approximately 4 to 6 months, depending on the area of treatment. After that, further treatment sessions would be needed to maintain the results.
The injection will be delivered to the muscles that have contributed to the particular wrinkles. This takes a couple of minutes, and the results can be noticed within one to two weeks.
Dermal Fillers
While considered effective, dermal fillers’ results are also said to last longer than those of Botox. However, the duration of results varies with the type of filler used. Similar to botox injection, maintenance treatments would be needed from time to time.
While botox is only used as botulinum toxin A, dermal fillers come in diverse constituents approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States. These include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) – a topical gel that can last for about 18 months.
- Hyaluronic acid – a short-term filler maintaining its effects for up to 12 months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Sculptra Aesthetic) – a longer-lasting synthetic product that can last for up to 2 years.
Risks And Side Effects
Just like any other procedure, both dermal fillers and Botox injections may have some side effects, though minimal. You should also communicate with your doctor if you have any underlying health condition as it may have an effect on your treatment.
Botox
The AAOS recommends botox for those who are in good health so that the risk of side effects is minimal.
The possible side effects of Botox include:
- Bruises at the injection site
- Irritation and redness
- Headaches
You may not be the right candidate for Botox if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have pre-existing skin problems such as deep scars
- Have feeble facial muscles
- Have multiple sclerosis or some other neuromuscular disorder
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can potentially have more side effects as compared to Botox. However, these are not severe and typically fade away in about two weeks.
These can include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Scarring
- Sores
You are not the right candidate for dermal filler treatment if you
- Have an allergy to the fillers
- Are not in good health
- Have other skin diseases
Comparing Cost
The total cost of botox and dermal fillers varies according to the severity of your condition, the amount of area to be treated, the surgeon’s expertise, and your cosmetic clinic’s reputation.
Botox
Botox might be more affordable than dermal fillers. Its cost per session starts from $200 on average. Averagely, each unit of botox used ranges from $10 to $17 and depending on the wrinkle or how strong the muscles are, the doctor will advise how much botox is required for the treatment.
Dermal Fillers
The total cost of dermal fillers also depends upon the type and amount of filler used. The following table shows its estimated price per syringe, as stated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
Note that these prices are average costs, and your doctor will tell you the precise amount based on your needs.
Bottom Line
With the excellent results produced by plastic surgeons and trained medical doctors, the demand for botox and dermal fillers is increasing. These are associated with simple procedures performed as an outpatient, taking only a few minutes. But first, you should consult a doctor for a detailed consultation.
These procedures are safe and effective for most individuals and do not need surgery or recovery time.
Although both are used for wrinkles, it should be aware that Botox and dermal fillers have slight differences in their uses, results, side effects, and cost, as tabulated above. However, these can be used in combination to complement the treatment outcomes. Evaluate all the pros and cons with your doctor to choose the best option.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
