What Are Injectables: Botox & Fillers?
Botox is injected to freeze muscles in your face. It can “fix” wrinkles created by the movement of your muscles. These wrinkles are referred to as “complex wrinkles” or “expression lines”, or as “frown lines”, “crow feet”, and “forehead lines”, if we are talking about the wrinkles on your forehead. Botox can also be used for non-cosmetic reasons. For example, it can be injected to treat migraines.
Dermal fillers also referred to as “soft tissue fillers”, are inserted under the skin surface to restore the fullness in the face. Fillers are often used in the lower face to plump cheeks and lips, eliminate wrinkles under the eyes, and smooth out scars and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be used on various body areas.
Botox Vs. Fillers: Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Botox is a safe and effective procedure, it can be used by nearly everyone. However, there are very few exceptions, such as women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or people with neurological disorders who should not use Botox. Botox is safe for the majority of patients, men and women of 18+ years old.
You cannot be an ideal candidate for fillers if you have certain conditions like a local skin infection, the previous reaction to fillers, allergy to any ingredient in fillers, pregnancy, etc. Most patients using dermal fillers are 50+ years old, but there are exceptions, of course.
How Do Botox and Fillers Work?
Botox operates under the skin and temporarily decreases the underlying muscle movement that causes mild to extreme frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults.
Dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, which occurs in the body naturally. Dermal filler works by improving the hyaluronic acid supply in the skin and adding volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles immediately. It results in a smooth, natural look.
How Long Do They Last?
Botox results are fully visible in a few days after the injection and last 3-4 months on average. Some people do not need to repeat the injections for up to 6 months. Everyone is unique, and how long Botox will last depends on the individual circumstances. Also, for those patients who do Botox injections for the first time, the results may last not as long as for the people who are not new to Botox.
Dermal fillers are instant, so you will see the results right after the injection. The full incorporation of the filler into the tissue takes up to 4 weeks, and some fillers are more cohesive than others. Usually, dermal fillers last for up to 12 months, but there are some that last for up to 5 years! It’s important to remember that there are different kinds of fillers. At Surgicare Arts and Aesthetics, we offer:
Botox Vs. Fillers: Other Considerations
Usually, when people decide on cosmetic procedures, there are a few factors that matter the most.
1. How effective are the choices?
Dermal fillers’ results usually last longer than Botox, but it also depends on the type of filler you choose, as mentioned above. Botox injections deliver results within a few days after treatment. But the results only last about 3 to 4 months (for the most part) and depend on individual factors, such as metabolism, for example.
2. What’s about safety and side effects?
- Bruises at the injection site;
- Sometimes drooping eyelids (that will be resolved in a few weeks);
- Redness of the eye, dryness or excessive tearing;
- Some people can experience headaches.
- Allergic response;
- Bruising;
- Infection (rare);
- Itching;
- Numbness;
- Light redness;
- Rash.
How Much Does It Cost?
This is also a very important factor that everyone considers when deciding what is the best choice for them. The difference in Botox vs fillers cost can be significant depending on a) the area where the product is applied and b) the amount of product needed for the treatment.
In the Atlanta area, you can certainly find an abundance of discounts and specials, but let’s be honest: the quality of Botox and fillers and the experience of the injector are very important factors (if not the most important ones!) when deciding on what’s best for you. So let’s get into it.
Botox can cost between $10 and $15 per unit in the Atlanta area, and it can cost you $200-$300 per treatment on average, again, depending on how many units are needed for one treatment that will give you desired results.
Dermal fillers’ cost also varies, and Dr. Angelina covered this question in detail in this video:
At Surgicare Arts, we offer our patients flexible financing options to ensure that everyone can pick the procedure that is best for them. And when it comes to Botox or fillers, our patients also have the option of enrolling into the Brilliant Distinctions® program that is free and starts giving you discounts and specials on Botox and fillers right away! With each procedure, you accumulate points that give you $ to apply to the next procedure, so it’s basically savings on top of savings.
What Is Best for Me: Botox or Fillers?
There is no one definitive answer for everyone. If you want to find the best option for you and maximize your results, book a consultation or a teleconsult in one of our locations. Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and a very experienced injector. She will walk you through all the options and will help you make the right choice. And don’t forget to regularly check our monthly specials! Botox and fillers are often on the list.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer dermal fillers and injectables for men and women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation.
