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Wrinkle treatment options are increasingly abundant. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) and hyaluronic acid fillers are both long-lasting treatments. Each procedure can be used for wrinkles, but there are several differences between the two to consider.

What is the difference between Botox® and hyaluronic acid fillers?

Botox® and hyaluronic acid fillers are cosmetic treatments given through injections, usually in a doctor’s office. They are minimally invasive, meaning they do not involve surgery. That is where their similarities end, however.

 Botox® is the brand name of a specific botulinum neurotoxin. It has been on the market for over two decades and has been used to treat neurological disorders that cause muscle weakness. It is also used to treat migraines and other medical conditions.

Botox® can be injected into areas where it is desirable to block the action of some nerves, for example in the tiny muscles of the eye, for squints, or in the bladder for hyperactive muscle.

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. They are designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues. They are mainly used to smooth the nasolabial folds, to fill the lips or cheekbones. Sometimes, they are used for hand treatments or to reduce the appearance of scars.

Dermal fillers are a group of injectable medical products designed to add volume to tissues. There are many different types of fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen-stimulating fillers (such as sculptra®) and permanent fillers such as fat transfer.

Botox vs Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Which Is More Effective?

The effectiveness of either procedure depends on what you’re in need of. Botox®, for instance, can be used preventatively (ie. even before you’re really noticing any deep-set wrinkles). Lines of expression need botulinum toxin. Lines at rest need filler. While Botox® is a great choice for hitting those “crease points” where muscles contract, hyaluronic acid fillers are best for deep lines that are present even when facial muscles are not contracting. 

Which one lasts the longest?

Once again, it depends. Both are substances designed to be injected under the surface of the skin for volume and fullness. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or more. Botox® is not a permanent treatment. Repeated sessions are essential for continuous wrinkle-reducing action. It is found that the muscle relaxant effect of Botox® usually lasts for 3 to 4 months.

What is the right age to start Botox® & hyaluronic acid fillers?

Some studies suggest that Botox® can have preventative effects on new wrinkles if you start it early enough. As a general rule of thumb, consider getting preventative Botox® at the first sign of lines or wrinkles on your face. For many people, this starts somewhere in their 30s. The age of onset of hyaluronic acid fillers is also relevant. Not only do fillers help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but they can also add volume to your cheekbones, lips, lower jaw and / or nose, making them a popular choice among many age groups.

The best age for you to start cosmetic treatments will depend on your goals and how pronounced wrinkles and other signs of aging are at a given age.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies as it depends on how many units or how many ml are used respectively, as well as the method and the technique of the infusion being used.

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