What Are the Differences Between Botox and Other Injectables?

When it comes to cosmetic injectables, Botox is by far the most well-known. This is partly due to its longevity – it was the first cosmetic injection to be FDA-approved back in 2002 – and partly due to its popularity. Botox is best known for its wrinkle-fighting abilities, but other cosmetic injectables can also smooth away wrinkles. Here is the difference between Botox and other cosmetic injectables such as facial fillers.

What Is Botox?

You may know about Botox and its ability to smooth crow’s feet or frown lines, but do you know how it works? Botox is a neurotoxin, also called a neuromodulator, that works by relaxing muscles. It is derived from the bacterium that causes botulism, but it is safe to use in the tiny amounts injected into muscles. Botox injections work by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract – it was first used to control eye spasms, but it was found effective to stop the muscles that cause certain facial lines.

Botox treatments do not begin to work immediately. It can take up to 7-10 days for the full effect of Botox to be realized. Once the muscle or muscles are relaxed, the effects last for about 3-4 months. Botox is made from a protein that breaks down over time into harmless amino acids. Some of the cosmetic uses for Botox include:

• Smooth frown and worry lines on the brow
• Erase crow’s feet around the eyes
• Create a “lifting” of the eyebrows
• Smooth bunny lines on the nose
• Reduce masseter (jaw) muscles for a slimmer or more feminine facial appearance
• Rejuvenate the neck skin and muscles
• Create a nasal tip lift
• Enhance the lips – gummy smile treatment or a lip-flip
• Smooth chin dimples

There are many different treatments performed with Botox, both for medical and cosmetic purposes. However, Botox is very different from other cosmetic injectables like dermal/facial fillers.

What Are Facial Fillers?

Botox works by relaxing muscles – facial fillers do not affect muscle movement but instead, add volume under the skin. Hyaluronic acid is by far the most popular dermal filler and the main ingredient in top facial fillers like Restylane, Juvéderm, and Belotero. These injections are wonderful for facial contouring or plumping lips, as well as smoothing wrinkles.

Unlike Botox, hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections provide almost immediate results. The filler plumps under the skin and adds the desired volume in just about 15-20 minutes. Dermal fillers also last much longer than Botox treatments, usually at least six months with some lasting up to two years or longer.

At AuroSpa, we are happy to offer both Botox and a variety of facial filler injections. They can be used in conjunction to create the desired effects for a more youthful and attractive appearance. To learn more about cosmetic injections and which ones may be right for you, call our spa in Beverly Hills, CA to schedule your consultation.