Although people often refer to Botox and dermal fillers interchangeably, the truth is that they are used for different purposes. Experienced plastic surgeons understand which type of injectable will achieve the best results for the situation at hand. To educate prospective patients, Dr. Lloyd Landsman explains when it makes most sense to use Botox versus dermal fillers.
Botox
Botox is an injectable that temporarily freezes specific facial muscles. Since lines and wrinkles are created on aging skin when these muscles move, inhibiting the muscles allows time for the lines to fade away. Dr. Landsman also offers Dysport and Xeomin which are similar in nature to Botox. Situations best addressed with these neuromodulators include:
- Crow’s Feet: The lines that jut out from the corner of your eyes are infamous for aging the face.
- Frown Lines: The (vertical) glabella lines that form between the eyebrows are often among the first wrinkles to form. That is because the muscles in this area are especially active when making facial expressions.
- Forehead Lines: Most foreheads develop horizontal lines over time. Botox will freeze the muscles so that these lines gradually fade.
- Neck Bands: Platysmal bands tend to become more prominent with age, but Botox can minimize their appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Although the body naturally generates hyaluronic acid, production declines as the body ages. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to restore volume to the skin to essentially “fill in” lines and wrinkles that form on lax skin. Dr. Landsman uses filler products like Juvéderm, Restylane and Radiesse for the following purposes:
- Undereye Bags: Softening the dark circles that form beneath the eyes (sometimes known as tear troughs) can help patients to look less tired.
- Reshaping the Nose: As an alternative to surgery, “liquid rhinoplasty” uses dermal fillers to adjust certain aspects of the nose.
- Nasolabial Folds: The two lines that extend from the lower parts of the nose to the corners of the mouth deepen with time. Dermal fillers can make these lines less prominent.
- Lip Size: Dermal fillers can augment the size of the lips so that they look plumper and more kissable.
- Weak Cheeks: Not everyone is born with strong cheekbones, and some people will see their cheeks get thinner over time as the face loses fat and volume. Rounder cheeks can be achieved with dermal fillers.
Interested in Giving Injectables a Try?
Clearly, there are a wide range of cosmetic issues that injectables can improve. With years of experience, Dr. Landsman understands not only which type of injectable is best, but also precisely where to inject and how much to inject to get optimal results. For an appointment, please call (631) 864-4111.
