Neurotoxins vs. Dermal Fillers – What’s the difference?

March 18, 2024

Injectables have come a long way since their debut over 40 years ago. Today, there are so many different injectable options on the market and so many areas that can be treated, we know it can be confusing. We want to make it easier for you to understand the difference between Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers so you can get a better idea of which treatment is right for you. Who knows you may opt for both. 😉

Before we look at what makes them different, let’s discuss what they have in common.

Both neurotoxins and dermal fillers are minimally invasive with little to no downtime and provide natural-looking results. It is important to remember that neither treatment is permanent (length of time varies by injectable) and treatments must be repeated to maintain the desired effects.

What are Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins like Botox® and Dysport® are injected into specific facial muscles to block nerve impulses causing the muscle to relax. When the nerve impulses are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without the movement of the selected muscles, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed. These treatments can help combat smile lines, forehead lines, and other wrinkles associated with age. The results are visible within 3-7 days and can last up to 4 months.

What are Dermal Fillers?

As we begin to age, our ability to produce collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin reduces significantly. Tissues under the skin also start to thin. Dermal fillers are designed to replace lost volume to rejuvenate and lift certain sections of the face and even stimulate collagen production by being injected beneath the skin’s surface. These treatments may also soften smile lines, repair under-eye circles, build up cheek volume, and plump thin lips to restore a youthful contour. Depending on the type of filler, the effects can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Now we know how Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers work, but what REALLY makes them different?

How long each takes before effects are visible: When a patient receives a neurotoxin injection, it will usually take a few days to take effect. In most cases, the full effects of neurotoxin injectables can be seen two weeks after treatment. However, the results of injectable fillers can start to appear instantaneously.
Where they work best: Neurotoxin injectables are usually a better option for those who want to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles – or wrinkles that are directly caused by facial muscle movement. The forehead, between eyebrows or “11’s” (as this area is commonly called) and crow’s feet are ideal areas to treat with neurotoxin injectable treatments.

Dermal fillers are ideal for static wrinkles – these are wrinkles that are visible when the face is relaxed without muscles contracting and are typically found in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas. These areas will benefit the most from dermal fillers because the fillers will bring fullness to these areas of the skin.

Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers are both ideal ways to treat wrinkles and recapture a youthful glow, and since they are made of totally different ingredients used for different purposes, some patients prefer to combine both into a single treatment.

Still not sure which is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Carolina Vera and she will evaluate your skin and customize an injectable plan that will help you maximize your results in the most effective way.

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About Us

We are passionate about helping others achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Vera has extensive training in Aesthetic Medicine and continues to explore the latest and best techniques in the world of Aesthetics to offer her patients only the best the industry has to offer.

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