Botox? Fillers? What’s Best For You?

Botox and dermal fillers are some of the most popular treatments around, and their popularity  has been steadily rising for over a decade. Despite their popularity, there’s still some confusion in what they are and how they work. While they are both minimally invasive treatments that can have a huge impact on your appearance, that is where their similarities end.

Botox is a natural purified protein used to help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. It works by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles for lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat migraines and other medical conditions such as excessive sweating. Those glabellar lines (the ‘elevens’ between your eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet all respond well to Botox. It can also be used in other areas as well that your board- certified plastic surgeon can help you with on the entire face and neck.

Dermal fillers are designed to add volume and fullness to the skin. During the aging process, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which all help keep the skin plump, tight, and hydrated. Fillers can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing the shadow or wrinkles under the eyes, and more. Some fillers lift and smooth out the folds and wrinkles in targeted areas by adding a subtle amount of volume, while others act as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. There are many different types of fillers that can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck that last up to two years.

Since Botox and fillers treat slightly different problems and are usually used in different areas of the face, it’s best to discuss your goals and options with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler experience. Schedule a consultation to discuss what’s best for you!