Have you ever wondered why you need a wrinkle reducer (neuromodulator such as Botox®, Xeomin®, or Dysport®) and a dermal facial filler (Versa®, Juvederm®, Restylane®, RHA®) for volume loss wrinkles or sagging skin? Many people are often confused about the differences between wrinkle reducers (neurotoxins) and facial fillers. So let’s dive into this topic! Facial injections are very popular according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2023, there were over 9.5 million neurotoxin injections performed and 5.3 million hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers) performed. The 40-54 age group typically uses Botox the most, but this procedure is growing steadily with those under age 35.
What is the difference between Neuromodulators and Facial Dermal fillers?
Neuromodulators and facial dermal fillers are both injectable treatments that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restore volume to saggy facial tissue and other signs of aging in the face and body.
Neuromodulators
These treatments temporarily paralyze muscles that cause wrinkles from repetitive movements of facial expression. Neuromodulators are injected into the muscles of the face and muscles of the body. It can take up to 3 weeks for the full effect. Neuromodulators can last up to 4 months if the correct dose is injected. Remember, the amount of dosage equals the duration. The recommended dose for your forehead, between your eyes, and around your eyes is 64 units. So if you are not getting this amount and you are wondering why your Tox is not lasting long enough, it probably is because you are not receiving the CORRECT dose for the 3-4 month range. Anything less will give you less time of muscle relaxation.
Neuromodulators are best for dynamic wrinkles, the wrinkles that appear when you make and change your facial expressions. Neuromodulators require maintenance every 3-4 months.
Areas that Neuromodulators can be injected are your face area between your eyes, forehead, around the side area of your eyes, known as crow’s feet, bunny lines- lines that are present if you wrinkle up your nose, for slimming your nose or lifting your nose tip, around your mouth for lifting your upper lip (lip flip), the muscles that pull the corners of your lips downward (the DAO muscle), to smooth your chin for the orange peel appearance, at your jawline area to help reduce jowls, neck to help reduce neck lines, masseter muscles to reduce grinding teeth, temporal area for TMJ pain, trapezius muscles for pain in your neck area. There are other areas in which a neuromodulator can be injected, but I will leave those areas for another discussion at a later date.
Common neuromodulators products are: Xeomin®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, Botox®, and Daxxify®.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are a gel like substance that is injected under your skin to create a fuller or smoother appearance.
Dermal fillers are used to add back volume to your upper & lower face, cheeks, lips, around your mouth for lip lines, nasolabial lines, necklines, sagging jawline, droopy ear lobes, crepey skin on hands, buttocks, contour deformities, and other areas that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss or trauma. Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in 60 minutes with immediate results. Dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 24 months depending on the type of filler and the area treated.
Types of Dermal fillers
Hyaluronic acid: a naturally occurring key component of your skin’s extracellular matrix and helps keep your skin volumized, hydrated and plump. Common dermal filler products are JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Versa®, RHA®, & Belotero®.
Bio-Stimulating Collagen Fillers:
Radiesse® is a dermal filler (Calcium hydroxylapatite) that can be injected under the skin to improve deep wrinkles and the appearance of face, hands, arms, neck, decollette, abdomen, thighs and buttocks (BBL & smoothing cellulite). Radiesse is a semi-solid gel (CaHa), a biocompatible material that stimulates collagen production of Type 1, 3, and fibroblast & elastin. This treatment is intended for wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose, and areas of fat loss in the face. It’s also for the backs of hands where volume has been lost. Most people who receive Radiesse treatments are 35 to 60 years old. Radiesse vertically lifts for immediate volume correction. Radiesse contours and defines the lower face and jawline. Stimulates collagen to increase your skin ‘s thickness and smooth texture. Radiesse provides for immediate & long term results lasting up to 2 years with full dose correction.
Who might choose to get Radiesse?
You might be interested in cosmetic dermal fillers using Sculptra if you want to:
Reduce deep wrinkles.
Elevate recessed areas of skin.
Redefine or soften contours.
Sculptra® is a type of dermal filler. This cosmetic procedure uses FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid to reduce deep wrinkles in your skin. Sculptra a dermal filler that can be injected under the skin to improve the appearance of your face. You can get back to normal activities quickly, but it may take four to six weeks to see full results after the procedure. Sculptra is a gel-like substance made of poly-L-lactic acid. A healthcare provider will inject this filler underneath your skin where you want a fuller or smoother appearance. Poly-L-lactic acid is a collagen stimulator that absorbs into your body a few days after treatment to encourage your cells to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein in your skin — as well as in your connective tissues, bones and cartilage — that provides structure, support and strength.
Where is Sculptra injected?
You might get Sculptra injected into areas of your body where you have lines and wrinkles that you want smoothed out. The most common areas of Sculptra injections include: Face, hands, buttocks (liquid BBL).
Who might choose to get Sculptra?
You might be interested in cosmetic dermal fillers using Sculptra if you want to:
Reduce deep wrinkles.
Elevate recessed areas of skin.
Redefine or soften contours.
Treat fat loss (lipoatrophy) caused by HIV.
How long does Sculptra last?
Dermal fillers like Sculptra can last more than two years. Sculptra isn’t a permanent solution to deep wrinkles. You may need multiple injections every few years to maintain your results.
Dermal fillers & neuromodulators can be performed at the same visit. Utilizing both types of injections can yield the best possible results. Every person’s face is unique which requires a personalized plan specifically for you.
At A Simple Touch Aesthetics, we customize a plan just for you that will reduce your wrinkles, plump and restore volume and turn back the clock to a refreshed younger looking YOU! We are excited to discuss all options available. Take that first step and book a consultation!
