What is the difference?
Both Botox and Derma Fillers have been developed for use in facial rejuvenation treatments as a means to alleviate the signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles, which appear over time; however, both have different applications and achieve different results.
What is Botox for?
Botulinium Toxin Type A, or Botox, is used, most effectively on the upper face; the frown lines, the forehead wrinkles and between the eyes, and the crow’s feet. When injected into a specific facial muscle, the neural signal is blocked from nerve to muscle, inhibiting its ability to contract and develop more lines in the skin. The facial muscles relax, diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and leaving the face looking smoother for anything from 4-6 months, before a follow-up treatment is needed.
How are Derma Fillers used?
The Derma Fillers available for use in UK Cosmetic procedures are predominantly Hyaluronic or Collagen based, and are applied to add volume to the skin, filling out lines and wrinkles and leaving the skin looking more youthful. It is widely used in chin and cheek augmentation, as the collagen in the filler restores contour and elasticity to sagging skin which has lost volume due to the ageing process. The fillers are available in a range of densities which can be used to treat fine, shallow lines or those which have become deeper and more pronounced. As the procedure can be a little uncomfortable, an anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to allow it to numb before the injections are administered. Sessions can last from 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of the treatment needed, and the patient will generally be able to leave the clinic straight away.
Is all Botox the same?
The brand name ‘Botox’ technically applies to the original product that was manufactured by American company Allergan. It has now become a term applied to all forms of the Botulinium Toxin in much the same way as ‘Kleenex’ has become the generic term for all paper tissues. There are, in fact, four products all derived from the Clostridium Botulinium bacteria; ‘Mybloc’ made by Solstice Neurosciences, ‘Dysport’ manufactured by Ipsen Ltd. ‘Xeomin’ made by Merz and the original ‘Botox’ made by Allergan. Although they all have the same applications, they have been isolated from different strains of the bacteria, have differing molecular structures and attach themselves to different parts of the nerve when they are injected. Which of these products is used will be a decision made by the Clinician and will have little or no bearing on the outcome or effectiveness of the treatment. The average price for any Botox treatment starts from £175-£300 per area.
What about Derma Fillers?
There are a number of different fillers available for use in the UK, all in a range of densities for specific applications. Some of the most widely used are ‘Juvederm’ which comes in four product types and costs from £275 per application, ‘Teoysal’ which has eight products on offer and costs from £200-£400 per application and ‘Restylane’ with a price range from £250-£400 over its six product range.
All reputable Cosmetic Practitioners will be happy to discuss the particular needs of their clients and will recommend the appropriate treatment accordingly.