Botox or fillers - what's the difference? Comparing procedures

Modern injection rejuvenation techniques are a good alternative to plastic surgery. Beauty injections allow you to maintain youth and beauty without the risk of complications that occur after plastic surgery.

The undeniable advantages of injection techniques are quick results, no recovery period and ample opportunities.

Of the variety of procedures offered by aesthetic medicine and cosmetology, Botox and hyaluronic acid injections remain the most popular. Both drugs are used to tighten the skin, correct folds and wrinkles.

Women who want to use the services of a cosmetologist have a logical question: which is better – Botox or hyaluronic acid?

To answer it, we will analyze these rejuvenation methods in detail: what they are intended for, how they work and what restrictions on their use they have.

Mechanism of action and features of Botox and hyaluronic acid

Botox is a drug based on botulinum toxin type A. Once in the body, this substance blocks neuromuscular transmission and thereby leads to muscle relaxation. Initially, the drug was used by ophthalmologists and neurologists to treat muscle spasms. Since 1989, it began to be officially used in cosmetology. It turned out that relaxing certain muscles in the face helps smooth out wrinkles and lift the skin.

The first anti-wrinkle product containing botulinum toxin type A was Botox. Later, other drugs appeared on sale: Xeomin and Dysport.

The effect of the procedure lasts on average 4-6 months. After this time, muscle activity is fully restored and the injections can be performed again.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is present in the dermis of every person. It activates the formation of collagen and elastin fibers necessary to maintain the elasticity of the dermis. This substance perfectly retains water and thereby prevents dryness and flaking of the skin.

With age, the amount of your own hyaluronic acid decreases, as a result, the skin becomes flabby and wrinkles appear.

Injection preparations contain biosynthesized hyaluronic acid, which is identical to natural one. It has been used in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology since the early 90s.

Biorevitalization products contain unstabilized hyaluronic acid. It starts the processes of hydration and rejuvenation in the dermis, and then is removed from the body. The effect of the course of procedures lasts for 3-6 months.

Fillers include stabilized hyaluronic acid, which does not disappear quickly and can retain volume. This makes it possible to use fillers to sculpt facial contours and fill in folds. The duration of action of the drugs is 12-18 months.

Botox: application in cosmetology

Botox is a neurotoxin - a dangerous causative agent of botulism, but since the drug contains botulinum toxin in a minimal dosage, it does not pose a health hazard.

After examining the skin, the specialist will prescribe a course of Botox injections that can relax the facial muscles and smooth out wrinkles.

Previously, botulinum toxin was used in medicine to treat various diseases, such as strabismus. The substance made it possible to bring the muscles into a calm state, which relieved patients from tics or cramps. During treatment, it was also noted that the neurotoxin is effective in treating excessive sweating, as well as in eliminating headaches and toothaches.

After some time, botulinum toxin began to be used in cosmetology, which made it possible to correct a number of skin defects, smooth out any type of wrinkles, and also use it as a prevention of premature aging. Botox injections are used to eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows and in the corners of the eyes. But it is worth considering that Botox is ineffective in eliminating wrinkles on the lower part of the face: chin, lips, neck and décolleté, since its effect is directed only at the facial muscles. You should not resort to such procedures too often, since the drug is addictive and, as a result, leads to a lack of effect in the future.

The drug is administered pointwise using a syringe with a thin needle - this is how the specialist treats the entire facial muscle that needs to be immobilized. The injections do not cause pain, but if necessary, a local anesthetic can be used during the session to make the procedure even more comfortable. At the end of the procedure, an ice bag is applied to the injection site, which minimizes the development of side effects.

Botox and hyaluronic acid: what problems do they solve?

The gold standard for the use of botulinum toxin in cosmetology is smoothing facial wrinkles of the upper third of the face:

• Horizontal forehead wrinkles.
• Vertical wrinkles on the bridge of the nose.
• Crow's feet around the eyes.
• Wrinkles on the bridge of the nose.

Due to its ability to block the functioning of the sweat glands, injections of the drug into the armpits are effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Cosmetologists with extensive experience use botulinum toxin in the lower third of the face to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, lift the neck, and relax the chin muscle.

Indications for hyaluronic acid fillers:

• Filling wrinkles and folds.
• Face oval lifting.
• Correction of the shape of the cheekbones, chin and tip of the nose.
• Plastic surgery of the earlobe.
• Changing the shape of the lips and giving them volume.

Preparations for biorevitalization based on hyaluronic acid:

1. Moisturize and rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and hands.
2. Used for skin lifting.

We care about your health

Women's ideas of beauty are invariably associated with smooth skin. Particular attention is paid to the face, which is always open to the gaze of others. However, with age, wrinkles appear and the skin loses its freshness and elasticity. Today there are various methods for prolonging youth and attractiveness. They are based on the most modern scientific developments that make it possible to change the structure of soft tissues at the molecular level. The most popular means of rejuvenating the skin is Botox or hyaluronic acid. Each of these drugs has its own advantages and application features. Despite the completely different composition and principle of action, they allow the fair sex to hide age-related changes. To decide which is better, Botox or hyaluronic acid , you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for using these products and their effectiveness.

Features of using Botox

A qualified cosmetologist, before prescribing a course of treatment, finds out the reasons for the problem. As for the skin, its aging occurs due to age-related cell dehydration. As a result, the tissue becomes flabby, covered with folds and a network of wrinkles. Botox injection allows you to achieve quick results - the skin is smoothed, wrinkles disappear.

How does Botox work?

This drug is a protein compound based on the botulism virus. In small doses, it has a relaxing effect on the facial muscles. The neurotoxin blocks impulses transmitted along nerve fibers. Relieving tension from the muscles helps to increase their volume and change their shape. As a result, internal pressure on the skin increases. The cultivated virus is completely safe for humans and does not cause intoxication or dangerous disease. Safety is based on careful selection of the components of the drug and the exact concentration of neurotoxin in it.

Botox application

The drug is used exclusively in the form of injections. Injections should only be given by a qualified cosmetologist. When carrying out the procedure, it is necessary to accurately maintain the location and depth of immersion of the needle. There are no age restrictions, which makes such cosmetic procedures accessible even to the elderly.

With Botox injections you can temporarily get rid of folds and wrinkles on the following parts of the body:

• forehead;
• next to the lips;
• near the nose;
• around eyes;
• neck.

Injections are ineffective on those areas of the skin where there is no muscle. The course of treatment is carried out in one step, taking up to one hour. In addition to wrinkles, botulism injection can improve the shape of the face - change the line of the lips, eyebrows, and make them more expressive. The effect of Botox begins within a few days, reaching its maximum effect after a month. Most patients are inclined to use this drug precisely because of the speed of the skin reaction.

Contraindications and side effects of Botox

An injection of a neurotoxin has a limited duration of action on the body. This is a temporary measure that does not change the tone and structure of the skin. Within six months, the skin returns to its original state; it is recommended to carry out the next injection.

The use of Botox is contraindicated for the following categories of patients:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• persons with intolerance to certain components of the drug;
• during treatment with anticoagulants and antibiotics.

An alternative to weakened botulism virus is hyaluronic acid. Unlike a neurotoxin, it affects the source of the problem - the skin throughout its entire volume. Let's look at the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid. This will help you make the right decision when choosing the most effective skin rejuvenation product.

The effect of using hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the human body produces to retain moisture. Being in the skin, it binds a sufficient volume of water to keep the skin fresh and elastic. With age, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases several times. This causes the soft tissues to become dry and the skin to become thin. Because of this, the formation of wrinkles and folds occurs, which women are so afraid of. Cosmetologists recommend successfully combating such defects by using hyaluronic acid fillers. These preparations have varying degrees of viscosity, which helps eliminate wrinkles of any depth and size.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Until recently, the use of this substance was difficult due to the fact that its molecules are quite large. This made the use of creams and gels based on it ineffective. The desired result was not always achieved even after injections. Today, hyaluronic acid with a low molecular structure has been created.

A mixture of acids with different compositions has a unique restorative effect:

• small molecules penetrate the skin, filling all the gaps formed due to age-related changes;
• large molecules collect in the upper layers of the skin, retain moisture in them, preventing drying.

Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge. After entering the soft tissues, the injection begins to retain water in them that enters the body when eating and drinking. One hyaluronic acid molecule can bind several hundred water molecules.

Application of filler

Hyaluronic acid is used to improve the condition of the entire face as a whole, and to get rid of defects in problem areas. The drug is injected into the skin using injections with a very thin needle or patch-on applicators. The molecules of the cosmetic product act only on the skin tissue, without affecting the muscle frame.

The use of hyaluronic acid allows you to achieve cosmetic effects:

1. get rid of age and facial wrinkles;
2. remove age spots, blackheads and acne;
3. tighten the skin on the neck, behind the ears and under the chin;
4. give your face a new expression;
5. soften the contours of the chin and cheekbones;
6. restore the former clarity of lines.

Being a natural substance for the human body, hyaluronic acid does not have a toxic effect on it. Hyaluronic acid therapy is carried out at regular intervals, which are about a year.

Contraindications and possible complications

It is not recommended to use the drug for people who experience the following health problems:

• the presence of malignant tumors;
• diabetes;
• increased blood clotting;
• chronic skin diseases;
• allergy to the components of the drug.

Side effects are possible due to mistakes made by poorly trained beauty salon personnel. Symptoms such as allergies, swelling and spots appear when the needle is not inserted deep enough or the dose is exceeded.

Comparison of cosmetic products

A dilemma such as hyaluronic acid or Botox can be resolved by comparing the main criteria characteristic of each drug.

Let's look at them in order:

1. Impact on the source of the problem. Its essence is to reduce the percentage of water content in the skin. Botox relaxes muscle tissue, and hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin, eliminating the cause itself.
2. Speed ​​of manifestation of the rejuvenating effect. If an injection of a neurotoxin causes almost immediate muscle relaxation and skin tension, then after applying the acid it takes several days for the tissue to become saturated with moisture. But your face will look more natural and fresh.
3. Mechanism of drug administration. Botulism neurotoxin is administered exclusively by injection. Hyaluronic acid can be delivered to soft tissue using injections or applicators. This is a big plus for those who are afraid of injections.
4. The quality of the result obtained. If after using Botox the condition of the skin practically does not change (color, age spots, acne), then the use of hyaluronic acid eliminates dryness, makes it fresh and elastic.

The undoubted advantage of both drugs is that they restore women to their former freshness and beauty for quite a long time, making them happy.

You can get a Botox injection or a skin rejuvenation procedure with hyaluronic acid by making an appointment by phone. +7 (495) 268-0404.

Botox and hyaluronic acid: pros and cons of procedures

Hyaluronic acid: application in cosmetology

Hyaluronic acid is produced by the connective cells of the body and is an important substance for the skin. The main effect of the acid is to retain moisture in the skin cells, which helps it remain firm and elastic. With age, the production of the substance slows down, the skin becomes dry, peeling, wrinkles appear, and the skin loses its elasticity and smoothness. The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology allows you to restore firmness and elasticity by filling the intercellular space with the substance.

These drugs or fillers differ in the degree of concentration: reduced and increased. The former are used to solve superficial problems, as well as for delicate areas, while the latter have a wider range of uses (filling deep wrinkles, restoring turgor and elasticity, treating the neck and décolleté).

During the procedure, the drug is injected under the skin, the depth is determined by a specialist individually. Elimination of skin defects using hyaluronic acid can be done in several ways:

1. Linear - with this injection technique, the drug is delivered to the tissue using a thin needle, and during its removal, the groove is filled. Used to reduce the depth of folds and eliminate wrinkles.
2. Pointwise – using microneedles, the area is treated with the introduction of the active substance at pre-marked points. Used to restore skin elasticity and firmness, moisturize and increase volume.

Which is better Botox or hyaluronic acid: patient reviews

On the Internet and other sources you can hear completely different opinions about drugs, both positive and sharply negative. Some people prefer Botox exclusively, others are afraid of botulinum toxin injections and have settled on fillers and biorevitalization products.

You should not make a choice in favor of Botox or hyaluronic acid based on someone else's opinion. Unsuccessful experience or insufficient effect may be associated with incorrect dosage of the drug or administration technique.

Is it possible to do Botox and filler at the same time?

When carrying out complex work, a specialist can combine procedures. However, this is decided individually during a face-to-face consultation.

There is an answer to the question: is it possible to inject Botox and filler on the same day? We recommend doing them with a break of 10 days.

The final interval is determined for each patient depending on the characteristics of the skin and aesthetic problems with which he has addressed.

To make an appointment, just contact the administrator by phone: +38, or leave an online application.

Prices

Rejuvenation with Botox injections is cheaper than hyaluronic acid injections. The difference in price ranges from 5,000 rubles or more.

hyaluronic acid injections

Filler Princess:

Teosyal:

Cost of Botox injection:

Which procedure is cheaper?

It is impossible to unequivocally compare the price of Botox or, say, Dysport injections with the cost of procedures with hyaluronic acid, since prices are largely determined by the complexity of the problems that are solved by these means. However, in general, botulinum therapy is more accessible due to the fact that it can be carried out in different quantities.

Thus, the cost of botulinum toxin injections is determined by the number of units of solution administered per procedure. Prices for such treatment are indicated based on the cost of administering 1 unit of the drug. On average they are:

• 260-320 rubles per unit of Botox;
• 230-280 rubles per unit of Relatox;
• 180-220 rubles per unit of Dysport.

These prices include the cost of the drug and the cost of the doctor's work.

During one botulinum therapy procedure, the doctor administers from 10 to 200 units of the drug. 10-15 units are enough to eliminate one pronounced wrinkle, 30-35 – to remove several wrinkles and clean, for example, the entire forehead with the bridge of the nose, more than 60-70 units – for complex therapy of the entire face, neck and décolleté.

Standard number of Botox units for correction of areas of the face and neck.

In most cases, during one procedure, the doctor injects 15-25 units of the drug. Consequently, its cost is about 3500-6000 rubles.

Procedures with the introduction of hyaluronic acid are more expensive. So:

• The cost of mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid starts from 7,500 rubles and averages 10-12 thousand per procedure;
• Biorevitalization costs from 10,000 rubles per procedure;
• Prices for facial contouring start at 12,000 rubles.

In all cases, the cost of the drug is included in the price of the work.

Thus, we can conclude that in general, procedures with Botox and its analogues are cheaper. However, relying entirely on price as a decisive factor is not always advisable. For example, more expensive biorevitalization can give a much more noticeable and pronounced effect than botulinum therapy. And therefore, sometimes it makes sense to pay more, but also get better results.

An integrated approach to getting rid of wrinkles gives a more pronounced effect, but the cost will be higher.

In addition, it is important for the patient to know how different the duration of action of botulinum toxin preparations and hyaluronic acid-based products is. On average, the effect of Botox injections disappears after 8-10 months. The effect of high-quality skin biorevitalization with hyaluronic acid lasts for 15-16 months. That is, when calculating the cost, you need to take into account that less expensive botulinum therapy will have to be performed more often.

It is also useful to read: Nano Botox: an outside view

How to combine drugs

Cosmetologists advise first performing aggressive and then gentle procedures. Therefore, if correction of the same area of ​​the face is required, Botox is injected before hyaluronic acid. The interval between injections is 2–3 weeks. This is due to the fact that only after 14–20 days can the result of botulinum therapy be fully assessed and whether the skin requires additional correction with hyaluronic acid.

There is an opinion that the optimal interval between procedures is 3–4 months. During this time, the functionality of the muscles after Botox is partially restored, which means that hyaluronic acid acts more effectively.

Also, doctors sometimes offer a different sequence of sessions: first - biorevitalization, then - botulinum therapy.

This is done in order to first saturate the skin with moisture, smooth out wrinkles, and only then consolidate the effect with Botox and prevent further deepening and spreading of folds. The break between injections is 14 days.

In the last few years, research has appeared on whether it is possible to inject hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin at the same time. Such an experiment is allowed if correction of different areas of the face is required - for example, the forehead and lips.

If you need to treat the same area, it is better not to combine drugs. Scientists have experimentally found that Botox, injected together with filler, prolongs the effect of hyaluronic acid. And at the same time, after such injections, the swelling of the skin increases greatly.

Since the safety of the innovation for patients has not yet been proven, the joint procedure has not become widespread - doctors still inject Botox and hyaluronic acid separately.

What other options are there for correcting wrinkles: from gentle to radical?

By decision of the doctor, the complex of cosmetic procedures may include the use of the following means and methods:

• Chemical peeling is the main method of eliminating superficial wrinkles, the depth of which is less than the thickness of the skin. They appear due to the loss of skin elasticity and are eliminated with chemical peeling by renewing the epidermis and strengthening the dermis;
• Laser skin remodeling, providing a result similar to chemical peeling;

  
  Laser skin rejuvenation restores it, increasing elasticity and tone.

• The use of various fillers that stimulate fibroblast function - L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite;
• Filling deep wrinkles with permanent fillers - autologous fat, autologous fibroblasts, polymethyl acrylate;
• Mesothreads that provide tightening of weakened skin;
• Thermolifting, which tightens and smoothes the skin, activates fibroblasts in it due to heating;
• Microcurrents providing the same effect as thermolifting.

In some cases, these methods may be preferable to the use of hyaluronic acid, and sometimes they complement the use of fillers and botulinum toxin - it all depends on the individual patient and his skin condition.

All this means that choosing a method or set of methods to solve a patient’s cosmetic problems should be a specialist who well understands the reasons for the development of certain defects and can accurately predict which procedure will give the desired result. Therefore, instead of sitting at home and deciding on your own which procedure to carry out, it is better to go to a cosmetologist for at least a consultation and find out exactly which drug and which procedures will help solve specific cosmetic problems.

Botox and hyaluronic acid are links in the same chain in eliminating cosmetic defects

Expert advice: what is important to know about injections of Botox, hyaluronic acid, biorevitalization

Opinion of cosmetologists

Many cosmetologists note that it is incorrect to compare botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid, since the drugs are designed to solve different problems.

Botox is recommended to smooth out facial wrinkles.

Experts emphasize that botulinum therapy is suitable for the upper part of the face after the age of 30.

Differences and similarities

Both Botox and hyaluronic acid are used in cosmetology for anti-aging purposes. They reduce the severity of wrinkles, smooth the skin, and slow down the aging of the epidermis. In both cases, the results last 6-12 months. The exact period depends on the characteristics of the skin.

Despite the fact that the drugs are used in the form of injections, there is a difference between them regarding the method of administration. Hyaluronic acid is injected subcutaneously, and botulinum toxin is injected intramuscularly.

In some situations, when there are problems with muscle tone, Botox is also injected under the skin. However, it will still act on micromuscles.

Another fundamental difference is related to the mechanism for eliminating wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration to the skin, which directly affects the elasticity of the epidermis. As a result, it becomes more even and smooth - this is noticeable already in the first hours after the procedure. Botox works differently: it relaxes the muscles that tighten the skin. The effect appears a few days after the injections.

Due to its wide spectrum of action, hyaluronic acid generally improves the condition of the epidermis and relieves it of dryness. Botulinum toxin cannot do this.

Any injections are accompanied by pain. For lasting results, it is recommended to do botulinum therapy or inject hyaluronic fillers twice a year. It should be remembered that the drugs have contraindications. In both cases, these are pregnancy, breastfeeding, oncology, viral and chronic illnesses, problems with blood clotting, inflammatory processes on the face, allergies, etc. In addition, hyaluronic acid cannot be injected if you have diabetes, a tendency to form keloid scars, and some other situations. Botox is prohibited for muscle weakness - the diagnosis is called myasthenia gravis.

An important factor that influences the choice of a particular service is the cost of injections. The drugs are approximately in the same price category, although in practice hyaluronic acid is usually more expensive than Botox. The final amount depends on the size of the area being treated, the complexity of the problem, the prestige of the clinic, the qualifications of the doctor, etc.

If the result of the injections is unsatisfactory, complications or allergies to the drug occur, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Hyaluronic acid can be neutralized by injecting hyaluronidase. It’s more difficult with Botox: you won’t be able to remove it from the body in a matter of days, but you can slightly weaken the effect if you do massage, microcurrent therapy and some other procedures. All this is strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

How to combine botulinum therapy with filler injections

Finally, in some cases, to completely solve certain cosmetic problems, you cannot choose between Botox and hyaluronic acid - these products must be used together. As a rule, such a combination occurs in the presence of dynamic wrinkles and a general deterioration of the skin condition, when botulinum therapy alone will not improve the appearance of the skin, and hyaluronan alone will not help get rid of wrinkles.

In this case, botulinum therapy is performed sequentially, and then hyaluronic acid injections. The reverse sequence will be erroneous: if hyaluronan is introduced first, and then botulinum toxin, there is a risk that the effect of hyaluronic acid will appear to a lesser extent in the area of ​​the wrinkle, or will not appear at all.

In some specific cases, Botox and hyaluronic acid are used together, but not simultaneously, in order to comprehensively solve the patient’s cosmetic defects.

With the correct sequence, due to the action of Botox, the wrinkle disappears or decreases as much as it was formed by the contracting muscle, and after that the doctor can already estimate how much hyaluronic acid needs to be injected into this area in order to completely remove the defect on the skin.

All this is relevant for combining botulinum therapy with various procedures involving the use of hyaluronic acid - mesotherapy, biorevitalization, contouring.

It is important that, despite the compatibility of the drugs, at least 3-4 weeks should pass between the administration of Botox and hyaluronic acid injections, ideally about 2 months. During this time, possible side effects from the action of botulinum toxin completely disappear and the skin takes on the appearance it had without constant wrinkling when the muscle contracts. If you try to introduce hyaluronan earlier, you may make a mistake in its dosage, which will lead to undesirable cosmetic consequences.

Obviously, Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are not performed simultaneously. This would violate safety requirements - after botulinum therapy, any invasive cosmetic procedures cannot be performed for several weeks.

Experts say that the time interval between injections of Botox and hyaluronic acid should be about 2 months.

Finally, in some cases, skin problems can be solved by either replacing or supplementing botulinum therapy and hyaluronic acid injections with other means and methods.