Even if you fight the effects of aging by taking good care of your skin and using sunscreen religiously, there comes a point when time starts winning the war. But you can battle back with cosmetic treatments that rewind the clock a few years. And there are so many options to choose from these days. But if you’re looking for a way to reduce the look of minor facial imperfections without surgery or invasive procedures, Botox® and dermal fillers should top your list.
At Cross Roads Hormonal Health & Wellness, we know that when you look and feel good on the outside, it impacts your overall well-being. Drs. Olga Cortez and Leora Collins and our team of expert clinicians believe that a comprehensive approach to health care includes nourishing your body, mind, and spirit. We come alongside you during every stage of life to help you stay hormonally balanced, physically fit, and aesthetically beautiful.
When it comes to the latter, we confidently offer Botox and dermal filler treatments to our patients who value both safety and effectiveness. These minimally invasive procedures deliver impressive results without the risks or recovery time of surgery.
After we get to know you and your unique aesthetic goals, we help you decide which is right for you. Here are the highlights.
How Botox and fillers are the same
In the world of cosmetic treatments, there’s a plethora of choices for fixing your facial problems, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and dermal fillers, to name a few. The least invasive of these — Botox and dermal fillers — account for more than 9 million treatments every year.
Both Botox and dermal fillers both involve:
- Injections
- No surgery
- Minimal side effects
- No downtime
How Botox and fillers are different
Although Botox and dermal fillers share some common traits, what they treat and how they treat it, is quite different.
Botox
Botox is actually a toxin derived from the bacteria that cause botulism. But don’t worry, it’s actually considered one of the safest cosmetic facial treatments available, because the amount you receive during a facial treatment is miniscule.
How it works
When Botox is injected into a muscle, such as in your forehead or cheeks, it blocks signals from the nerves in those muscles, so they can’t move. In essence, it paralyzes them. That means they can’t contract with every expression, which causes those creases in your face.
Botox temporarily freezes your facial muscles to allow your skin to relax and smooth out. Most people notice results within a couple days and enjoy the effects for 3-4 months.
Botox is best for:
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal lines in the forehead
- Crow’s feet
Dermal fillers
As their name suggests, dermal fillers are injectable gels that fill and plump up the skin, which reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. There are several different formulas, and each has different properties.
How they work
Some dermal fillers contain substances your body normally produces, such as hyaluronic acid or calcium to help add volume to your skin. Some contain polylactic acid to stimulate your body’s own collagen production. There are even some that add microspheres under your skin. All of them target the signs of aging, such as sagging, wrinkled skin.
Dermal fillers are best for:
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Softening the look of minor scars
- Filling in shallow areas
- Improving sagging skin
- Plumping up thin lips
Depending on which filler you choose and the extent of the aging effects you’re trying to correct, you can expect dermal fillers to improve your look from six months to two years.
How to decide between Botox and dermal fillers
Your face tells you what it needs:
- Deep creases in your forehead and around your eyes and mouth call for Botox to stop the root cause of the lines.
- Fine lines and wrinkles, thin lips, hollow-looking areas, and loose skin call for dermal fillers.
Other factors may also come into play, such as your general health and your personal concerns. Our team helps you understand your options and set realistic goals. Once we establish what you’re hoping for, we help you realize that vision. We may even suggest a combination of both treatments.
You don’t have to make the decision alone. You can trust our team to walk you through the benefits and minimal risks of each treatment so you’re comfortable and confident with your choice.
Most of all, you can rest assured that your wellness and safety are our top priority. You’ll always walk away looking and feeling like the best version of yourself.
If you’re ready to explore whether Botox or dermal fillers could help you attain the youthful look of your dreams, call our office in Cross Roads, Texas, to schedule a consultation at 940-213-2713.