Botox or Dermal Filler?
What is the difference between a Botox treatment and a dermal filler treatment?
It's a good question and one that we are often asked at Lumiere MediSpa clinic in Oxford. The media often plays a role in the confusion around what a Botox treatment is and what a dermal filer treatment is; mis-reporting adverse events to sensationalise the very rare times when a treatment doesn't quite go to plan, and not even using the correct terminology to describe what the treatment was.
So lets set the record straight on exactly what the difference is between these two treatments.
What Are Dermal Filler Treatments?
Dermal fillers come in a variety of gel materials and are intended to be injected underneath the skin with the purpose of replacing lost facial volume, plumping out facial folds and wrinkles, and/or enhancing certain facial features such as the lips or cheek bones. At Lumiere MediSpa we only use temporary hyaluronic acid dermal fillers as they have the best safety profile and natural appearance when inserted into the skin. Our hyaluronic acid dermal filler ranges will replace some of the lost hydration within your skin, whilst simultaneously replacing the volume under areas of volume loss or wrinkles. With modern techniques, the effect is a subtle, fresher appearance, that still looks like you. For some people, dermal fillers are also used to enhance areas of the face, such as the lips or cheek bones.
What Is A Botox Treatment?
"Botox" is actually the brand name of just one type of Botulinum toxin medication. At Lumiere MediSpa you may be prescribed either Botox or Bocouture, depending upon the outcome of your consultation and medical history.
Botulinum toxin is produced by the natural bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. From this, a specific protein is extracted and purified to create Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A. When a small amount of of this medication is injected into a muscle, it blocks specific nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract in that area. Cosmetically, the effect is that it will temporarily reduce those specific facial muscles from contracting that are causing the skin to contract and crease, therefore reducing the formation of skin wrinkles in that area. It is most commonly used for the reduction of frown lines, crows feet and forehead wrinkles.
Hopefully this little news blog has helped differentiate between these two great skin treatments however, if you are still a little unsure, we always provide a face to face consultation prior to any treatment.