Dermal fillers vs Botox: which is the better option for me?
Written in association with:
Dentist
Published: 14/03/2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What are dermal fillers used for?
Dermal fillers are primarily used to volumise the face, which in turn slows down the aging process. Non-permanent Hyaluronic Acid (H.A) is the most common dermal filler used by cosmetic clinicians. The dermal fillers contain genetically modified hyaluronic acid, which are differentiated by their consistency. Some are very viscous and are generally used in the cheek area, while others are elastic and clinicians prefer to use them in the lips.
How is it different to Botox?
Dermal fillers are primarily involved in sculpting the tissues and restoring lost volume in the face. The dermal filler bonds to the residual collagen, which slows down the degradation of the H.A by the endogenous hyaluronidase. It is usual to see the results immediately and to expect the results to last at least a year.
Botox, on the other hand, acts by paralysing the muscles in the face. It is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. The muscles take several days to respond to the treatment and after several months the action reverses.
Is it safer than Botox?
There are more complications with dermal fillers than with Botox hence it is not safer. It is not that necessary to compare the two treatments as they are usually used in different parts of the face and used to treat different problems.
Are dermal fillers safe? Are there any side effects?
Dermal fillers are safe to use when the product is well regulated and the clinician has been appropriately trained to inject the materials and have the knowledge and expertise to treat any complications.
The side effects include short- term needle-stick injuries such as redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or itchiness. Longer term complications include infection and biofilms, herpes infections, vascular occlusions and delayed-onset granulomas, although these long term side effects are very rare.
At what age should I consider getting dermal fillers?
It is advisable to wait until you are over 18 before embarking on these treatments. Older patients should consider their medical history and medication as a contra-indication to dermal fillers, no matter what age they are.