Botox and Fillers

I is important to understand the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and the fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Collagen, Hydralle, etc. Botox is most often used on the forehead, crows feet, and frown lines. It can also be used to treat neck bands. (Its most recent FDA approval is for armpit sweating and sweaty hands. For these conditions, results can last 6 months or longer.) Botox works on creases in two ways. First, it weakens the muscles that cause the creases. Second, and even more important, as the muscles get weaker, the patient gets out of the habit of creasing and using those muscles. In this way, Botox actually prevents the progression and deepening of creases.

The differences between fillers has to do with thickness and longevity. In general, the thicker the filler, the better it will fill creases, but the greater the chance of possible bumps. Bumps are more likely in thinner skin such as the lower eyelids, and crows feet. Zyderm (a type of Collagen), and Restylane Fine Line are the least thick and can be used around the eyes, but they are also the shortest lasting. Juvederm Ultra Plus is one of the longer lasting hyaluronic acid fillers. It can be used for deeper creases. Juvederm Ultra Plus can last between 3 and 6 months.
Fillers can also be used to improve or enhance facial structures such as:
* Filling in acne scars
* Enhancing cheek bones to make them fuller and more defined
* Enlarging lips for a fuller, softer pout
* Correcting lip deformities or asymmetry
* Non-surgical nose-job to fill in dips and valleys in the nose bridge
* Filling in hollows under the eyes that contribute to dark circles