The difference between facial fillers and BO_TOX injections
With the continuous development of medical cosmetic technology, facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections have become two common non-surgical cosmetic methods. They help people improve their facial appearance through different principles and means, especially anti-aging and body shaping effects, and are very popular. However, although both technologies have significant cosmetic effects, they have significant differences in their working principles, indications, effects, and maintenance time.
1. The basic principles of facial filling
Facial filler surgery is a procedure that improves facial depressions, wrinkles, or sagging skin by injecting filler materials (such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, autologous fat, etc.). Through filling, the facial contour can be improved, the facial lines can be made more three-dimensional, and the effects of body shaping and anti-aging can be achieved. Filler substances can restore or increase the volume of certain areas of the face, especially the apple muscles, forehead, chin and other parts.
Hyaluronic acid filler : Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally exists in human skin. It has excellent water absorption and moisturizing properties. It is often used for facial fillers. Hyaluronic acid can increase skin hydration, restore skin's plumpness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Autologous fat filling : Autologous fat filling is achieved by extracting the patient's own fat tissue, processing it and injecting it into the required area of the face. Since it is autologous tissue, the rejection reaction is smaller, the effect is more natural, and the fat can survive for a long time.
Collagen filling : Collagen filling restores facial elasticity and structure by injecting artificially synthesized collagen. It can fill sunken areas of the face and improve facial contours.
2. The basic principle of botulinum toxin injection
Botulinum toxin injection usually refers to the injection of botulinum toxin to temporarily relax muscles and reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by contraction of facial muscles. Botulinum toxin blocks the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, making it impossible for muscles to contract normally, thereby eliminating wrinkles and achieving the effect of smoothing the skin. Botulinum toxin injection is not only used for beauty, but also often used to treat some medical problems, such as hyperhidrosis, muscle spasms, etc.
Dynamic wrinkle treatment : Botulinum toxin injection is mainly used to treat dynamic wrinkles caused by contraction of facial expression muscles, such as frown lines, crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, etc. These wrinkles usually appear when the expression changes. Through the injection of botulinum toxin, the depth and obviousness of wrinkles can be effectively reduced.
Improve facial contours : BO_TOX can also relax specific chewing muscles, change the jaw line, and make the facial contours softer. Especially for some patients with well-developed masseter muscles, injecting botulinum toxin can effectively make the face look slimmer.
The main differences between facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections
Although facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections are both non-surgical cosmetic procedures, their mechanisms of action and indications are very different.
Working principle :
Facial fillers : Filling the gaps or sunken areas under the facial skin with substances to restore facial volume and make the face fuller and more three-dimensional.
Botulinum toxin injections : They smooth the skin by relaxing specific facial expression muscles, reducing dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle contraction.
Indications :
Facial filler : Mainly suitable for facial volume loss due to aging or other reasons, especially facial depression, nasolabial folds, collapsed apple muscles, etc. Autologous fat filler and hyaluronic acid can improve these problems.
Botulinum toxin injection : Mainly used to treat expression lines, such as crow's feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles and other dynamic wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but has limited effect on improving facial volume.
Effect duration :
Facial fillers : Depending on the filler material used, the duration of the effect varies. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually last 6 months to 1 year, while autologous fat fillers may last longer, generally 1 to 2 years or even longer.
Botulinum toxin injection : The effect of botulinum toxin usually lasts for 3 to 6 months, after which it needs to be injected again. The effect after injection will gradually weaken, but if injected for a long time, the muscles may become more relaxed and the frequency of wrinkles may also decrease.
Surgery and recovery period :
Facial filler : Facial filler is a minimally invasive surgery. The injection process is relatively simple and generally does not require a recovery period. Most patients can return to their daily lives immediately after the injection, but slight swelling or bruising may occur, which usually subsides within a few days.
Botulinum toxin injection : Botulinum toxin injection is a non-invasive technique. The injection process is simple and quick, and almost no recovery time is required. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the operation, but sometimes slight swelling or local discomfort may occur.
Side effects and risks :
Facial fillers : Although facial fillers are relatively safe, different filler materials may bring different risks. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers may cause allergic reactions, hematomas or infections, and autologous fat fillers may cause uneven fat absorption and short-lasting filling effects.
Botulinum toxin injection : Botulinum toxin usually has fewer side effects, but excessive injection or improper technique may cause unnatural facial expressions, drooping eyelids and other problems. Long-term excessive injection of botulinum toxin may cause facial muscle atrophy.
4. Suitable crowd and selection suggestions
The choice of facial fillers or botulinum toxin injections depends mainly on personal needs and facial conditions.
Facial fillers : Suitable for patients who need to improve facial contours and restore facial volume, especially those whose faces are sunken or sagging due to aging or weight loss. Autologous fat fillers are particularly suitable for those who want natural results and do not want to use exogenous fillers.
Botulinum toxin injection : Suitable for people with dynamic wrinkle problems, especially frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet, etc., wrinkles caused by facial muscles. Botulinum toxin is also a good choice for people who want to shape soft facial lines by relaxing facial muscles.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections are both effective cosmetic methods, but their effects and indications are different. When choosing these two treatment methods, patients should make their choices based on their facial conditions, needs, and desired effects. Before treatment, it is recommended to have a detailed consultation with a professional plastic surgeon to ensure that the most suitable treatment plan is selected. At the same time, after surgery, you need to follow the doctor's advice for care to obtain the best results.