Firstly they are both very different treatments their only simularity are that they are both anti ageing. Here is how they compare;
Botulinum toxin (botox/anti-wrinkle injections)
The Science: Botulinum toxin a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction, thus causing flaccid paralysis. The toxin causes the disease botulism. It is a prescription only medicine.
To simplify this means the nerves which connect to the muscle are temporarily paralysed and therefore can no longer communicate with the muscles we use that create fine lines and deep wrinkles through expression. You should still have movement and expression when botox is used correctly, to completely freeze is bad practise. A regular concern of patients is what happens if I don’t have any further treatments, to which the response is nothing the nerves reconnect and everything goes back to how it was pre treatment.
Derived from a medical background to prevent migraines it is now used as a cosmetic procedure. Discovered in the 1820’s and has been used in a medical context since 1950’s
Lasts: 3-6 months
Results: Takes 2 weeks for full effect however results will be seen 4 days after treatment. If, however, you choose not to maintain the skin treatment with further top-up treatments – your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.
Price: Rages from £50-£350 but really depends on the areas injected and how much is used.
Side effects:
Small bruises at injection site
Small lumps at injection site (for 1/2 an hour after)
Eyelid/eyebrow drooping (very rare)
Headache (24 hours after)
On consultation your practitioner should explain side effects in detail and how they practise to avoid complications.
HA Dermal filler (hyaluronic acid filler/injectable filler/cosmetic filler)
The Science: dermal filler is a soft tissue filler injected into the skin at different depths to help fill in facial wrinkles, provide facial volume, and augment facial features: restoring a smoother appearance. HA wrinkle fillers are temporary as they are eventually absorbed by the body. Most dermal fillers today consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is present in skin and cartilage. Some people may need more than one injection to achieve the wrinkle-smoothing effect. The effect lasts for about six months or longer. Successful results depend on health of the skin, skill of the health care provider, and type of filler used. Regardless of material (whether synthetic or organic) filler duration is highly dependent on amount of activity in the region where it is injected. Exercise and high intensity activities can stimulate blood flow and shorten the lifespan of fillers. Used in medicine to alleviate joint issues and aid with lubrication, benefits where seen in overall skin health, and have been used in cosmetic treatments for over a 100 years.
To simplify: hyaluronic acid is something we naturally produce, it’s a molecule that carries a 1000 times its own weight in water (like an ant can carry things that they shouldn’t be able to, fascinating to watch) therefore giving a huge hydration hit to desired areas and improving skin health and signs of ageing. The filler also works as scaffolding under the skin to fill wrinkles and smooth.
An experienced practitioner will explain different types and what would be best suited to the results you want to achieve ha filler can also be dissolved in an emergency situation. Make sure your practitioner is qualified to use hyaluronidase.
Lasts: 6-36 months dependant on lifestyle and current skin health.
Results: The longevity of results can vary between individuals however; results are expected to show almost immediately with full results showing two weeks post-treatment. If, however, you choose not to maintain the skin treatment with further top-up treatments – your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.
Price: Start at £220
Side effects:
Bruising
Swelling and redness (24 hours after treatment)
Migration of product.
embolism (blockage of vein) Use a practitioner who is qualified in hyaluronidase who can dissolve filler should this rare complication arise.
Skin booster injections (profhilo/seventy hyal/restylane/sunekos )
The Science: Skin booster are injectables. Bio-stimulating hyaluronic acid/amino acid rejuvenation treatment, and unlike dermal fillers it is not designed to add volume to the skin, or like botox restrict movement in the facial muscles. Instead, this anti-ageing hydration treatment contains high levels of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound which helps improve tone, texture and elasticity. Skin boosters also work to simultaneously stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin.
As we age, we lose approximately 1% of our Hyaluronic Acid (HA) stores per year after the age of 30. Thus, resulting in fine lines and loss of facial volume.
This skin booster acts as the perfect skin rejuvenation treatment to improve skin texture and skin laxity whilst adding gentle volume.
To simplify: This skin booster acts as the perfect skin rejuvenation treatment to improve skin texture and skin laxity whilst adding gentle volume but not augmenting or changing how you look. It’s the secret to anti ageing without looking like you’ve had work done.
Lasts: To achieve the best long-lasting results, 2-4 sessions of skin boosters are recommended with a 2-4 week interval. We then recommend a maintenance session once every 6 months.
Results: The longevity of results can vary between individuals however; results are expected to show almost immediately with full results showing two weeks post-treatment. If, however, you choose not to maintain the skin treatment with further top-up treatments – your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.
Price: Start at £220
Side effects:
Bruising
Swelling and redness (24 hours after treatment)
Migration of product.
embolism (blockage of vein) Use a practitioner who is qualified in hyaluronidase who can dissolve filler should this rare complication arise
