How are fillers different from botox?

Both fillers and botox help to reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin, but fillers fill in areas with imperfections, while botox helps to slim down the treated area.

According to Dr. Pham Truong An, a specialist in Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, filler and botox injections are popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures aimed at safely and effectively slowing down the skin aging process without surgery. Both methods share the use of small needles and a quick procedure time of approximately 15-30 minutes. However, fillers and botox have several differences.

Ingredient

Fillers are synthetic or biological cross-linked products used to replace or increase lost volume in skin and soft tissue. There are many types of fillers, depending on the stability of the main active ingredient; the most common ones today are hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

Meanwhile, botox (short for botulinum toxin type A) is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This is a gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that is extremely toxic to the nervous system. Botulinum toxin used in cosmetic procedures is usually type A, at doses that do not cause toxicity.

Mechanism of action and uses

When a small needle injects filler into the skin, the substance forms a thick mass of tissue beneath the skin, filling in wrinkles. This tissue mass shapes and fills in areas of depression such as sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, deep nasolabial folds, and a receding chin. This creates facial contours such as a V-line chin, a high nose bridge, or fuller lips, and erases static wrinkles (wrinkles that are visible even when the face is still).

The filler also contains skin-nourishing active ingredients, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA), which help rejuvenate the skin, maintain elasticity, firmness, and a radiant glow.

The mechanism of action of botox is to inhibit nerve conduction (blocking signals transmitted from nerves to muscles). The muscle mass in the injection area relaxes, reducing its activity and limiting the appearance of dynamic wrinkles when the muscle moves.

Botox is used to treat muscle or nerve disorders. In the cosmetic industry, it's a treatment for many issues such as slimming the jawline, upper arms, and calves; correcting gummy smiles; reducing excessive sweating (hands, armpits); and reducing dynamic wrinkles (frown lines, crow's feet, rabbit fur wrinkles). This method can also tighten pores, reduce oiliness, and promote the production of elastin and collagen – a pair of proteins that help increase skin firmness and rejuvenate the skin.

A doctor injects Botox to remove dynamic wrinkles at the Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Anh Thu.

Effective time

Filler injections provide immediate results, with the stability of the filler increasing over a few weeks. The cosmetic effects last from several months to two years, depending on the type of product, the treatment area, the patient's body type, and the skill of the doctor.

Botox takes effect within a few days and reaches its peak after two weeks of injection, lasting 3-6 months. Due to the body's natural elimination mechanism, the effects of botox gradually diminish.

Post-vaccination care

Dr. Truong An advises against consuming alcohol and stimulants as they negatively affect treatment results and recovery after filler and botox injections.

These two substances dissolve more quickly when exposed to high temperatures or friction. Touching, rubbing, or massaging the injection site, as well as laughing loudly or getting angry, can cause the injection site to deform or the filler to shift to another area.

To reduce complications and promote faster recovery, for 10 days after filler injection, it is necessary to limit pressure on the injection area (steaming, massage, strong facial expressions) and strenuous activity.

If you have filler injected into your cheeks or chin, avoid lying face down, on your side, or supporting your chin with your hand. Avoid applying makeup for 1-2 days after the injection. Cosmetics coming into contact with the injection site can cause infection.

After receiving Botox injections, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or excessive caffeine intake, as these can cause dehydration and increased heart rate. Increased heart rate and blood flow can accelerate the breakdown of Botox.

Anh Thu

Readers can submit questions about cosmetic skin treatments here for the doctor to answer.

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/filler-khac-botox-the-nao-4712344.html