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Interested in a little refresh but don’t know where to start? Heard about the magical effects of dermal fillers and neurotoxins but not sure which treatment you need? We will dive into the basics of these treatments below.
How Neurotoxins Work
Neurotoxins have been used safely for many years to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. While Botox is the most widely recognizable toxin, several others exist, including Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify, and each have their own benefits and differences.
Neurotoxins work by disrupting the communication between nerves and muscles. When injected into facial muscles, they block and prevent the release of acetylcholine, which is responsible for signaling muscles to contract. This results in a temporary softening and smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are many additional uses for neurotoxin beyond just its cosmetic improvements. In fact, in dermatology, Botox can be used to reduce excessive sweating. Neurotoxins are also used to eliminate migraine headaches, help calm overactive bladders, decrease muscle spasms, and reduce the severity of TMJ.
What to Expect from Neurotoxin Treatment
Most neurotoxins take 7-10 days to fully kick in and the results last 3-4 months, although some (like Daxxify) can last longer, up to 5-6 months. While most are FDA approved for treatment of the glabellar lines (otherwise known as the “11’s”), Botox is the only neurotoxin FDA approved for glabella, frontalis (forehead lines), and crow’s feet. However, there are many additional treatment locations for neurotoxins and can be used to soften bunny lines around the nose; reduce a gummy smile; create a “lip flip;” slim a square shaped face and reduce clenching; eliminate platysmal bands (the cords that appear on the neck when straining); and help upturn a downward smile (ie., the DAOs).
Neurotoxins are not a one size fits all, and your clinician will evaluate your muscle movement, the strength of those muscles, as well as your treatment goals to customize a plan that best suits your needs and your budget.
How Dermal Fillers Work
In contrast, dermal fillers work differently and achieve different goals. Most dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar molecule present in the dermal layer of the skin. A major goal of dermal fillers is to recreate lost volume in the skin, whether in the cheeks, nasolabial folds (or smile lines), marionette (or frown) lines, and temples. Dermal fillers are also widely used to plump up lips and correct the smoker’s lines around the mouth. They can also be used to define jawlines and enhance chins. Dermal fillers are used for creating facial balancing. The results are immediately seen and improve over the first several weeks after treatment.
The most common dermal fillers used are Juvederm and Restylane, but several others exist, including RHA and Radiesse. Each line of fillers has different sub-types and the specific filler is chosen depending on the location and the effect desired in the treatment area. Most fillers last about a year, but some types (like Voluma for cheeks and temples and Volux used for jawline rejuvenation) can last up to two years.
Sculptra is also a very popular dermal filler that works differently than most hyaluronic acid fillers. Made of poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra is injected into the desired areas and stimulates an individual’s own body to create collagen in the skin. Sculptra does not provide an immediate effect, and instead can take a few months to see the final results. The added benefit to providing a more natural boost, is that the results last longer than traditional fillers. Sculptra has also been known to improve the quality and texture of the skin and create a very natural effect.
The end result for dermal fillers not only depends on the type of filler used, but also the skill of your clinician. The primary objective for dermal fillers is to create a natural and subtle look. My goal is to create results and outcomes where individuals look refreshed but not like they have had “work” done.
Schedule a Cosmetic Consult Today
Have more questions about which treatments are best for you? Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Vanguard Aesthetics today to determine the best options unique to your needs and goals. Fill out our online appointment request form or call us at 719-579-5555.
Victoria Moss, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology at Vanguard Skin Specialists. Dr. Moss has been a national trainer for Allergan Cosmetic since 2016, teaching clinicians proper techniques to best inject Botox®, Juvederm®, and Kybella®—a distinction given to only 150 physicians nationwide. She enjoys teaching and loves to help expand the knowledge base of her colleagues.
