This is a question we get a LOT! These two products do very different things, so it’s a great question to ask.
Botox or Dysport is what’s known as a neurotoxin. A neurotoxin works by freezing the muscles which helps to prevent wrinkles from forming. Every patient’s facial structure is different which is why the exact dose and placement is designed for your personal anatomy. Botox or Dysport can be placed throughout the entire face, in areas like your forehead, between your eyebrows, around the crows feet, your lower face, and even all the way down the neck. Botox or Dysport is often thought of as a preventative to getting wrinkles, which is why so many women start receiving treatments in their early 20’s.
A dermal filler (such as Restylane® or RHA®) is different than a neurotoxin. Fillers work by adding fullness and volume that has been lost due to aging. Fillers are injected beneath the skin’s surface and are also helpful in replacing the hyaluronic acid that we lose as we age. Filler placement depends on the patient’s needs and goals. They are commonly used on the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. The results? Less noticeable lines and wrinkles, along with smoothed and younger-looking skin. Most patients will now ask which is better, Botox or Fillers. The short answer: both! But since these two treatments do different things, there is no real definitive answer to this question. It all depends on your cosmetic goals. We can tell you that most of our patients start early with Botox or Dysport and will begin adding a dermal filler around the age of 30.
