An injection is an injection, right? Not always when it comes to anti-aging injectables and fillers. Both of these treatments offer anti-aging benefits without surgery, but there are some key differences.
Injectables vs. Fillers: The Active Ingredients
Injectables introduce substances that are designed to interact with certain types of tissues, such as muscle for Botox® and fat cells for Kybella®. Injectables do not add volume to the skin. Dermal fillers work on the basis of replenishing specific substances in the skin that diminish as you age, such as hyaluronic acid. The benefit of suspending the active ingredient in a gel is that you see an immediate improvement. If hyaluronic acid was not suspended in a gel, it would be weeks before you saw any change to your lines and wrinkles.
Types of Wrinkles That are Treated with Injectables vs. Fillers
Injectables and fillers treat two types of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles develop when you use facial expressions, and the most obvious are those in the eye and forehead area. As your skin ages, it does not have enough elastin, collagen or hyaluronic gel to retain a smooth texture each time you use the muscles in your face, and these areas also have less fat. Injectables work by relaxing the muscles so that the skin is not pinched as severely. Although many wrinkles in the lower face are caused by facial expressions, there is more fat in the skin. Adding volume to the skin works best in these areas, such as around the lips and nose. Dermal fillers are also used to replace fat loss in the cheeks, which has a secondary benefit of lifting skin between the cheekbones and jawline. Fillers are also used to enhance the lips.
Results for Injectables vs. Fillers
Injectables do take time to work. Botox® takes about five to seven days, and Kybella® can take up to 16 weeks. Kybella® also requires a series of injections. Dermal fillers reduce wrinkles right away, thanks to the gel formulations.
The Longevity of Injectables vs. Fillers
Injectables typically last four to six months. Kybella® is the exception because it destroys fat cells, so it is considered a relatively permanent solution. The longevity of dermal fillers varies significantly, from 12 to 24 months or longer.
What is Right for You? Injectables or Fillers?
At Connecticut Surgical Arts, we understand how each type of injectable and dermal filler work and the best solution for every type of wrinkle. We recommend the injectables and fillers that help you look your best at any age.
Learn More About Injectables vs. Fillers. Contact Connecticut Surgical Arts.
To learn more about injectables, fillers and our other medical spa treatments, contact Connecticut Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation.