Botox or Filler? Which Treatment is Best for my Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are the most common appearance complaint for many people today, and understandably so. It can be demoralizing and upsetting to look older than you feel inside, and that’s why we offer solutions at Internal Medicine Partners. 

The “Botox® or filler” question is one that our skilled aesthetics medicine providers often hear, and the two treatments are often confused. Here’s what you need to know about Botox, fillers, and which is correct for your wrinkles.

Types of wrinkles

To answer the Botox or filler question, you first need to know a little about the main types of wrinkles that can affect our skin as we age. These are:

Dynamic wrinkles

Movement causes dynamic wrinkles  — specifically, movement of the muscles and the tissue above them. Dynamic wrinkles appear when you laugh, frown, cry, squint, or make other expressions.

The most common examples of dynamic wrinkles on the face are:

• Crow’s feet: lines around your eyes
• Forehead lines: horizontal lines across your forehead
• Glabellar lines: vertical “11” lines between your eyebrows 

Dynamic wrinkles appear when you make an expression but vanish when your face returns to normal. However, as you age, your body produces less elastin, which provides elasticity. This means your skin doesn’t bounce back as fast as it did when you were a teenager, so dynamic wrinkles can gradually become more permanent.

Static wrinkles

Static wrinkles are deeper lines and folds in the face. They’re visible whether you’re making an expression or have a neutral expression. 

The two main types of static wrinkles in the face are nasolabial folds — vertical lines from the edges of the nose to the mouth corners — and marionette lines — lines that go from the edges of the mouth down to the chin.

Static wrinkles are caused by collagen loss as you age. Collagen gives your skin volume, which keeps the skin firm. But, you lose about 1.5% of your total collagen yearly, and the results can appear as static wrinkles. 

What do I need: Botox or filler?

Our team discusses your treatment goals and examines your face to determine which option would work best for you. Botox and fillers each have specific uses. 

Botox 

Botox specifically reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, so it’s ideal for crow’s feet, “11” lines, and forehead lines. This injectable affects the nerves that control your facial muscles, stopping them from moving as much as they typically do. 

Botox can take effect in 24-48 hours, with full results within one month. It can smooth dynamic wrinkles for as long as four months. 

Fillers

Dermal fillers restore lost volume and are ideal for static wrinkles like nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Fillers can also help volumize the midface, which often sags somewhat with age. Additionally, fillers can plump lips and fill in lip lines.

Fillers take effect immediately. You have some swelling for the next few days, but that fades quickly, and you are able to see your results. Most fillers last from 12-18 months. 

You can also have Botox and filler in the same appointment to get ideal results and address all your concerns. 

Our team of medical aesthetics specialists draws upon their considerable expertise to administer your injections skillfully and give you natural results. The goal is to turn back the clock and still look like the best version of yourself. 

Ready to schedule your Botox or filler consultation? Call our Internal Medicine Partners office or contact us online today.