The number of Botox® and filler procedures keeps rising in the United States. According to the Plastic Surgery Statistic Report, in 2017, the number of Botox procedures reached 7.2 million, and the number of filler procedures reached 2.7 million. Both of these are up from the previous year and are significantly up since 2000.
The baby boomer generation has been using the procedures for years and is a big reason for the increase. But signs are also pointing to a rise in use by Generation X and millennials.
That’s right, even millennials are entering the point in their lives when wrinkles, lines and more begin to appear. Some are getting ahead of those developments by having treatment as a way to prevent some of the signs of aging.
Have you been considering Botox or fillers? One of the first questions many people have is what procedure is best? Let’s go over some of the differences and reasons for using one over the other.
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable substance. The substance is a natural protein, and because of its unique properties, it has the ability to smooth out certain areas of the face where wrinkles commonly form with age.
In the 1970s, some doctors began experimenting with the substance. They were testing for ways to deal with certain muscular issues. Over the following decade, Botox began getting positive reviews for treatments of these muscular issues, and researchers experimented with it more deeply.
Throughout the 1990s, Botox use began to increase as a treatment for face wrinkles and lines. In 2002, the FDA approved the use of Botox for cosmetic uses, and treatments increased even more. Doctors continued perfecting the procedure, and Botox became especially effective for wrinkles and lines on the upper face.
But more on that shortly.
Fillers, perhaps better described as facial injectable fillers or dermal fillers, have been used and experimented with since the 1800s. The goal, even way back then, has been to find a way to keep faces looking young and healthy.
In the early 1980s, the FDA approved collagen as a cosmetic filler. Use began to increase as doctors perfected filler procedures. Additional fillers also began to hit the market, with collagen and hyaluronic acid among the most commonly used.
So it may seem like both Botox and dermal fillers have similar applications. And that is correct, but let’s look at which treatment is right for you.
As we teased earlier, Botox is the best treatment for the upper third of your face. Your forehead, eyes and nose are the most common areas where Botox treatment is applied.
People usually opt for Botox treatment for things like crow’s feet, forehead furrows and other lines around these areas of the face.
Botox is injected into specific wrinkle and line areas. The procedure causes the muscles in these areas to relax, providing a smooth appearance. You usually see changes within days.
Fillers are mainly used to provide a filling effect in sunken areas of the face. For example, fillers are commonly used to provide a fuller look for lips and cheeks. Fillers can also plump up sagging areas of the face and can even help with deep wrinkles and scarring.
Fillers often take effect in a short period of time. They can give the appearance of much younger and healthy-looking skin with relatively little discomfort.
Ultimately, you’ll want to consult with a Botox and dermal filler expert about your specific needs. But a general rule is that Botox is perfect for any concerns you have about aging on the upper area of your face, while fillers are perfect for adding a fuller look for areas that are losing their plumpness.
For more information on Botox and fillers, please contact us at Best Impression Med Spa. You can book a consultation online or call our Blue Bell office at 610-272-8821. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have!
