The Benefits of Combining BOTOX® and Fillers

Woman getting BOTOX injection for a smoother appearance

Cosmetic injectable treatments such as BOTOX and dermal fillers are the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world. It’s easy to see why. These procedures produce excellent results, the treatments take only minutes to complete, and there’s virtually no downtime. But many of the patients who get fillers or BOTOX at our Anchorage practice are surprised to learn that they work in very different ways.

All wrinkles aren’t created the same way, and BOTOX and fillers treat different types of wrinkles. That’s why combining the injectable treatments during a single appointment can benefit most of our patients.

Dynamic vs. Static Wrinkles

Those annoying lines that gradually emerge on your face develop for different reasons. One type is called dynamic wrinkles and the other is called static wrinkles.

What are dynamic wrinkles? Think of how often we change facial expressions throughout the day. We frown, squint, smile, and raise our eyebrows over and over again. Each expression involves the movement of tiny facial muscles, causing our skin to crease and fold. Over the years, wrinkles and lines develop, such as crow’s feet, vertical worry lines between the eyes (sometimes called “the 11s”), and horizontal forehead wrinkles.

What are static wrinkles? Even if we remained stone-faced throughout our lives and never changed expressions, our skin would still develop wrinkles and lines. Sun damage is one of the primary causes of skin aging, but the natural aging of the skin occurs as our bodies produce less collagen and the face loses its youthful volume.

In some cases, dynamic wrinkles can evolve into static wrinkles. A good example is when fine lines around the lips gradually morph into nasolabial folds.

How Do BOTOX and Fillers Treat Wrinkles?

BOTOX injections target dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX is a neuromodulator and works by temporarily blocking the nervous system from sending signals to the facial muscles responsible for changing expressions. It’s important the injector target these muscles with precision to avoid unwanted results.

Fillers such as the line of JUVÉDERM® products that we use at our practice add volume to the treatment area, softening wrinkles and lines. JUVÉDERM and fillers such as Restylane® are made with a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced by the body, so allergic reactions are extremely rare. They can treat cheeks that appear hollow, tear troughs, and nasolabial folds, among other areas. Fillers are also used for lip augmentation.

As you can see, it makes sense to combine BOTOX and fillers because we all have both types of wrinkles. One study even found that BOTOX injections can help fillers last longer.

How Long Do Results Last?

Another difference between BOTOX and fillers is that fillers produce results that last longer than BOTOX—in some cases, much longer. Depending on the type of filler used, the duration of the results can last between 9 months and 2 years. The results of BOTOX injections, on the other hand, generally need to be maintained with treatments every 4 months or so. That means you may have appointments that involve only BOTOX injections.

Some patients may decide to address multiple skin concerns at once and schedule another med spa procedure along with injectables. Our licensed estheticians and nurse injector can help you decide on the best treatment plan for your specific concerns. You can contact us using the online form to request a consultation with one of our aesthetic professionals or call us at (907) 279-8800 to schedule an appointment.

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