I often get asked what the difference is between Botox and Fillers, and why I prefer the latter.
While both Botox and Fillers play an important role in Facial Rejuvenation and in many cases complement each other, the way each works is very different.
Botox is typically injected directly into muscles to stop them contracting and relaxing. The skin over these muscles therefore creases less and consequently forms fewer lines and wrinkles. For example Botox injected into the muscles responsible for frowning will stop them contracting so the skin and frown lines become smoother. The results typically last 3-4 months, after which another treatment is required.
Fillers are injected into different layers of the skin (but not typically the muscle), to define, shape and lift by adding volume. They tend to last much longer than Botox, up to a year, or longer.
While Botox is most often used on the top third of the face (frown, forehead and around the eyes), fillers are used in the lower two thirds (the cheeks, nose, lips, jawline and chin). Treating with Botox only can lead to a mismatch between the treated area and the rest of the face; for example a smooth forehead does not go with an ageing lower face, so the result looks odd and unnatural.
My approach is to look at the face as a whole and treat the weakest areas first. I do not have a preference for either fillers or Botox as each serves different functions and often both are required for a harmonious aesthetic result. The most important thing is to ensure that the different areas of the face are balanced and work in harmony with each other, and any good aesthetic doctor will know what to use, where and in what proportions.