According to a Cosmo Poll, around one third of you have already experimented with either Botox or fillers (or both). Some experts attribute this popularity to the pandemic and the infamous “zoom effect” which okay, fine, it makes sense that we’d start thinking about every little line on our faces after staring at ourselves on screens for far too long!

What is interesting is that although the beauty industry has been using Botox as their bread and butter treatment, it has a different history. Since the 1980s Botox has seen various medical purposes and today it is used to treat medical issues like migraine and excessive sweating.

But imagine stepping out of the office for lunch and returning an hour later with fuller lips, plumper cheeks, and fewer frown lines! Okay, so we’ve all seen – and laughed at – pictures of “trout pout” celebrities, but as more and more of your close friends count themselves among its fans, it’s starting to look a lot more attractive, right?

So, if you’re curious about both Botox and fillers, here’s what you need to know: Although they are both injectables and diminish the signs of ageing, they have completely different effects on the skin. Botox causes the muscles to relax and makes the skin smoother, while fillers replace lost volume.

Quick wrinkle lesson: There are two types of wrinkles on your body: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles.

• Dynamic wrinkles appear due to repetitive movements. Think: crow’s feet from squinting, smile lines from smiling, or forehead lines from raising your eyebrows.
• Static wrinkles permanently form as we lose collagen and elastin over time. Think: lines around the neck, across your cheeks, and around your mouth.

Botox works best on dynamic wrinkles. The botulinum toxin* is a neurotoxin that’s injected to relax the muscles which makes the skin smoother and tighter, causing wrinkles to look softer. On average, Botox lasts anywhere between 3 to 6 months. There’s no downtime and your skin will look perfectly fine after your treatment, other than a few little red marks where you were injected.

Does it hurt? Many doctors describe Botox as a series of sharp, brief pinches. Although not totally risk free, it is widely considered safe.

A study published in 2014 in the U.S. medical journal Jama Dermatology found an average of one negative side effect for every 3,333 procedures. Also, more and more young people are starting with Botox in their 20s as a preventative measure. Is this wise? Preventative Botox, when used conservatively, could delay the ageing process, but experts advise that starting with too much, too soon, could age you.

Fillers on the other hand works best on static wrinkles. It has a volumising effect and can help to improve the contours of the cheekbones or jawline, and soften and reduce lines of the nasolabial folds, decolletage lines, and marionette lines. Fillers will last between 6 and 24 months, but they have more side effects than Botox. An allergic reaction, although very rare, could cause problems with swallowing or breathing.

Bottom line: Make sure to do your due diligence beforehand to ensure you get the results you desire. And always, always trust only a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon (experienced in injectables) to administer your treatments.

* Although Fedhealth, like most medical schemes, doesn’t cover Botulinum toxin A (e.g. Botox®) for the cosmetic or aesthetic procedures as described in this article, it is covered on certain Fedhealth options for use as a medical treatment. It may be covered for funding upon successful motivation by an ophthalmologist, a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or dermatologist for conditions such as defined dystonias and spasms, primary hyperhidrosis of the axillae, focal spasticity in paediatric cerebral palsy patients, and blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.

Source: peachmedicalgroup.com, healthline.com, newsyahoo.com, news24.com, iol.co.za, healthcare.utah.edu, glamour.com, drjosephku.com, cosmopolitan.com, cosmopolitanclinic.nl, refinery29.com, plasticsurgeryservices.net, healthandaesthetics.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.