Botox, Fillers and Anti-Wrinkle Injections, Is There Any Difference?

If you are having a look at the leading cosmetic procedures with a view to choosing a treatment, the large amount of terminology out there might seem a little forbidding.

Cosmetic technology has moved at such a fast pace over the last few years, and this has resulted in a 'cosmetic dictionary' of sorts, with treatments being marketed under various different guises.

So let's break things down a little. One area of cosmetics which has potential for confusion relates to Botox, fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. So in this blog, we nail down a clear definition for each, and discuss which treatment might be most suitable for you.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein which is made from botulinum toxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Injected for the purpose of cosmetic treatment in small doses, it is capable of reducing wrinkles in the skin by weakening facial muscles. Sometimes, fillers - a different cosmetic treatment to Botox, which we will define below - are used in combination with Botox treatment in order to subtly augment the work already done on wrinkles.

While Botox might be most commonly known as a cosmetic treatment, you might also see the name crop up as a treatment for muscle conditions, bladder disorders and excess sweating, among other conditions.

What are fillers?

Fillers are a range of injectable gels which have been used to create numerous products which can restore lost facial volume, treat fine and medium depth lines, and improve skin hydration.

The gels are typically produced from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance which is important for maintaining skin health. The HA which is used for fillers treatment is bio-technologically produced and 100 per cent non-animal in origin, non-allergenic and has identical properties to naturally occurring HA, so does not require an allergy test prior to injection.

What are anti-wrinkle injections?

You might also have heard of anti-wrinkle injections, which is another common term used in the cosmetics world. It is important to understand that anti-wrinkle injections are an umbrella term which can be used to refer to several different sorts of treatment. Indeed, it can refer to; Botox; treatments similar to Botox such as Xeomin and Dysport; and anti-wrinkle fillers, which we have outlined above.

So when you read or see the term anti-wrinkle injections, you should be aware that this is a general term.

How to decide whether you need Botox or fillers?

Whether you opt for Botox, fillers, or another type of anti-wrinkle injection, is a decision which should rest on your overall objectives. For example, if you wish to treat forehead wrinkles or crow's feet, Botox can be seen as a suitable option. Fillers are proven to be effective in treating static wrinkles and plumping areas of the face such as the chin and cheeks.

For a relaxed consultation which will allow you to explore all the cosmetic options available to you, book an initial consultation with Medikaur. One of our experienced practitioners will be able to analyse your skin, assess your medical background, and understand your needs.

Call the friendly Medikaur team today on 020 7531 7121.