In the quest to look younger in today’s aesthetic world, the words toxins and fillers get thrown quite a lot. Cosmetic treatments like Botox and Juvederm, just to name a famous couple, are becoming more accessible to the average consumer today. When it comes to toxins and fillers, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Many people think that all toxins are harmful and all fillers are good — this is not the case.

In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between toxins and fillers, how each can affect you differently, and your top product picks available in the market so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.

How Are Toxins And Fillers Different?

Toxins

If you’re like most people, the word toxin may probably make you think of dangerous chemicals that should be avoided at all costs. This is not the case with cosmetics. Neurotoxins are products such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin that temporarily paralyze muscle activity selectively. They block the nerve signals that tell your facial muscles to contract and move. As a result, it relaxes the muscles and smooths out the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movements — think forehead lines, crow’s feet, and bunny lines.

All neurotoxins contain a slightly different chemical variation of Botulinum Toxin, which is naturally occurring and can even be found in various foods people buy in supermarkets.

These treatments are safe and extremely effective when administered in small, controlled doses by a certified practitioner. 

Moreover, the results of these toxins can last anywhere from three to six months before needing to retreat. And don’t worry, contrary to popular belief, toxins will not cause your face to freeze or leave you looking expressionless. With the help of a skilled injector, you can achieve a natural-looking result.

Fillers

Filler products are made of Hyaluronic Acid or HA, a naturally occurring substance found in our skin and blood vessels that is injected into the skin layer to add fullness. Unlike toxins, dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane do not target specific cells or muscles — they add volume and contour to the area in which they are injected. This is why dermal fillers are often used to treat wrinkles that are not caused by muscle contractions (i.e., smile lines, marionette lines, etc.), as well as to improve volume to other areas of the face such as the lips and cheeks. 

Dermal fillers are regulated, and the medical community recognizes this as a powerful treatment option for many skin types and cosmetic concerns. To choose the best filler for your condition, work with a certified practitioner who knows all the options available such as those at Mind & Body Medspa. 

What Are My Best Product Options Out There?

Toxin and filler treatments are becoming more common, and the sheer volume of available products can make it overwhelming. So, we’ve prepared a quick rundown of some of the best the beauty industry has to offer for you to select from:

Botox

Botox was the first neurotoxin approved by the FDA. It works to reduce the appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. You will notice the effects of a Botox injection about 3-5 days after treatment and will achieve full results in 2 weeks. Most patients find that the results of a Botox injection last 3-4 months.

Dysport

Dysport is a neurotoxin that has been approved in 69 countries. Dysport is designed to treat severe frown lines in the forehead and brow area for up to four months. The effects of a Dysport injection are visible just 3-5 days after treatment.

Xeomin

Xeomin is considered a “pure” toxin as it does not have the proteins other toxins have. This treatment reduces the visibility of wrinkles between the brows, around the eyes, on the forehead, and around the mouth. The treatment is relatively simple, and the injection process can take less than 10 minutes. The procedure has a quick recovery time and visible results within two weeks. 

Juvederm

Juvederm is a dermal filler that is widely used and FDA-approved. Its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that adds volume to the areas where it is injected. Juvederm is commonly used to improve cheek and lip volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. A treatment session usually lasts 20-40 minutes.

Restylane

Restylane is a dermal filler that restores skin volume. It treats moderate to severe wrinkles and folds on the face. Restylane is most commonly used to treat nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Should I Get A Toxin Or Filler? How Do I Know It’s Right For Me? 

Dermal fillers are a versatile treatment that can be used to improve a variety of cosmetic concerns. While fillers are great for restoring lost volume, they also create features you may not have been born with.

However, the ideal candidate for dermal fillers is usually someone with moderate to severe wrinkles or volume loss around the mouth. If you have mild wrinkles or want to add volume elsewhere on your face (cheeks, lips, etc.), dermal fillers may be a good option.

For toxins, the ideal candidate is usually someone starting to see crow’s feet, forehead lines, or bunny lines. Other treatment options may be more beneficial if you have significant wrinkles or deep creases.

Before taking either option and undergoing the procedure, you must consider your age, medical history, allergies, and any other health conditions you may have and discuss them with a licensed toxin and filler injector here at Mind & Body Medspa.

It is important to remember that toxins and fillers are two very different treatments. Both toxins and fillers can be great treatment options depending on your goals. The best way to find out if either toxins or fillers suit you is to schedule a consultation with a certified practitioner. During your consultation with us at Mind & Body Medspa, we will assess your facial muscles and skin condition, among other factors, to determine which treatment best fits your unique needs.

You know it’s right when the results look natural, leaving your face looking younger. Stay ahead of the aging game by leaving yourself in the right hands!