Beauty is expensive. While there are many products on the market that can cater to our needs, sometimes many of us want that extra “effortless” oomph. That said, we’ve seen an uptick in people gravitating towards botox and fillers to add volume to their faces.
With these trends in our faces more than ever before, it’s easy to be curious about trying the treatments for yourself. We’re here, alongside five experts, to break down a few things to know before trying it out for yourself.
What is botox?
“Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines,” Limor Weinberg, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, celebrity injector and founder at The Clinic USA tells Beautycon. “It is commonly used to treat areas such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows.”
Dr. Joel Kopelman, MD, FAAD, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery notes that botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting and smoothing the skin. “Botox is a go-to treatment for those looking to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance without surgery,” Weinberg says.
What is filler?
Think of filler as treatment that adds volume, shape, and contour to different areas of your face. “Most fillers are hyaluronic acid based, which are essentially sugar derivatives,” Chris Bustamante, DNP, NP-C, founder of Lushful Aesthetics says. “Filler volumizes areas where we want to create more structure such as lips, jawlines, and cheeks.”
Paul Charette, master aesthetician and founder of Charette Cosmetics notes people can benefit from doing filler as it can add definition to your face. “Many lose fullness due to aging or genetics,” he says. For those who want to enhance their features can use filler as it has more natural-looking results.
What is the difference between botox and filler?
Charette notes that the reason why botox and filler are different is because of its function. “Botox works by relaxing muscles, while fillers address volume loss,” Charette says. “Think of Botox as a temporary ‘freeze’ for wrinkles, and fillers as a way to ‘add’ volume and definition.”
Why are botox and filler popular right now?
Bustamante shares that we live in a world where we are all either stressed or overwhelmed. Or we can be both at the same time. This can take a toll on our appearance. “People look towards injectables to feel refreshed,” Bustamante says. “When you dive deep in psychology you’ll see how your perception of your physical appearance impacts your mental well being. Botox and filler are safe treatments that can deliver impactful results that allow people to feel and look their best.”
What are the side effects of botox and filler?
No matter the cosmetic procedure, you’ll more likely experience some side effects. Dr. Stafford Broumand, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon at 740 Park Plastic Surgery explains that “potential side effects are bruising and swelling the injection site.” While there are many doctors, dermatologists and surgeons who can perform these cosmetic procedures, each expert recommends finding a provider with strong google reviews and a portfolio that resonates with you.
