Botox Versus Fillers: Which One Is Right For You?

It’s nice to live in a time when you don’t have to just put up with age-related skin problems or be forced to live with facial imperfections that you’ve always disliked. But, with all the safe, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available, how do you choose the right one?

At Estea Medspa in Long Beach, California, Jiri Konecny, DO, FACOS, and our team specialize in cosmetic solutions to help address every aesthetic concern you may have. Whether you’re looking for skin tightening, laser hair removal, fat transfers, nonsurgical facelifts, dermal fillers, or Botox®, we can guide you through selecting the perfect treatment to enhance your appearance.

In this blog, we discuss how Botox and dermal fillers can turn back the hands of time.

When to consider Botox

Botox comes from a naturally occurring neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin. This formula started gaining attention in the 1970s when scientists tried using it to treat crossed eyes. Before long, they discovered that small doses could also safely and temporarily immobilize the facial muscles that cause certain fine lines and wrinkles.

If you have forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, lines between your nose and mouth, or frown lines, Botox can make them a distant memory. During your appointment, Dr. Konecny injects small amounts of Botox into specific muscles of your face, and the muscles causing your unwanted lines and wrinkles relax, thus causing the skin above them to relax and smooth out. 

In the past, Botox treatments had a reputation for creating a “frozen” look. But, Dr. Konecny only uses tiny amounts to achieve a more natural and rested look. This quick, 10-minute treatment comes with minimal ― if any ― discomfort and downtime. Furthermore, you can see results within 24-48 hours, and the results can last up to four months.

To maintain your fresh, new look, Dr. Konecny usually recommends getting regular Botox injections every 3-4 months. They also have a cumulative effect, so you can expect your results to last even longer as you get more treatments.

When to consider dermal fillers

Unlike Botox, which paralyzes muscles, dermal fillers work by restoring lost volume to your face. There are different types of dermal fillers on the market, but we use Radiesse®. 

The Radiesse filler formula is made up of gel and calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres. When Dr. Konecny injects Radiesse into your treatment site, the gel instantly replenishes lost volume in the area, while the calcium calcium hydroxylapatite triggers collagen production. Collagen is a protein in your connective tissue that gives your skin its structure and firm, supple appearance.

Dr. Konecny recommends Radiesse dermal fillers for a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

• Sagging jowls
• Thinning lips
• Sunken cheeks
• Deepening facial folds
• Chin and mouth wrinkles
• Smile and marionette lines

When you have dermal filler treatments, they only take a few minutes, provide immediate results, and require no downtime. You can also expect your natural looking results to last at least a year or longer.

To see which minimally invasive treatment option can help you look and feel your best, book an appointment online or over the phone with Estea Medspa today.