Neuromodulators / Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?

As their name implies, dermal fillers “fill” a wrinkle or an area that has lost volume due to decreasing collagen and slackening skin. Fillers are injected under the wrinkle and they fill the area and push the skin back upwards. Dermal fillers are used on what are known as “static” wrinkles, wrinkles that show themselves at all times and are usually the result of sun damage and natural sagging of the skin.

What are Neuromodulators?

The king of the injectables is Botox. This neuromodulator has become one of the world’s most famous brand names since its approval by the FDA for the treatment of facial wrinkles. Dysport and Xeomin are also neuromodulators.

Unlike dermal fillers, neuromodulators don’t fill wrinkles from beneath. Botox (and the others) instead address “dynamic” wrinkles. These are wrinkles that form as the result of a muscle contraction under the skin. These wrinkles form when we make expressions such as smiling, frowning, squinting, and others. Muscles contract with these expressions and as we age wrinkles form on the surface skin above the muscle.

What are the Pros and Cons of Neuromodulators?

Pros

• Non-Invasive
• It is a quick treatment with no downtime
• It safely relaxes wrinkles
• Ability to Change Procedure.
• Widening Accessibility. 

Cons

• It only lasts 3-4 months in most patients; repeated injections are necessary to maintain the improvement
• It only works on lines caused by muscle movement
• If the lines are deep/etched, and are noticeable at rest, neuromodulators will not completely diminish the wrinkles after one treatment and multiple treatments or fillers may be needed
• There are a few possible rare side effects (Bruising in the injection points, Headache)
• Temporary Bruising/Discoloration.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dermal Fillers?

Pros

• It is non-invasive
• Depending on the filler, you can have instant results
• The results are typically long-lasting – at least 6 months
• Fillers typically add to a more youthful appearance by replenishing volume in areas lost by the aging process

Cons

• More uncomfortable than a neuromodulators injection
• If the injected filler is NOT a hyaluronic acid filler, it cannot be easily dissolved
• There are a few possible side effects to using injectable fillers, most of which resolve shortly after the procedure. 
• The most common side effects are swelling and bruising.