People who are new to cosmetic treatments often ask whether botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers are the same things. It’s common for patients to be confused about these two types of injectables, as they initially seem very similar. Fillers and neuromodulators are actually not interchangeable. They address completely different aspects of facial aging; however, they are complementary and when used together as part of what is known as a liquid facelift, they can produce dramatic results. Our team at Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa, a practice offering cosmetic dermatology in Toronto, explains some of the main advantages of the liquid facelift.
Wrinkle injections correct those lines that show up on the face when you make certain expressions, which are known as dynamic wrinkles. They consist of a purified protein derived from a bacterium called botulinum toxin, and they have one main job: to temporarily relax the muscles that are overactive beneath the skin, causing it to bunch up and form wrinkles. They are commonly used on wrinkles around the forehead and eyes, such as crow’s feet or frown lines. An experienced Cosmetic Dermatologist can analyze muscle movement and determine if other areas of the face would also benefit from botulinum toxin injections. When injected into the tissue in select areas, they prevent nerve signals from reaching those muscles, and wrinkles will be relaxed and less pronounced.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are non-toxic, gel-like substances made from sugar and water that are injected beneath the skin to add volume. They reduce the depth of fine lines and deeper creases that are permanently etched into the skin even when the face is at rest. The wrinkles they improve are ones associated with aging, lost volume, gravity, damage from UV radiation, and other causes. Fillers can plump lips, lift or restore volume in flattened cheeks, or augment a chin and jawline.
A liquid facelift combines various types of fillers with neuromodulators, making the face look younger and rejuvenated without surgery. An experienced injector can determine what each patient requires and artistically use these dermal fillers and neuromodulators to meet individual goals. In just one session, you’re able to address most areas of the face, erasing wrinkles while making the skin firmer and plumper at the same time. Liquid facelifts are less expensive, faster, and have much less recovery time compared to traditional plastic surgery. The changes will appear very subtle and natural-looking. Everyone will notice the improvement, but no one will quite know why.
If you’re interested in learning more about liquid facelifts and other dermatology treatments from Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa, give our Toronto-based practice a call at 416-483-4541 or fill out a contact form for further details.