At any age, women strive to be attractive and do everything possible to achieve this, including turning to professional cosmetologists for help. It is not surprising that the question “Botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid – which is better?” always remains relevant. To choose the optimal procedure for protecting against premature aging, you need to consider in detail the indications and effectiveness of their use.
When choosing for yourself: “botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid,” you need to know that none of these drugs can remove wrinkles forever. They only smooth out existing wrinkles for a while and prevent the appearance of new ones.
Botox – what is it?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a substance that can cause temporary paralysis of the muscle into which it was injected. Botox was originally used in neurology to eliminate the effects of excessive muscle tension. During use, not only a therapeutic, but also a cosmetic effect was noted, so today Botox is better known as a drug used for beauty rather than for health.
“Botox” is the name of a botulinum toxin-based drug produced in America. There is also Dysport, manufactured in France, and Xeomin, created in Germany. There are virtually no differences between these drugs, since each of them is based on botulinum toxin, but Dysport is a less complex - a more purified drug.
Botox and wrinkles
Before answering the question of which is better: Botox or hyaluronic acid, it is necessary to consider the area in which it is used. There are two types of wrinkles: facial and age-related. Age-related, as follows from the definition, are formed as the skin ages, when all metabolic processes in the body slow down.
Expression wrinkles can form at any age, as this is facilitated by facial expressions and the specific structure of the face. They appear around the eyes and on the forehead: so-called “crow’s feet”, longitudinal and transverse stripes on the forehead, folds on the bridge of the nose.
In order to get rid of them, it is necessary to minimize facial expressions in a given area. This is what Botox is used for. When the muscle relaxes, the “crease” on the skin stops forming, and as the epidermis is renewed, traces of wrinkles disappear, giving way to smooth skin.
When it comes to expression wrinkles, when answering the question: “Botox” or hyaluronic acid – which is better, patient reviews and doctors’ opinions clearly recommend the use of botulinum toxin.
CAUSES OF SKIN AGING
Skin aging is a completely natural phenomenon that begins around the age of 30. There are quite a few reasons leading to this, and most of them cannot be controlled. Among them:
- a significant decrease in moisture in cells, leading to the appearance of wrinkles;
- suspension of the production of certain substances in the dermis (hyaluronic acid, collagen and others) and, as a result, loss of elasticity.
- Slowing down the skin renewal process, etc.
At the same time, it is possible to identify a number of prerequisites due to which skin aging occurs much faster. Such predisposing factors include:
- smoking;
- consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs;
- work in hazardous production;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- constant lack of sleep;
- improper (unbalanced) nutrition;
- sudden weight loss or gain;
- frequent exposure to “active” sunlight without the use of protective equipment;
- too active facial expressions.
PHOTO BEFORE AND AFTER Botulinum toxin
You can look at the photo after botulinum toxin on the website of the Abrielle plastic surgery clinic in the Photo Gallery section.
What can Botox do?
Using this drug, you can perform the following contouring techniques:
- change in the shape of the eyes when botulinum toxin is injected into the superciliary region: relaxation of the lower part of the forehead leads to contraction of the muscles of its upper part, as a result of which the eyelid or the outer corner of the eye and eyebrows rise, rounding the eye, or, on the contrary, giving it a “cat-like” cut;
- changing the shape of the lips, or rather, reducing the distance between the upper lip and the columella of the nose, as a result of which the size of the upper lip visually increases;
- changing the oval of the face - getting rid of jowls, ptosis of the facial contour, is done by introducing botulinum toxin into the platysma;
- changing the shape of the nose - you can raise the tip of the nose by injecting Botox into the columella;
- smile correction – the so-called “gummy smile” is eliminated with an injection into the gum.
Hyaluronic acid
To find out the answer to the question “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better?”, it is necessary to comprehensively consider hyaluronic acid.
This is a substance produced by the human body in order to retain water molecules and maintain the natural balance of fluid in the body. There is enough hyaluronic acid in the body of a child and teenager, which is why their skin is soft and moisturized, and their joints are mobile. With age, acid decreases, so the skin needs hydration and joints become fragile.
Many manufacturers of facial care cosmetics add this component to the composition, but there is no reason for this: the hyaluronic acid molecule is approximately 50 times larger than the membrane holes in the barrier layer of the skin. Therefore, this substance can only be introduced into the deep layers by injection.
It is worth noting that sometimes the patient does not require deep injection of the drug under the skin if only superficial hydration is necessary. To find out, you need to consult a cosmetologist who will tell you what is best to do. Botox or hyaluronic acid are safe drugs, but their use must have clear indications.
Comparison of drugs: pros and cons
Each of the above types of skin rejuvenation has a number of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of using hyaluronic acid are the following:
- the desired effect is noticeable after the first procedure;
- with its help you can eliminate even very deep wrinkles;
- after administration of the drug, the patient’s face continues to remain completely natural;
- filler injections can be performed at any age;
- Experts say that hyaluronic acid injections have a rejuvenating effect on the entire body.
The positive aspects of botulinum therapy are the following factors:
- the use of Botox does not lead to distortion of natural facial expressions;
- the skin looks rejuvenated and refreshed;
- age and expression wrinkles are effectively smoothed out.
At first glance, the results of both rejuvenation methods are almost identical. Differences are revealed when comparing the methods of drug administration. Unlike Botox injections, which are performed intramuscularly, hyaluronic acid injections are performed subcutaneously. In very rare cases, when, due to problems with muscle tone, they resort to subcutaneous injection of Botox, the drug will act exclusively on micromuscles. The second fundamental difference is the different mechanisms for eliminating wrinkles. When using fillers, hyaluronic acid promotes fluid retention in epidermal cells. Having been saturated with moisture and restoring its former elasticity, the skin gets rid of wrinkles. This miraculous effect becomes noticeable within the first hours after the procedure. When Botox is administered, the mechanism for smoothing wrinkles is fundamentally different: this occurs due to the relaxation of spasmed muscles that tighten the skin. The first results of botulinum therapy become noticeable a few days after the procedure.
The third difference is the greater versatility of the effect of hyaluronic acid on the condition of the skin. With the help of fillers based on it, you can not only eliminate wrinkles of various etiologies, but also significantly improve the condition of the skin, relieving it of excessive dryness. Botox cannot achieve this effect.
The main disadvantages of both methods of rejuvenation are their pain, the high cost of the procedures and the need for regular (at least twice a year) renewal of the obtained effect.
Hyaluronic acid and wrinkles
Slightly pronounced wrinkles, perceived as sagging skin, can be removed with hyaluronic acid using a procedure such as biorevitalization. The acid is introduced into the skin in tiny portions over short distances, thus moisturizing the deep layers of the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté.
Deep wrinkles cannot be eliminated in this way, but the resulting fold of skin can be filled from the inside with filler. The composition for such manipulation will be slightly thicker than for biorevitalization.
Hyaluronic acid and contouring
Fillers based on hyaluronic acid can change the size and shape of the lips, make the cheekbones more expressive, the chin clearer, and the bridge of the nose smooth.
Different gels have different compositions and densities. For example, fillers for lip augmentation may have the usual ability to attract water molecules, and drugs used to disguise dark circles under the eyes should not form bags.
Fillers based on hyaluronic acid can be injected in varying quantities into almost all facial tissues, but in order for the result to be harmonious and beautiful, contour plastic surgery should only be performed by a professional cosmetologist who knows what Botox or hyaluronic acid is used for, that will better provide the effect desired by the client.
Validity
It is logical to compare two drugs with different mechanisms of action, but similar in results, from the point of view of the duration of the effect they create, then it will be clearer which is better to inject.
Botox or hyaluronic acid remain in tissues for approximately the same period. After introducing botulinum toxin into the muscles, the result will be noticeable after approximately two weeks, when the upper layer of the epidermis is worn off, and will last for 6-8 months.
How long hyaluronic acid will remain in the tissues depends on the thickness of the gel. The composition for biorevitalization, characterized by a minimum density, will moisturize the skin for two months, and filler for contouring will preserve the result for up to a year.
It is important to understand that the stated boundaries do not apply to all fillers; they can only be applicable to preparations based on hyaluronic acid.
But a significant difference between the two products, which will partially answer the question “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better?”, is the fact that over time, resistance to Botox develops. That is why it is not recommended to start injecting it too early, so that by the age of 45-50 you do not encounter the problem of the body’s lack of sensitivity to any permissible dosages of botulinum toxin.
Hyaluronic acid can be injected in any quantity and with any frequency; the result of the injection will depend only on the quality of the drug and the professionalism of the specialist, and not on the age of the patient or the number of similar procedures he has performed previously.
Botulinum toxin
Botulinum therapy is one of the most popular techniques in cosmetology. Currently, six drugs are registered and approved for use in Russia. They all contain botulinum neuroprotein and differ slightly from each other - for example, in molecular weight and stabilizing additives. The most popular drugs today are Botox (USA), Dysport (France), Relatox (Russia), Xeomin (Germany), Botulax (Korea) and Lantox (China).
Botulinum toxin injections are used to calm excessive facial expressions of a particular muscle on the face. The choice of drug is at the discretion of the cosmetologist. It largely depends on which of them he is better at. After all, everyone has their own characteristics and dosages. For example, I know all the options of botulinum toxin, but I really like to work with Botox, as well as its excellent Korean analogue, Botulax. In some cases, I prefer Relatox, especially for men and women with a masculine facial structure.
For people of a certain profession (for example, singers or actors), Xeomin will be preferable. It does not stay in tissues for so long, but it is able to maintain facial expressions.
Important: botulinum toxin does not work on the skin, but only limits muscle function! And we are not talking about muscle atrophy. The drug breaks the neuromuscular connection. That is, the muscle is supplied with blood, functions normally, but does not contract. The facial muscles are attached to the skin and begin to pull it more strongly with age. Since the level of collagen and elastin (the main structural proteins of the dermis that provide the skin with elasticity and tone) decreases with age, expression wrinkles form. If the wrinkle has entered the static phase, that is, visible in a calm state, botulinum toxin will not solve this problem, which is what many patients are often mistaken about. To correct creases, you will need to fill wrinkles with hyaluronic acid and use hardware techniques. Botulinum toxin can relax the muscle and tighten the skin, making wrinkles less noticeable. Many patients wait until a certain age to get botulinum toxin injections for the first time and miss out on time. I believe that botulinum toxin is a drug for young people (up to 40 years old), which, as you use it, will stop you from frowning or squinting. The best way to treat wrinkles is to prevent them.
Disadvantages of Botox
In order to make the right decision regarding which method of rejuvenation and contouring to use, you need to know the negative aspects of each method, and this aspect is much more important than the answer to the question: “Botox” or hyaluronic acid - which is better? The disadvantages of Botox, fortunately, are always temporary. That is, no matter what the result is, after six months the face will be the same as it was before the procedure.
A negative result of the drug, as a rule, is understood as the resulting asymmetry of the face or drooping of the eyebrows. This happens for only one reason: the low level of professionalism of the master. When some muscles relax with the help of botulinum toxin, others tend to become toned. If a cosmetologist does not have a medical education and does not have the necessary knowledge in the field of anatomy, he cannot predict what the injection he will do will lead to, or whether smoothing out wrinkles in one area will cause the formation of wrinkles in another.
Botulinum toxin IN THE FIGHT ANTI-AGING
Botulinum toxin is a drug containing botulinum neurotoxin type A, which, when it enters the muscles, blocks them. Many people fear that after botulinum toxin injections, their face will look like a mask. However, there is no need to be afraid. The fact is that for rejuvenation, this drug is administered in such small and carefully calculated doses that it cannot cause the slightest harm to our health, while leaving natural facial expressions.
Modern cosmetologists use botulinum toxin as an effective remedy to eliminate facial wrinkles. Under the influence of this substance, the muscles stop overstraining, making the skin smooth and elastic, without wrinkles.
In order for the results from the use of botulinum toxin to be as effective as possible, the drug must be of high quality, and the cosmetologist must strictly follow the technique of its administration. All this is provided by the Abrielle Clinic. What effect can be achieved thanks to professionally performed “youth injections”:
- cure migraines and headaches;
- eliminate facial spasms;
- cure hyperhidrosis in the armpits, palms and feet;
- correct the shape of the face completely or partially (eye shape, corners of the lips);
- remove wrinkles completely or partially.
The botulinum toxin injection procedure takes a little time. Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the effect of the procedure may appear on the 3rd day or a week later, but in any case a positive result will be observed.
However, after 6-10 months the procedure will need to be repeated. The fact is that muscle activity is restored, which is why wrinkles may appear again.
Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid
Excess injected hyaluronic acid often leads to filler migration. This process occurs gradually, that is, a person may not detect the fact that part of the lip filler has gradually descended in small lumps into the chin area.
In this case, considering the question of Botox or hyaluronic acid: which is better for the lips, we can conclude that botulinum toxin wins. Despite the fact that the effect it creates is less pronounced and applies only to the upper lip, there will be no unpleasant consequences from the injection.
The second factor that people who want to change their appearance in a cosmetologist’s office should pay attention to is the effect of injections on the immune system. Despite the fact that the hyaluronic acid in the preparations is close in chemical composition to that in the body, it is still synthetic and not natural. Therefore, people with highly sensitive immune systems may experience an allergic reaction or rejection of the filler.
About existing risks
Unfortunately, any manipulation of injection plastic surgery to a certain extent provokes the risk of the occurrence and development of complications. Hyaluronic acid fillers can cause:
- extensive swelling;
- bruises, bruises, redness;
- the appearance of subcutaneous seals and nodules;
- painful and uncomfortable sensations (including a feeling of fullness and fullness from the inside);
- uneven distribution of the composition, lack of effect, or, on the contrary, over-results.
Such negative reactions of the body do not occur in everyone and not always. Their occurrence is often based on individual characteristics, non-compliance with safety measures and rules for introducing the product under the skin. However, almost all side effects are usually minor and do not have a significant negative impact on human health. If you do not like the final result, you can always introduce a special product that will facilitate the rapid removal of hyaluronic acid.
Botox procedure
As for Botox, it certainly provokes unpleasant consequences more often. In addition to the standard reaction to a puncture of the skin, with the simultaneous administration of a significant amount of the drug, the following may be observed: vomiting, dizziness, fever, fever, and rapid heartbeat. In addition, specific consequences include:
- ptosis (drooping eyelid);
- muscle asymmetry.
Please note that drugs that neutralize the effects of Botox do not exist in nature.
Drug compatibility
Instead of torturing yourself with lengthy thoughts on the topic “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better for the face?”, you can combine the administration of both drugs, with each of them performing its own task.
For example, in order to enlarge the lips and improve their shape, you can first inject Botox into the contour area of the upper lip to lift it and slightly turn it out. Once the result can be assessed, it can be corrected using filler. A small amount of injected hyaluronic acid will reduce the risk of migration of the substance several times.
There are also areas for which one type of drug is preferable: suppose, for correcting wrinkles in the forehead and eyes, Botox works better, and in order to give volume to cheekbones or a sloping chin, there is no other method other than injecting filler.
Thus, knowing what Botox or hyaluronic acid is, which is better, the pros and cons for different areas and tasks, you can choose a transformation technique that will lead to the desired result in the shortest and safest way.
About combining techniques
Injections can be combined at intervals of time or in one syringe. For example, after fixing the frontal muscle with botulinum toxin, I invite the patient to treat wrinkles with a light biorevitalizant. This is a good strategy for patients over 25 years of age. The result is good skin hydration and a beautiful appearance.
You can also use different drugs in combination, for example botulinum toxin and meso-cocktails. This technique is called “neuromesolifting” (or the Max Adam Scherer technique). The procedure is performed using botulinum toxin “Relatox” and the French biorevitalizing cocktail NCTF135.
First, the muscles of the forehead and between the eyebrows, which often bother men, are treated with botulinum toxin. Then the entire face is treated with a meso-cocktail with botulinum toxin added to it. The procedure solves the problem of increased facial oiliness, rosacea, fine wrinkles and diffuse redness. This is not a medical procedure, but the aesthetic effect, which lasts from 4 to 6 months, will please you within 2 weeks after the procedure.
