BOTOX® and Juvederm® are among the most popular non-invasive anti-aging treatments currently on the market. They are both injectable solutions that can be used to instantly and dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles across the visage. Although both of these procedures have been referred to as “lunchtime facelifts”, they are hardly the same. In fact, not only are BOTOX® and Juvederm® used to treat entirely different issues, but they’re also formulated to work in two very different ways. If you are considering BOTOX® vs Juvederm® to look younger, you should first understand how each injectable works.
What BOTOX® Is and How It Works
BOTOX® is a powerful, purified and FDA-approved neuromodulator. This solution is frequently injected around the mouth and eyes and at the forehead to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are moderate fine lines that directly result from facial movement. By temporarily relaxing the expressive muscles, BOTOX® has the ability to quickly smooth away crow’s feet, frown lines and other dynamic wrinkles. Given that BOTOX® accomplishes all of this by blocking nerve signals to the expressive muscles, professionals must take care to introduce only small amounts of the solution to each injection site. This technique is essential for ensuring that patients retain the ability to continue making the same facial expressions they could always make post-treatment.
What Juvederm® Is and How It Works
While the BOTOX® solution is injected into the face in liquid form, Juvederm® is a hyaluronic acid-based gel. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that the skin naturally produces. In fact, people have large HA stores right at the foundation layers of their skin that exist to provide both volume and structural support. Juvederm® is designed to address more advanced signs of aging by filling in deep facial creases known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles remain present even when the expressive muscles are not being used. They are caused by a variety of things, such as diminished collagen production, long-term wear and a general breakdown of the skin’s integrity. Once injected, the HA in Juvederm® binds directly to skin cells and begins to attract and accumulate water molecules. This has a rapid plumping effect on the dermis that quickly fills in noticeable creases.
Juvederm® is commonly used in the areas that are most likely to show age-related volume loss such as at the cheeks and along the nasolabial folds. While the effects of BOTOX® last about four to six months, Juvederm® typically lasts between six and nine months. Moreover, several Juvederm® products can last up to 18 months and beyond. Many anti-aging solutions from the Juvederm® brand also have their own built-in anesthesia such as lidocaine.
How to Know Which Solution to Use
Before deciding on BOTOX® vs Juvederm®, schedule a consultation visit with our providers at MacMed Spa in Milford and Framingham. This visit will give our specialist the chance to assess individual cosmetic needs and goals. In some instances, BOTOX® and Juvederm® can even be used together to assist patients in safely and easily resolving both types of wrinkles at once. You don’t have to decide on BOTOX® vs Juvederm® on your own. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and speak with one of our specialists.