Although they may look similar, they are two completely different things.
It can be confusing to decide which injectable is right for you.
We had this in mind when we spoke with one of the top experts in the field in London to learn how they differ and what questions to ask before we even consider treatment. Continue reading to discover which treatment is right for you.
Botox
What is Botox Newcastle? How does it work?
Dr David Jack, Harley Street’s aesthetician, says that botox is the abbreviation for botulinum toxins, a collection of molecules made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is called a “toxin” because it can block certain types of nerves and act in high amounts. This toxin is now used in medicine. Tiny doses can be injected in areas that block certain nerve actions, such as the bladder or tiny muscles in the eye.
It can be used in aesthetics to relax wrinkle-producing muscle tension by being injected directly into the facial muscles. It can be used to relax the muscles that pull down on your face, such as the neck muscles. This will give you a lifting effect. It can also be used as a treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox can be injected into multiple points on the scalp to treat migraines.
The effects can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on who is affected.
Botox can cause side effects
Botox has very few side effects. However, it is possible to experience bruising or tenderness at the injection site. People can experience headaches as early as the first day of treatment. Rarer side effects include difficulty swallowing and flu-like symptoms.
Who can/can have Botox?
Botox is considered a very safe treatment. There are very few exceptions. Contraindications include pregnancy, myasthenia gravis, and other rare neurological conditions.
“Generally, patients are in their 20s or later. I don’t like to treat patients younger than that. “Preventative Botox” is too overkill.
Before you decide to undergo treatment, what questions should you ask?
It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor when you receive any type of treatment. Ask lots of questions to make sure the job is done safely and properly.
Dr Jack says, “I would always recommend asking the qualifications of a practitioner and how long they’ve been doing the treatment.” Make sure that the product you are using is a legitimate brand.
It is not possible to give a treatment for cosmetic purposes. This is because it is hard to know who it is right for. The decision should be made jointly by the practitioner and the patient, based on their experiences and your wishes. You should never feel forced to have a treatment.
How much does botox cost?
“This will depend on the clinic and the practitioner. For a full-face treatment in central London, you would expect to pay between PS450 and PS800 for an experienced, highly trained doctor. Although they are not medically trained, beauty therapists can still offer treatments and the prices are generally lower. It’s all fine and dandy until it goes wrong.
Fillers
What are fillers? How do they work?
“Dermal fillers” are injectable medical products that add volume to tissue. There are many types of fillers available, including hyaluronic acids fillers (the most popular), collagen-stimulating (such as sculptra), and permanent (such as silicon, which is no longer sold in the UK). Fat transfer could also be called a “filler”.
Fillers can generally be injected to areas to replenish lost volume or revitalise the skin. The technology is rapidly improving and there are many fillers available in different forms and consistencies.
The results usually last 18 months but can be reversed at any time.
Are there any side effects to fillers?
Side effects of dermal fillers are rare but can include swelling, bruising, lumpiness, and sometimes vascular occlusion. This is where the filler is accidentally injected into blood vessels, causing damage and blockage to the blood supply. This is a rare side effect. Side effects like nerve damage, allergic reaction, and infection are very rare.
Before you decide to fillers, what questions should you ask?
“The most important thing to inquire about is their experience and qualifications. Due to the number of problems I see with inexperienced practitioners (mostly beauty therapists), you should confirm that your practitioner is qualified to inject hyaluronidase into any filler to dissolve it.
Who can have fillers and who cannot?
Fillers can be contraindicated if there is a previous reaction, local infection, pregnancy, allergic reaction, or allergy to any filler ingredient. Fillers are considered “inert medical devices” and don’t need to be prescribed by doctors. They can also be purchased over-the-counter and may be injected by beauticians or hairdressers. This presents a lot of problems for the industry.
“I would also inquire about the brand and type of filler used. Juvederm and Teosyal are the brands with the most research behind them, so they are considered to be the most reliable and safest. I have seen real problems with people injecting low-quality fillers by beauty therapists.
What is the cost of fillers?
The price of dermal fillers is not the same as Botox. It will vary greatly. In a good clinic, I would expect that Juvederm will cost between PS300 and 700 per syringe. For full-face treatments, I would expect to pay between PS1,500 and 3,500.
“Lower than that and I would certainly question the experience of using the product.”
