Non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatments are incredibly popular. Treatments such as neurotoxins and dermal fillers are two of the most common options that can offer a safe and quick way to turn back the hands of time. While both treatments help to reduce the signs of aging and smooth out lines and wrinkles, they work in different ways to do so. The two types of treatment are commonly confused with the other, so we wanted to highlight the differences between neurotoxins and dermal fillers to help you understand which treatment may be right for you.
What are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are injectable substances that temporarily relax your muscles that create expression lines or wrinkles, such as frown lines, more commonly known as “elevens”, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Permanent wrinkles are caused by muscles that are allowed to make repetitive expressions or movements over time.
How do Neurotoxins work?
Neurotoxins block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals our body to make muscles move. By inhibiting muscle movement, neurotoxins prevent your ability to make certain expressions that cause lines or wrinkles which can make you appear older or tired. Freezing or relaxing these muscles smooths out any lines that are treated, resulting in a more youthful and rested appearance.
What areas can you inject Neurotoxin?
- Forehead Lines: Lines in a horizontal pattern across the forehead
- Frown Lines: Vertical lines between the eyebrows, most commonly known as “elevens” (glabellar lines)
- Crow’s Feet: Fine lines around the eyes that happen when you squint.
- Bunny Lines: Lines across the upper bridge of your nose.
- Masseters: Below your cheekbone in the lower part of your face, the muscles that tighten when you clench your jaw.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable hyaluronic acid gels that are used to add volume, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance your natural facial shape and contour. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that provides hydration and plumpness to your skin so dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to enhance our natural beauty.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are strategically injected into an area and will add volume, shape and contour where the filler is placed. It may also be injected in a pattern that fills in wrinkles and fine lines, smoothing, reducing or eliminating the appearance of the lines. They are most commonly used to enhance facial features, such as the lips, cheeks, and jawline.
Filler for different areas of the face:
- Nasolabial Folds: Lines that run under our cheeks from the nose to the corners of your mouth
- Marionette Lines: Lines that run vertically from the corners of the mouth down the sides of your chin
- Lip Filler: Enhancing or adding volume to your lips
- Cheek Augmentation: Enhancing cheek volume, shape and contour
- Hand Rejuvenation: Restoring volume, plumpness and smoothness to the hands
Easily understand the differences between Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers:
Mode of Action and How Long Results Last:
- Neurotoxins: Injected into the muscle to relax muscles to prevent expression lines that create wrinkles – Last 3-4 Months in most cases.
- Dermal Fillers: Injected into specific areas to add volume and fullness to smooth out wrinkles and contour facial features. Results can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on what type of Filler is used.
Who can Inject Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers?
Every state has different guidelines as to who is allowed to Inject. In Arizona, an Injector must at minimum be an RN. They must also go through lessons on anatomy, safety, protocols, procedures and technique to earn a specialized certification in Injecting. At Collab Medspa, Allison, BSN, RN has been injecting for us for over a year. She is knowledgeable, and informative when it comes to laying out different options for what you want to accomplish. Her patience and kindness has allowed her clients the ability to completely understand and feel confident in their decision to proceed with their Neurotoxin or Dermal Filler treatment!
Is there more than one kind of Neurotoxin or Dermal Filler?
Yes! We offer 2 different kinds of Neurotoxins and 6 different kinds of Dermal Fillers! Having options makes creating a treatment plan easier to customize to your exact needs!
We understand the different Injectable options can be confusing and with information we get from Instagram, FaceBook and Tik Tok can be overwhelming. Scheduling a free consultation with Allison is your next step to understanding how Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers work and what your specific treatment plan looks like so you can confidently dive into the world of Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers knowing that you’ll look like a more youthful, rested version of yourself!
