Botox® vs. Filler- What IS the difference, and how do I know what’s best for me?

The age-old Botox® versus filler question! It’s one of the most frequently asked questions that we get! And if you think you’re alone, don’t worry, because you are certainly not alone! We get it, it can be confusing trying to navigate your way through all of the available injectables out there and deciding what’s best for you! We’re here to help, and hopefully we can clear up some of the confusion you might have!

While there are several types of injectables on the market, ranging from neurotoxins (i.e., Botox® , Dysport and Xoemin) to fillers, and even injectables that dissolve fat, we’re going to focus on two broad-spectrum products; the neurotoxins and fillers. First time navigating through it? Don’t worry! Here’s the punchline; Botox® is for wrinkles and filler is for volume…and they lived happily ever after! Seems simple right!? It is! But let’s look a little more into what each of those really means. For starters, you’re probably wondering about the word neurotoxin, and perhaps asking if Botox® is “that botulism” stuff, and how could anyone possibly want that in their face!? These are all valid points! Let’s just clear the air here, YES Botox® is “that botulism” stuff, but fear not! It’s FDA approved for 11 different therapeutic indications, including facial wrinkles! (Science is cool, huh!?) The neurotoxin injectables work by blocking the signals between your nerves, and the muscles, causing the muscles to relax, flatten, and soften, thus, eliminating those wrinkles. Neurotoxins, such as the most commonly used, Botox® , are most often used to treat forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. The best part? Your spouse may be more careful not to push your button because they can’t tell if you’re really, truly mad, or not (again with the cool science here). Not only does it quell angry foreheads, over time your muscles begin to train themselves to stay smooth and can help reduce the long-term visible effects of facial aging. 

Onto fillers! There’s a lot of them. Like, A LOT. So don’t let it overwhelm you, because it’s our job to make sure you are getting the best one to address you concerns! In order to fully explain all of the different types and what each does, we would have to get extra science-y on you, and cool as science is, you probably didn’t start reading this blog to be bored with all of that right now! Back to the good stuff; fillers FILL stuff. Yep, that’s about it! As we age, our faces naturally lose volume, it’s normal for everyone. Lips? Check. Chins? Absolutely. Want those apple-cheeks? Sure! Noses? Yep, them too! And…even earlobes because who doesn’t want happy, perky diamonds in their earlobes, duh! But it’s not all just about vanity or looks; we have even used fillers to correct oral deficits for patients after oral reconstruction, acne scarring, and genetic facial asymmetry. Don’t let images of duck lips scare you, that’s not our aesthetic here, so put your ducks in someone else’s row for now.

You don’t need to be embarrassed to ask about these things, because truthfully, injectables done by the best hands in Austin (such as ours) will leave you feeling a better version of yourself, more confident, and more youthful. Everyone will notice, but nobody has to know! Talking about it will not cost you anything, as we offer complimentary consultations, and all of us here at Snyder Plastic Surgery at the Breast and Body Center of Austin want to ensure you are fully educated about everything available to you! Our team of providers are board certified, educated in the safest, most current technologies, and have proven success rates. We encourage you to come in and talk to us about your concerns, no matter how big, or how small. We can work with you to come up with a tailored plan to meet your needs and goals and help you to RENEW YOU!