The two most popular types of aesthetic injectables — neuromodulators and dermal fillers — both help restore your youthful appearance by diminishing the visible signs of aging. But these two treatments work in very different ways.
At Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, our providers specialize in both types of injectables. We want you to understand how these aesthetic treatments work so you can choose the right one for your needs.
The good news? Different injectables often complement each other rather than replace one another. So depending on your goals, you might choose one or both to meet your needs. Here’s what you need to know.
When you make facial expressions, like smiling, frowning, laughing, or squinting, your muscles contract, moving your skin. As you age, wrinkles and deeper lines develop in places where your facial muscles move your skin often.
Botox® and other injectable neuromodulators like Dysport® use a neurotoxin to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These injections work by blocking nerve signals from the associated muscle, keeping the muscle relaxed.
In other words, applying a neuromodulator means your muscles don't contract as they would naturally. Your provider at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery evaluates your skin and determines the precise locations to inject the neurotoxin for natural-looking results.
Even better? Getting these injections regularly can prevent deeper lines from forming or progressing. It’s important to know that results from injectables like these are technique-dependent, so be sure to receive treatment only from experienced and skilled providers.
Injectable dermal fillers, like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, are made of gel-like substances. When your provider injects them below the surface of your skin, they restore volume and improve your skin tone.
This added volume helps smooth out lines and wrinkles. Fillers can also give a boost to areas that have thinned out due to natural aging processes, giving your skin a firmer, younger look.
Most dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid, a substance your body naturally produces to help with hydration and lubrication. Some fillers use collagen, a protein your body makes to support your cells and assist in tissue repairs.
Because fillers use substances you already have in your body, there’s minimal risk and no recovery time required. This makes these injectables an excellent alternative to more invasive procedures for restoring your youthful appearance.
You can use dermal fillers in different places to achieve targeted results in the places your appearance needs the most help. For example, you can use fillers to add volume to thinning lips or give your cheeks and temples a more rounded, youthful look.
Your choice of a neuromodulator injectable or dermal filler depends on your aesthetic goals.
Neuromodulators soften the appearance of fine lines around your eyes, minimize forehead wrinkles, and reduce frown lines between your eyebrows. Dermal fillers smooth deeper wrinkles and creases around your nose and mouth, restore sunken skin, and plump your lips.
While some people elect to have one type of injectable over the other, many opt for a combined treatment approach. By targeting specific areas with dermal fillers and others with neuromodulators, you can usually get the best results.
At Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery, we discuss your goals and go over expectations for injectable treatments. We also review all of your options before helping you choose the best injectable for your aesthetic needs.
Start your anti-aging journey and reclaim your youthful appearance by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone with our team today.
