Which is better Botox or hyaluronic acid

Pros and cons of Botox

Botox is known in the medical community as botulinum toxin. It is an inactivated neutrotoxin that is a stimulant of botulism. When used in small dosages it is absolutely safe for human health.

In cosmetology, the substance has become widespread in the fight against age-related changes. When injected under the skin, Botox has a relaxing effect on nerve impulses. In this way, it limits the mobility of facial expressions, which allows you to get rid of wrinkles and prevent their appearance.

Most often, botulinum toxin injections are made in the nasolabial area, between the eyebrows, around the eyes and even in the décolleté. Botox was originally intended to treat neurological diseases. It relieved cramps and nervous tics. The advantages of the substance include the following:

no need for surgical intervention;
speed of the procedure;
quality result;
low level of pain;
lack of rehabilitation period.

To maintain the result, the procedure is carried out regularly.
Despite the many positive aspects, before carrying out the procedure you need to weigh all the nuances. Under certain circumstances, injecting a substance can cause irreparable harm to health.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

unnatural facial expressions;
high risk of side effects;
many restrictions in the first days after Botox administration;
presence of contraindications;
significant waste of money.

Attention! Botulinum toxin has become widespread in the correction of gummy smiles.

Before carrying out the rejuvenation procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. This will help protect against side effects.

Botox is strictly prohibited in the following cases:

neurological disorders;
the presence of malignant tumors;
muscle weakness;
inflammatory processes;
viral diseases;
hemophilia.

What is Botox

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin obtained from bacteria. The substance is lethal in large quantities, but a tiny, controlled dose can solve many aesthetic problems, including wrinkles and lack of volume in some areas of the face.

The substance works by blocking nerve signals at injection sites. When the endings stop responding, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed. Without the movement of selected fibers, wrinkles become less pronounced and disappear.

Anti-aging products made with botulinum toxin are sold under the brand names Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin.

What is he capable of?

Wrinkles are caused by repetitive muscle contractions as we perform everyday activities. Botox actually blocks signals from nerves to muscles, so the latter cannot contract. Botox is very effective for eliminating wrinkles on the face: facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, creases on the forehead. In addition to aesthetics, Botox is effective in the following cases:

migraine treatment;
excessive sweating;
symptoms of an overactive bladder;
disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

For cosmetic treatment, Botox is injected through a very small needle. The procedure is painless, so there is no need for anesthesia. Lasts only a few minutes.

Recovery time is short, although there may be some swelling and redness at the injection sites. Results usually appear within three to seven days.

A blow to the muscles

The toxin only works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic and are often called "emotion lines."

The most common skin wrinkles that are treated with Botox injections are lines on the upper part of the face: the "11" between the eyebrows, horizontal creases on the forehead, and crow's feet around the eyes. They are caused by smiling, frowning and other facial expressions.

The drug will not be effective on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of volume in the face. These are known as age-related lines and include lines on the cheeks, neck and décolleté. The results of the injections last from 3 to 4 months.

Side effects

Botox, like any other drug, especially a poisonous one, has a risk of side effects:

drooping of the eyelids or forehead when injected near the eye;
weakness or paralysis of adjacent muscles;
rash or itching;
pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness;
headache;
dry mouth;
nausea;
gallbladder problems;
temporary visual impairment.

Pros and cons of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a material of natural origin. At a young age, it is produced by the body independently. Along with collagen, it acts as the main building element. The main function of hyaluronic acid is to retain moisture in the lower layers of the epidermis. As you get older, its level decreases significantly. In cosmetology, hyaluronic acid is used as a base for fillers. It is injected under the skin. The demand for the procedure is due to the immediate relief from sagging skin in problem areas.

We recommend reading: Sulfur soap: properties, what it is used for

The benefits of hyaluronic acid include the following:

quick results;
hypoallergenic;
normalization of the natural balance of water in the epidermis;
trouble-free removal of the substance from the body;
minimal risk of side effects;
Can be used at any age.

The natural origin of hyaluronic acid does not make it ideal for absolutely everyone.

Its disadvantages include:

high price;
the possibility of swelling at the injection site;
high risk of addiction.

The disadvantages of the drug also include the presence of contraindications. If they are not taken into account, the risk of side effects increases.

The procedure cannot be performed in the following cases:

blood clotting pathologies;
pregnancy and breastfeeding;
epilepsy;
inflammatory processes on the skin of the face;
oncological diseases.

Comment! A slight bruise may form at the site of injection with hyaluronic acid, which will cause pain at first.

Hyaluronic acid: application in cosmetology

Hyaluronic acid is produced by the connective cells of the body and is an important substance for the skin. The main effect of the acid is to retain moisture in the skin cells, which helps it remain firm and elastic. With age, the production of the substance slows down, the skin becomes dry, peeling, wrinkles appear, and the skin loses its elasticity and smoothness. The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology allows you to restore firmness and elasticity by filling the intercellular space with the substance.

These drugs or fillers differ in the degree of concentration: reduced and increased. The former are used to solve superficial problems, as well as for delicate areas, while the latter have a wider range of uses (filling deep wrinkles, restoring turgor and elasticity, treating the neck and décolleté).

During the procedure, the drug is injected under the skin, the depth is determined by a specialist individually. Elimination of skin defects using hyaluronic acid can be done in several ways:

Linear - with this injection technique, the drug is delivered to the tissue using a thin needle, and during its removal, the groove is filled. Used to reduce the depth of folds and eliminate wrinkles.
Pointwise – using microneedles, the area is treated with the introduction of the active substance at pre-marked points. Used to restore skin elasticity and firmness, moisturize and increase volume.

What is the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?

What to choose, Botox or hyaluronic acid for wrinkles, depends on the purpose of visiting a cosmetologist. The fundamental difference lies in the method of exposure to the skin. Hyaluronic acid not only adds elasticity, but also eliminates dryness and refreshes the complexion. In addition, when it is administered, facial expressions are preserved.

Hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin gradually, in small dosages

Botox is used directly to block nerve impulses. It prevents muscle contractions, thereby eliminating wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is injected into specific muscles. Hyaluronic acid can be immersed in different layers of the epidermis. She straightens its structure, filling the void. Superficial effects are called mesotherapy. The procedure in which the substance penetrates into the middle layers is called bioremediation. Injections in which hyaluronic acid is injected deep into the skin are called fillers.

Both botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid dissolve over time. The duration of the effect depends not only on the chosen drug, but also on the individual characteristics of the body. The effect of fillers lasts on average 1 year. Botox needs to be renewed every 4-6 months. In terms of safety, the drugs are the same. They underwent thorough testing before entering the wider market.

Hyaluronic acid - a drink of youth for the skin

Hyaluronic acid is another popular anti-wrinkle product today. It is synthesized in the cells of our body, promotes tissue repair and has a unique ability to retain water molecules. It is due to the high moisture content that young skin looks so fresh, tightened and nourished.

But over the years, the body's ability to produce hyaluronic acid decreases, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes prone to wrinkles. And in this case, there is a need for additional hydration through the use of hyaluronic acid preparations.

The mechanism of action of hyaluronic acid differs in many respects from the action of Botox. Like Botox, the acid is injected with a thin needle, but not into the muscle, but directly under the skin, due to which the effect of the injections appears almost instantly. There are other differences: the acid does not work to mechanically relax folds, but to increase the skin’s ability to retain water.

Hyaluronic acid of natural and synthetic origin is used in cosmetology. Stabilized (artificially synthesized) acid is used mainly in facial contouring techniques due to its ability to maintain shape and volume longer. It can fill nasolabial folds and other deep wrinkles in the lower part of the face, enlarge lips and correct oval shape. Since artificial acid is synthesized without the use of substances of animal origin, it is easy to use and the risk of allergic reactions to it is minimal.

Unstabilized (natural) hyaluronic acid is used in biorevitalization and mesotherapy techniques. It helps enhance skin hydration, improve its tone, elasticity and improve overall condition.

How to make the right choice

It is advisable to make the decision regarding which drug to inject after consultation with a specialist. Much depends on what type of wrinkles need to be treated.

Dynamic creases are formed as a result of active facial expressions. They are localized mainly between the eyebrows, around the eyes and mouth. If hyaluronic acid is injected into the area of dynamic wrinkles, a raised area will form in this area.

Before determining whether Botox or hyaluronic acid is injected into the forehead, the cause of the defects should be identified. If they are caused by increased dry skin, then it is better to use hyaluronic acid. Mature people with active facial expressions are recommended to use Botox. Hyaluronate can also be used to correct the oval of the face and eliminate asymmetry.

Botox and hyaluronic acid: what problems do they solve?

The gold standard for the use of botulinum toxin in cosmetology is smoothing facial wrinkles of the upper third of the face:

Horizontal forehead wrinkles.
Vertical wrinkles on the bridge of the nose.
Crow's feet around the eyes.
Wrinkles on the bridge of the nose.

Due to its ability to block the functioning of the sweat glands, injections of the drug into the armpits are effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Cosmetologists with extensive experience use botulinum toxin in the lower third of the face to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, lift the neck, and relax the chin muscle.

Indications for hyaluronic acid fillers:

Filling wrinkles and folds.
Face oval lifting.
Correction of the shape of the cheekbones, chin and tip of the nose.
Plastic surgery of the earlobe.
Changing the shape of the lips and giving them volume.

Preparations for biorevitalization based on hyaluronic acid:

Moisturize and rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and hands.
Used for skin lifting.

Expert advice

Experts recommend approaching the choice of drug on an individual basis. In some cases, combining Botox injections with fillers will be a better option. Hyaluronate can be used to enlarge lips, change the shape of the face and normalize water balance.

Women often wonder whether to use Botox or hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds. The most suitable option in this case would be fillers. There are many products containing hyaluronic acid on the market. After the injection, the creases disappear, the skin in these places becomes stretched. An additional bonus of the procedure is the epidermis saturated with moisture. This reduces the likelihood of new wrinkles appearing in this area. After 3-6 months, the drug will completely dissolve without causing any negative effects on health.

Botox solves more global problems caused by age-related changes

Before visiting a cosmetologist, you need to carefully study reviews about him. It is advisable to look at the certificates confirming the specialist’s qualifications. At the consultation stage, the presence of contraindications should be excluded. Any chronic diseases must be reported to the cosmetologist before the procedure begins. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to perform rejuvenation in this way.

Important! Injection rejuvenation becomes relevant at the age of over 30-40 years.

Main differences

The difference between hyaluronic acid and drugs based on it from Botox:

HA-based fillers can completely smooth out existing wrinkles, while botulinum toxin rather prevents the appearance of new ones;
HA preparations can be injected into any area of the face, unlike Botox;
After a Botox injection, the results will appear within a week, and the effect of skin fillers will be obvious the next morning.

It should be noted that both Botox and dermal fillers are priced in the mid-range today.

Differences in composition

The two injection drugs differ from each other in composition and mechanism of action on the dermis.

Botox is a derivative of bacterial activity.

Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, is a derivative of the vital activity of bacteria that causes such a dangerous disease as botulism, when the muscles are paralyzed and they stop working. For cosmetic purposes, poison is used, previously purified and the concentration of which is reduced by auxiliary components. It is injected into the muscles in the minimum permissible doses so that the substance does not enter the systemic bloodstream.

After the injections, the following sequential actions begin:

Toxins create a blockage of nerve fibers.
The muscles remain relaxed.
Wrinkles are smoothed out.
The aging process is suspended.

Botox has no effect on the skin condition.

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide found in the human body

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is found in the human body in many tissues, skin and fluids, especially in the fluid that fills the joints.

In the skin, acid is responsible for its restoration and hydration, as it has the property of binding moisture and influencing the condition of collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid eliminates dehydration and maintains the stability of the cellular environment. But with age, the amount of acid in the body decreases, and the skin fades, becoming dry. After injections, the dermis is rejuvenated at two levels: externally and internally. Metabolic processes in tissues are activated and skin condition improves.

Unlike Botox, acid is injected under the skin, so the results come faster.

Botox is used exclusively in the intramuscular injection technique. Hyaluronate is used in different ways:

mesotherapy – to eliminate surface defects and smooth the top layer of skin;
biorevitalization – replenishment of hyaluronic acid reserves with its synthetic analogue in the smallest dosages;
introduction of fillers to restore shape and contours, and eliminate wrinkles.

The methods differ from each other in doses of filler, depth of injection

Validity

It is logical to compare two drugs with different mechanisms of action, but similar in results, from the point of view of the duration of the effect they create, then it will be clearer which is better to inject.

“Dysport” or hyaluronic acid remains in tissues for approximately the same period. After introducing botulinum toxin into the muscles, the result will be noticeable after approximately two weeks, when the upper layer of the epidermis is worn off, and will last for 6-8 months.

How long hyaluronic acid will remain in the tissues depends on the thickness of the gel. The composition for biorevitalization, characterized by a minimum density, will moisturize the skin for two months, and filler for contouring will preserve the result for up to a year.

It is important to understand that the stated boundaries do not apply to all fillers; they can only be applicable to preparations based on hyaluronic acid.

But a significant difference between the two products, which will partially answer the question “Dysport or hyaluronic acid: which is better?”, is the fact that over time resistance to Dysport develops. That is why it is not recommended to start injecting it too early, so that by the age of 45-50 you do not encounter the problem of the body’s lack of sensitivity to any permissible dosages of botulinum toxin.

Hyaluronic acid can be injected in any quantity and with any frequency; the result of the injection will depend only on the quality of the drug and the professionalism of the specialist, and not on the age of the patient or the number of similar procedures he has performed previously.

Dysport - what is it?

Dysport, or botulinum toxin, is a substance that can cause temporary paralysis of the muscle into which it is injected. Dysport was originally used in neurology to eliminate the effects of excessive muscle tension. During use, not only a therapeutic, but also a cosmetic effect was noted, so today Dysport is better known as a drug used for beauty rather than for health.

“Dysport” is the name of a botulinum toxin-based drug produced in America. There is also Dysport, manufactured in France, and Xeomin, created in Germany. There are virtually no differences between these drugs, since each of them is based on botulinum toxin, but “Dysport” is a less concentrated drug, and “Xeomin” is a more purified drug.

Application of Botox

What is Botox so famous for? Its main task is to block facial muscles, as a result the skin around the nose, lips and eyes stretches, wrinkles disappear. All expression wrinkles most often form in these parts of the face. When the drug is injected into the skin, the muscles relax, Botox does not cause atrophy, and does not affect the blood supply.

The neurotoxin can act for a long time, the skin looks elastic and healthy.

Use of Botox:

helps remove wrinkles between the eyebrows, usually caused by frequent shifting in the process of anger and irritation;
Wrinkles on the forehead, which are located horizontally, are especially noticeable; Botox can remove them;
wrinkles around the eyes are eliminated;
removal of wrinkles on the back of the nose;
elimination of wrinkles in the corners of the mouth, near the chin, in the area of the upper lip;
Wrinkles on the neck and décolleté disappear.

How to prepare for the procedure

It should be borne in mind that before the procedure you should not overexert yourself with physical exercise, take hormonal medications, or antibiotics. After the injection has been administered, do not bend over. Otherwise, the drug will distribute unevenly.

The entire Botox injection procedure takes very little time. The specialist injects a thin needle into the desired location. In this case, there is no pain. The drug is administered for five minutes, then cooled with a compress. Ice is a cold compress. In a week you will notice the effect of Botox.

You should not lie down, massage the injection site, or take medications. Avoid hot baths, saunas and steam baths for the next week. Alcohol is also harmful in this case. If you follow all the recommendations that the doctor gave you, you will achieve maximum effect.

It should be noted that the procedure does not require anesthesia. If you are afraid of even the slightest pain, then you can tell your doctor about it. He can lubricate the injection site with ointment, which has a cooling, pain-relieving effect. You can use a starch mask instead of Botox or a directly effective face-lifting mask made from Botox.

Benefits of Botox:

An excellent alternative to plastic surgery. For those who want to remain young and beautiful, but do not want to go under the surgeon’s knife, this alternative will be to their liking. The effect of Botox may be lower than the effect of surgery, but it is painless.
Efficiency. The effect of Botox is almost immediate. It will take several days to fully manifest itself. And traces of injections will disappear in a few hours. Many girls complain that the procedure had no effect or the result was not at all what they expected. This is due to the fact that the doctor selected the wrong dosage or injection technique.
The scope of Botox is quite wide. This procedure has proven itself not only for removing wrinkles, but also for combating acne, acne and even strabismus, and relieves headaches.
Safety of use. The procedure has been used in cosmetology for many years, and numerous tests have proven its safety.
Botox has received a lot of clinical trials and scientific studies, after which it has gained many positive reviews.
Additional result in the form of rejuvenation. Many have noticed that after injections, the skin begins to recover and produce additional amounts of collagen and elastin.

Video of Botox application:

Flaws

Soreness . This point is a disadvantage if a person has a very low pain threshold. You can usually withstand the injection without using additional painkillers.
Eliminates only expression wrinkles . Women should know that those wrinkles that appear as a result of dry skin will not go away after the Botox procedure. The same applies to those wrinkles that arose as a result of the structural features of the face.
Deep wrinkles will not be removed ; they can only be smoothed out.
Short period of action . Botox injections last from six months to 8 months on average. For some, they stop working earlier, while others can enjoy the effect for about a year. Therefore, after this period of time, the procedure must be repeated.
Requirements for qualifications of a doctor . The doctor who will give the injection must be highly qualified and follow safety precautions. The outcome of the procedure mainly depends on the hands of the specialist. What is the difference between Dysport and Botox and what is better to use is indicated here.

The video talks about the disadvantages of Botox:

What is more effective for certain parts of the face – Botox or fillers?

Maximum effectiveness is achieved when the treatment area is correctly selected, contraindications are taken into account, and the procedure is performed correctly by a professional.

Under the eyes

Both types of drugs are actively used in the area under and near the eyes. Using a neurotoxin, you can quickly rejuvenate the skin in this area, including correcting even very deep wrinkles, while gel-like formulations help fill skin creases from the inside, restore its elasticity and moisture.

Anti-wrinkle

Botulinum toxin cannot help in all cases when it comes to wrinkles. Initially, the product was used to correct facial wrinkles (which are still being fought with this method), however, if they did not arise due to particularly increased activity of the facial muscles, the drug cannot provide absolutely no support.

In contrast, gel-like formulations can help in any of the possible situations, because they are introduced not directly into the muscles, but only into the skin, thanks to which absolutely any deficiency can be filled by simply selecting an injectable preparation of the desired action and concentration of hyaluronic acid.

The result of combined use of Botox and filler

Between the eyebrows

In order to keep the outer eyebrow area young and healthy, two products are used at once: gel-like fillers and neurotoxin. If the effect of the first group of drugs applies to any type of creases, then the effect of the second substance is aimed exclusively at ailments resulting from active muscle movements.

In the nasolabial

To improve the appearance of the nasolabial area, botulinum toxin is rarely used, but gel-like fillers effectively combat particularly pronounced age-related changes in this area. Proper introduction of useful ingredients will help not only fill in too deep folds, but also moisturize the treated area of skin.

Features of Botox

For hyperhidrosis, Botox injections are given in the armpits. This is one of the effective ways to combat excessive sweating.

What are the advantages of this product?

The positive characteristics of Botox can be listed for a long time. Main positive characteristics:

With the help of Botox you can get rid of medical diseases. It relieves strabismus and other visual abnormalities.
Such “beauty injections” are excellent at combating facial wrinkles.

We must not forget about the negative sides of botulinum therapy!

Botox could be considered a “magic elixir,” but this remedy also has its drawbacks:

The injections are painless, but if a woman has an increased sensitivity to pain, the cosmetologist uses creams with an anesthetic effect before performing a “beauty injection”. Such drugs have a huge number of side effects; they cannot be called completely harmless to health. Botox gives a long-lasting effect only if you follow all the advice of a cosmetologist

The combination of Botox and sports is not recommended, and it is recommended to exercise caution when taking pharmaceuticals: the use of certain medications significantly reduces the effectiveness of the anti-aging procedure. Why you can’t take Botox and medications, read more here. The power of botulinum toxin over wrinkles is not unlimited: if they appear due to excessive dryness of the skin, the product is unlikely to be able to cope with the problem. Botox should not be used if you are hypersensitive to the components of the product.

It is contraindicated for use during breastfeeding. Botox should not be used during early or late pregnancy.