New to injectables? Or been getting them for years but never really had your practitioner explain what the difference is between anti-wrinkle and dermal filler? While both fall under the treatment group of cosmetic injectables, they are very different treatments.
Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle are both injectable treatments that are used to improve the appearance of the skin and face. However, they work in different ways and are used to treat different issues.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are used to add volume beneath the skin. They are often made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the skin and helps to keep it hydrated and plump. Dermal fillers are used to treat a variety of issues, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of volume in the face
- Sunken scars
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Thin lips
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin using a fine needle or a blunt, hollow instrument known as a cannula. The treatment is typically performed in a doctor’s office takes about 20 minutes. The effects of dermal fillers can last months to years, depending on the type of filler used and the area being treated.
Anti-wrinkle is a type of injectable treatment that is made from a neurotoxin based on a naturally occurring substance called botulinum toxin (colloquially referred to as Botox). It is used to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, especially in the forehead and around the eyes. Anti-wrinkle injections are commonly used to treat:
- Wrinkles and fine lines in the forehead and around the eyes
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
Like dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle is injected into the skin using a fine needle. The treatment takes about 10 minutes and the effects can last for several months.
One major difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle treatment is the way they work. Dermal fillers add volume beneath the skin, while anti-wrinkle treatment works by temporarily and partially paralysing the muscles that cause wrinkles. Another difference is the type of wrinkles they treat. Dermal fillers are better at treating static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest. Anti-wrinkle injections are more effective at treating dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by facial expressions and muscle movement. Finally, dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections also have other differing uses. Dermal fillers can be used to reshape facial features such as the nose, lips, chin and jawline, while anti-wrinkle injections can slim bulky muscles such as those along the jawline and the calf muscles by weakening them.
It is important to note that dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are not interchangeable treatments. Each has its own specific uses and limitations, and a qualified medical professional can help determine which treatment is best for your individual needs. Often combining the two treatments is the most effective way to address your concerns.
Check out our anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatment pages for more information.
