Botox and Fillers: Which One is Right for You?

The popularity of Botox® and fillers has been on the rise for over a decade.  Your friends have completed treatments and perhaps you’re ready to take the plunge but you’re a bit confused about the two injectables.  They seem similar but botox and fillers treat areas of the face in a different way.  In general, Botox relaxes frown lines while fillers add smooth out wrinkles and fullness.  Many people use a combination of Botox and fillers to improve their appearance. At our office, Dr. Emily Sarah Charlson is an expert plastic surgeon in San Francisco who uses both botox and fillers.

What is Botox?

Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles.  As we age, the overuse of facial expressions causes wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. Small doses of Botox are directly injected into the problematic muscle. Then, over the next several days, the facial muscles will temporarily relax. Botox relaxes these areas of facial expressions, such as frown lines, crow’s feet and the “11’s” between the eyebrows.

Botox treatment takes only a few minutes.  Dr. Charlson will numb the area with a topical ointment.  Then use a fine needle to inject Botox into specific muscles.  Botox usually takes about a week to set and typically lasts about 3 months.  In addition to smoothing out wrinkles, Dr. Charlson is a precise and skilled cosmetic physician who administers Botox to relax stubborn muscles while lifting.

Botox Treatments:

• Botox Brow Lift: When treating vertical frown lines between eyebrows, Dr. Charlson can also lift brows in a procedure known as a BOTOX brow lift. You can achieve a lifted look without undergoing surgery.
• A BOTOX lip flip: is a treatment that relaxes the muscles around the lips, making them appear fuller and more visible without fillers.
• DAO Botox: Dr. Charlson also uses BOTOX to treat the depressor anguli oris (DOA). The DAO muscle is responsible for turning down the corners of your mouth. Botox relaxes the DOA muscle which gives the corners of your mouth a subtle upward turn producing a more youthful appearance.
• Gummy Smile: BOTOX injections around your lips can also improve the look of a gummy smile. Targeted injections in lip muscles can change the visible gum line revealed to improve the look of your smile.

What are Fillers?

Fillers, often called derma fillers, are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases and add fullness to the face.  More than 1 million men and women choose this popular facial cosmetic treatment.  Derma fillers are a close-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.

Many types of filler contain hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-loving sugar found naturally in our skin. Hyaluronic acid keeps our appearance hydrated and plump by holding water in our skin.  Fillers are considered safe because it contains hyaluronic acid which is already produced by our body.  There are a lot of fillers available for patients but Dr. Charlson only uses the best fillers.

 At our office, Dr. Charlson uses:

• Juvedurm – Ultra Plus, Vobella, Volluma
• Restylane Silk
• Belotero

Juvedurm, Restylane and Belotero all use a gel form of hyaluronic acid to add volume to your face. With a few pricks of a needle, the filler plumps sunken areas, smooth fine lines, and decreases shadows.  Fillers only take minutes to complete and last between 12 to 24 months.

Dr. Charlson uses fillers to improve the appearance in: 

• Sunken cheeks
• Thinning lips
• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Perioral lines (lip lines)
• Tear troughs (dark circles)

Filler & Botox Together

Fillers and Botox may be used together for a liquid face lift. A liquid face lifts and rejuvenates strategic areas of the face to create a youthful-looking appearance. Dr. Charlson says, “You may only want to treat one area of your face with fillers and Botox. We’re here to help you you’re your cosmetic goals.” Patients are beyond grateful for Dr. Charlson’s care, knowledge, insights as well as her holistic approach.

Dr. Charlson is a board-certified plastic surgeon.  She is one of only 700 physicians in the United States certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).  She performs aesthetic and reconstruction procedures, but as an ophthalmologist first, she prioritizes eye health and protection above all else.  Make an appointment with Dr. Charlson today. Or take our cosmetic self-quiz to better understand your cosmetic goals!