Is Collagen Injection Better than Botox

If you are looking for a way to fight the signs of aging, the collagen injection is often a popular choice. The ingredient works by encouraging your body to produce its own collagen, which helps plump up your skin and smooth wrinkles. Botox can also be used to fight wrinkles and lines as well, but it works by relaxing muscles in your face that create those lines. In this article, we answer common questions about these two options and help you figure out which one might work best for you.

Collagen fillers are different. They fill in static wrinkles, which are deeply set grooves that don’t disappear when you change expressions. Using Botox on these wrinkles won’t help, because they aren’t caused by muscles pulling the skin into a wrinkle; instead, they’re caused by volume loss and gravity.

The term Botox is amongst the most used names in beauty today, so for many individuals its appearance at a clinic might be more of a formality than anything else. Regardless of how much you know about the creation procedure, the results can hardly ever really be much more than an expectation. This is why some people are encouraged to shift to other alternatives such as collagen injection, an alternative that’s also been talked about in terms of anti-aging. Read on to learn more on collagen injection IV and collagen injections vs fillers.

Is Collagen Injection Better than Botox

Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria. Though it is deadly in larger amounts, the tiny, regulated amount of Botox given to correct wrinkles has been used safely for decades.

Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

Botox and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are sometimes called neuromodulators or neurotoxins.

Treatments made with botulinum toxin are sold under the brand names Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin.

What can Botox correct?

Botox only works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic wrinkles, and are often called “expression lines.”

The most common dynamic wrinkles that Botox can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions.

Botox will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Static wrinkles include lines in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas.

Botox is not a permanent treatment. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts for 3 to 4 months.

Botox side effects and considerations

The ASPS considers Botox to be safe, and 6.7 million procedures were performed in 2015. As Botox wears off over time, most side effects are only temporary.

Possible side effects of Botox include:

• drooping of the eyelid or brow if injected near the eye
• weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles
• hives, rashes, or itching
• pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness
• headache
• dry mouth
• flu-like symptoms
• nausea
• trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
• gallbladder problems
• blurry vision or vision problems

The treatment may also fail to work due to antibodies that fight the toxin. This happens in less than 1 percent of people who have repeated Botox treatments, however.

The ASPS advise people not to rub or massage the area of the injection after having Botox treatment. This could spread the toxin to surrounding skin, causing muscle drooping and other problems.

The average cost of a Botox injection is $385, according to 2016 statistics from the ASPS.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.

Substances used in dermal fillers include:

• Calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.
• Hyaluronic acid, which is found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin.
• Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
• Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler

Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.

The time they take to work, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer.

People should discuss their individual needs and expectations with their doctor to determine what filler would be the best choice for them.

What can dermal fillers correct?

Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat varying signs of aging. Depending on the filler selected, they may:

• plump up thinning lips
• enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
• decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
• fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
• fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face

Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.

Dermal filler risks and considerations

Dermal fillers are considered to be safe but side effects can occur. A licensed healthcare professional should perform all dermal filler procedures using only FDA-approved fillers injected with a syringe. The most common problems include:

• skin rash, itching, or pimple-like eruptions
• redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
• undesirable appearance, such as asymmetry, lumps, or overcorrection of wrinkles
• skin damage that causes a wound, infection, or scarring
• ability to feel the filler substance under the skin
• blindness or other vision problems
• death of skin cells due to loss of blood flow to the area

The cost of dermal filler treatments varies and depends on the provider performing it, the area being treated and the type of filler selected. The ASPS 2016 statistics list the following cost per syringe:

• calcium hydroxylapatite, such as Radiesse: $687
• hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero: $644
• polylactic acid, such as Sculptra: $773
• polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, such as Bellafill: $859

These costs may be more or less, depending on how much filler is used. Using less than a full syringe of filler may be cheaper than using a full syringe or more than one.

The provider may also charge additional fees for their professional services, office visit, or other costs.

Key Differences

In summary, the differences between Botox and fillers are:

• Botox: This freezes muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. These are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
• Dermal fillers: These use hyaluronic acid and similar substances to “fill in” or plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They may also be used on forehead wrinkles, scars, and other areas that need extra volume for a smoother look.
• Botox results last 3 to 4 months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on which filler is used.

Because Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined in one treatment. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth.

Best Collagen Injections

What is Collagen Injection IV?

Collagen injection is an injection of collagen into the skin to add volume and reduce wrinkles. It is also known as “collagen filler”, “volumizing filler”, or “premium filler”.

How does it work?

The collagen used for this treatment is extracted from the tissue of animals, such as cows and pigs. The collagen is purified and processed into a gel that is injected into the skin to add volume and reduce wrinkles.

What are the benefits?

This treatment has many benefits including:

Increases facial volume by adding natural-looking volume to the face, including eyebrows, lips, cheeks and jawline.

Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth by plumping up thin lips; improving smile lines around your mouth; reducing nasolabial folds (lines between nose and mouth) and marionette lines (folds from corner of mouth to chin).

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It makes up about 30% of all protein in the body, and it’s found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

There are three types of collagen: type I, type II and type III. Type I is found in areas where flexibility is needed (such as tendons), while type II is found in areas that need strength (such as cartilage). Type III collagen is what gives skin its elasticity.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. This can lead to a variety of conditions such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint problems. Some people opt for cosmetic surgery to get rid of these signs of aging on their faces or other parts of their bodies (like their hands). But there are also nonsurgical ways to increase collagen production — including injecting it directly into your skin with an injectable filler like Restylane or Juvederm.

Which Type Of Collagen Is Used In Injections?

These fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps hold water inside cells (it’s also used in moisturizers). HA has been used for decades

• Bruising or swelling at the injection site
• A bluish cast to the skin
• Acne-like bumps under the skin

“The fillers currently available and FDA-approved in the United States have been tested extensively and are safe,” says Dr. Dara Liotta.

The most likely side effects of either Botox or filler are bruising and pain at the injection site—the same as any injection, not exactly a toxic reaction.² If you’re experiencing something like eye dryness, a crooked smile, drooling, or a drooping eyelid, this is not normal. Per Dr. Liotta, “Under no circumstances are trouble seeing, speaking, or breathing reasonable reactions to Botox.” If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to contact your board-certified injector immediately.

The solution in Botox and other brands like Myobloc is a very, very diluted form of botulinum and the formula itself is honestly the last thing you should be worried about. At the top of your list should be getting a qualified doctor, because that’s the easiest way to avoid any negative side effects.

Side effects specificially from filler include the Tyndall effect, which Dr. Liotta explains is the appearance of a bluish cast to the skin, and “can occur if thicker hyaluronic acid fillers are injected too superficially beneath the surface of the skin. The Tyndall effect can be treated by injecting a small amount of hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler) into the area.”

Dr. Liotta continues, “Acne-like bumps beneath the skin are an exceedingly rare complication. Much more common are bruising, tenderness, and mild swelling at the injection sites that may last up to 2 weeks.”

Keep in mind that the more severe “side effects” like the Tyndall effect and bumps beneath the skin are not actually true side effects, but rather complications that occur from improper injection.⁴ That’s why it’s crucial to only receive injections (whether medical or cosmetic) from a board-certified injector.

How Much Do Collagen Injections Cost

The average cost of Botox injections is $466, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The cost, of course, can vary, and is generally based on how advanced wrinkles are (and therefore how much product is needed) and the qualifications of the person performing the procedure.

The price of fillers varies widely depending on the product. The most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found the average syringe of Radiesse was $717, while hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane were priced at $684.

Botox and fillers have more impact on quality of life than we initially thought, explains Dr. Maia, and could have impacts that go further than skin-deep. “The impact of these products in facial appearance and facial expressions are much more complex than what it appears. For example, there is a new concept that fillers can modulate the action of muscles of facial expressions resulting in improvement of facial appearance. Botox has a wide range of indications that goes beyond wrinkle reduction. It can reduce sweating, teeth grinding, headaches and more recently there are studies showing that it may lessen depression.”

Of course, both fillers and Botox come with their own risks and sets of advantages, and they’re not really used for the same thing. While botox is used to deal with wrinkles, it does so by paralyzing the muscles surrounding them. Fillers, on the other hand, do exactly what they sound like by filling in the areas they’re injected into. “The best thing to do is to see a board-certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist,” Dr. Schulman says. “They will be able to evaluate your skin and help you select the best treatment for your skin, desires, and pocketbook.”

Collagen Injections Vs Fillers

While dermal fillers use synthetic agents, collagen injections use a natural one. Collagen is a protein found in the human body and is responsible for healthy skin. Collagen production declines as we grow older, resulting in sagging skin.

Dermal fillers or wrinkle fillers are injections used to fill in lines and wrinkles to make the face look more youthful. They add volume to the skin and can be used on the face or the hands. Treatment time may vary, and the results can last for four months or more.

At the facility of Dr. Steven Warnock, MD we offer collagen injections, a more natural alternative to dermal fillers.

Types of dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a popular type, and there are many brands. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in cartilage and skin. Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid stimulate the body’s production of collagen, a type of protein that gives structure to the skin.

Depending on the type used, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler can last from several months or more. Side effects are rare but can include bruising, redness and swelling. The filler can also form tiny bumps under the skin.

Synthetic dermal fillers are made in labs and don’t have anything to do with substances that occur naturally in the skin. As a result, they are not eventually absorbed into the body the way collagen or hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are.

Synthetic dermal fillers therefore last longer than do other dermal fillers, but they are more likely to cause side effects such as bruising, redness or swelling. They can also cause the formation of bumps or nodules under the skin that can need surgical removal.

Collagen Injections

While dermal fillers use synthetic agents, collagen injections use a natural one. Collagen is a protein found in the human body and is responsible for healthy skin. Collagen production declines as we grow older, resulting in sagging skin.

A balanced and attractive face is often associated with a well-defined jaw. Through the placement of a customized chin implant, a cosmetic surgeon can improve the appearance of a weak or recessed chin.

Chin enhancement surgery, also called a chin implant or genioplasty, works by improving the contours of the chin, neck and jawline. The surgical procedure typically involves the placement of an implant around the patient’s existing chin bone. This is done in order to augment the size and shape of the chin and give the patient a more naturally attractive face. When the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, it can provide the patient with a permanent solution to improve a weak or recessed chin.

If you are bothered by a recessed or weak chin or if you feel that your face lacks proportion and symmetry, you may be a good candidate for chin implant surgery. The procedure can help patients feel more confident with their appearance through:

• Improved facial symmetry by bringing the chin into better proportion with other facial features
• Correcting the appearance of a weak or recessed chin
• Improving neck and jawline definition
• Helping to reduce the appearance of an overly full or double chin which is caused by a small chin bone

Chin implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure and is performed under a general anesthesia or using a local anesthesia with sedation. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or below the chin. The cosmetic surgeon then uses the incision to create space for the chin implant and securely attaches it around the existing chin bone.

It typically takes less than an hour to complete chin implant surgery. If the patient is having additional procedures completed, however, the total time for surgery will fluctuate. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is closed with sutures and the chin is then bandaged.

Chin implants are small, solid devices created from biocompatible material, silicone is often used. The device is then molded to fit securely around the patient’s chin bone. Chin implants vary in size and contour. The cosmetic surgeon will aid in the selection of an implant that helps achieve the desired outcome while also looking natural.

Once inserted, the chin implant feels similar to a natural chin bone. When the procedure is performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, it is nearly impossible to determine if a patient had a chin augmentation.

Most chin augmentation patients experience limited downtime during their recovery. Patients are often able to return to desk work and most other regular activities within a week. Any discomfort the patient experiences is usually minor and can be controlled using an over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compresses.

Following the procedure, patients need to sleep face-up and keep their head elevated for at least two weeks. This helps to control any post-op swelling and protect the incisions while they heal. The cosmetic surgeon may also require you to follow a liquid diet for a day or two following surgery. It is usually safe to resume strenuous activity within three to four weeks. It is critical to follow your surgeon’s instructions during the recovery process for proper healing and to ensure you can enjoy the results as soon as possible.

For most patients, the results are noticeable and look close to final within a month of surgery. Most surgeons consider the results final after about three months, this allows for any residual swelling to subside.

Chin Implant Surgery Risks

When it is performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, there are very few complications associated with chin augmentations. Some of the potential risks include infection, hematoma or internal bleeding, implant shifting, bad scarring, and anesthesia side effects.

To help minimize the potential risks, select a cosmetic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. These surgeons have undergone extensive fellowship training, operate in accredited surgical facilities, and use a board certified anesthesiologist.