When many people hear the phrase cosmetic injections, BOTOX® and JUVÉDERM® are often the brands that come to mind. These dermal fillers are among the most common, non-surgical methods proven to help minimize or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance.
One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is what is better: Botox or Juvederm? The answer depends on your individual needs, but let’s take a look at the similarities and differences.
Botox or Juvederm?
While both are FDA-approved injectables used as anti-aging treatments, Botox and Juvederm operate on different principles and are best for different types of wrinkles.
Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein that relaxes the muscles that cause fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. In contrast, Juvederm is a line of fillers, rather than a relaxer, that works by filling in the grooves and lines to eliminate wrinkles and smooth the skin.
Types of Wrinkles
The biggest difference between Botox and Juvederm is the types of wrinkles they work on. While both treatments are effective for smoothing out the wrinkles on your face, they do not work on the same type of wrinkles.
Botox is best for the expression lines that develop as we age, like the deep lines and wrinkles in the skin around the eyes and on the forehead. These wrinkles appear on movement, such as when you furrow your brow, squint your eyes, or smile, laugh, or frown. It may also be injected to soften the dimpling of the chin or into the muscles of the jaw to create a more slim appearance.
Juvederm is more suitable for wrinkles that are present when your face is at rest. It is a smooth gel filler made of hyaluronic acid that can help replenish the areas of the face where the skin’s volume and fullness have been lost due to age, sagginess, or other reasons.
Both treatments can also be effective for plumping and defining lips.
Time and Results
When trying to decide between Botox or Juvederm, you’re likely to consider how quickly you’ll see results and how long those results will last.
Both treatments work fast, and the results are noticeable within a couple of days after your session.
The outcome of any cosmetic injection will vary from person to person. The location of the injection and the amount used are the biggest factors that may affect how long it lasts. Other factors include your age, the elasticity of your skin, and wrinkle depth.
With Botox, typically, you can expect the results to last from three to six months. But over time, when facial muscles aren’t used, they eventually get shorter and smaller, so regular use of Botox may extend the results for longer periods of time.
Juvederm typically provides optimal results with a single treatment ranging from 9 months up to 18 months. These results also depend on the concentration of hyaluronic acid, with the highest concentrations providing longer-lasting results.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
To learn more about whether Botox or Juvederm is best for you, call (919) 781-1050 to schedule a complimentary consultation at Blue Ridge Dermatology’s Cosmetic and Laser Center in Raleigh. Our Master Level Aesthetic Nurse Injector will recommend a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
