Botox and dermal filler; costs, considerations and facts

Are you thinking about having an aesthetic treatment, but not sure what options are available to you? Maybe you have heard a bit about Botox and fillers, but not sure what the differences are and want a clearer understanding?

The core difference is as follows: Botox contains purified bacteria that freezes the muscles. In doing so, Botox can help minimise the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by your facial expressions. Dermal fillers contain ingredients that add fullness to areas that have thinned due to ageing and actually plumps the skin to tackle wrinkles and lines that have already appeared on your face.

Both are minimally invasive, meaning that they are not a surgical procedure, but they do require the use of a needle. However, there are more factors you should consider when deciding which to go for. If you’re thinking of having injectable facial treatments there are a lot of options and you may be wondering, which option is right for me?

Meibonda Biochem is a company specializing in the supply of medical beauty products. We can supply world-renowned brands of hyaluronic acid fillers, botulinum toxin, PDO thread lift, facial care essence set, beauty equipment and so on. We can provide professional experts to guide how to use the products and customize the products you need according to your personal image.

What is Botox?

Botox is actually the most well-known brand name for a prescriptive medicine called Botulinum Toxin (similar to how we “hoover” the house, when it’s actually vacuum!)  Botox and other brands are a natural, purified form of the botulinum toxin protein that is obtained from bacteria. This method of treatment has been used safely for decades, both in medical and cosmetic medicine. Although it may sound daunting, it’s actually one of the safest products out there for aesthetics treatments. 

How does Botox work?

Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it has been injected. Botox interrupts the nerve signals and the affected muscle is therefore relaxed. As a result, the specific muscles treated will not move as much and certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced or even removed.

Dr Julia explains, “Think of the movement in the skin like folding a page; the longer you fold it for the deeper the crease. By using Botox in your skin you can prevent the deeper crease developing or reduce an existing crease.”

What does Botox treat?

Botox works really well on wrinkles or fine lines caused by muscle movement in the face, commonly the upper face or arising the mouth. Botox will reduce or prevent movement lines (those that appear when you make an expression, such as frown). If you already have resting lines (this is a line that remains on your face when you are not making any expression) Botox will also soften these lines but it may take a few treatments if the lines are deep. 

Platysmal bands

Botox can also be used to treat Platysmal Bands, which are the muscles that start at the base of your neck and run up the sides of your neck to the jawline. When we age, we lose fatty tissue and this can cause these muscles to protrude from our neck and make our neck look more aged.

Hyperhidrosis

“We also use Botox in-clinic to treat Hyperhidrosis; a common condition in which a person sweats excessively. This process involves the same product but used in a different way. The Botox is injected under the surface of the skin and works on the acetylcholine receptors. The Botox affects them in such a way that sweat will no longer be produced. I have found that this has had life-changing results on my clients who have had this treatment, as their symptoms were affecting their daily life and they now have freedom and relief. The best thing is that this treatment lasts 7-10 months if not longer!

Teeth grinding

“The same relief can be provided using Botox for Teeth Grinding to relax the muscles and reduce pain. It also shapes the jawline if it has become square due to teeth grinding.

Migraines and headaches

“Botox can also be used to relieve migraines and tension headaches. It can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, sometimes getting rid of migraines altogether.”

What are Botox side effects?

The best thing about Botox is that it is very safe and is also temporary, making it a great first option for people considering non-surgical treatments. Even if you have a minor side effect it will always wear off. This is because nerve endings always repair and recover over time.

Some minor side effects could be bruising or swelling around the area, but this will subside after a few days. After the treatment, some people may feel a mild headache the evening of the treatment, especially if they have had a lot of injections, but again this will subside. 

Is getting Botox painful?

Botox is injected using a small needle, similar to ones used for insulin injections and much smaller than a needle used for a blood test. It is a quick, sharp scratch then sometimes a cold sensation. We occasionally use topical anaesthetic cream, but Dr Julia finds that this is rarely required by her patients for Botox injections.