Botox vs Dermal Fillers: What You Need To Know

by Andy Cheng Director

It is common for people not familiar with aesthetic treatments to be confused between botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. In actual fact, both treatments are very different and they aim to achieve different outcomes. We speak to Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, Medical Director of Radium Medical Aesthetics to clarify some common questions before you consider if such treatments are suitable for you.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is the most popular brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although there are other brands such as Dysport and Xeomin, Botox remains the most popular brand worldwide because it was the first brand of botulinum toxin that was developed for cosmetic applications.

Botox does not only effectively relax facial muscles that cause fine lines and dynamic wrinkles, it can also be used to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and muscle spasms. With its capability to treat a wide range of problems, it is not difficult to see why more than 6 million Botox treatments were administered globally each year.

How is Botox Administered?

Botox treatment is usually administered with a fine needle. Although there is minimal downtime associated with this treatment, some slight bruising and swelling may occur due to the insertion of the fine needle.

The effects of Botox are temporary, lasting between 4 months and 9 months. As Botox is a straightforward treatment, the downtime is practically negligible. Many people undergo the treatment during lunchtime as the treatment can be completed in less than an hour.

Who is a suitable candidate for Botox Treatment?

Botox treatment is primarily used to erase wrinkles and fine lines. With improved techniques, doctors are also able to use other toxins such as Dysport to perform a subtle skin lifting treatment, often called Dysport Dermalift treatment or improve the facial contour by shaping the jaw. Neck lift treatment with Botox is also a common procedure to reduce the appearance of turkey neck.

Some doctors offer pore tightening treatment with Botox as it can cause the pores to shrink and immediately improve the skin texture.

What are fillers and how do they work?

Other than Botox, dermal filler treatment is also a very popular cosmetic treatment to replace volume and rejuvenate the skin.

As we grow older, the natural collagen and elastin fibers in the skin decrease, as cells become less active and lose their ability to produce their youthful components. Young adults have firm, smooth skin usually characterized by plentiful amounts of hyaluronic acid in our body. As we grow older, the level of hyaluronic acid declines, leaving the skin less supported.

Using special techniques developed by experienced aesthetic doctors, people are now able to lift and smoothen skin folds using dermal fillers. The treatment of wrinkles and saggy skin usually involves injecting this completely safe, bio-compatible dermal filler through a tiny needle.

The entire experience and pain level of the treatment are dependent on the doctor's skills. Results can often be seen immediately after the treatment. Although there may be some swelling and bruising after the treatment, the side effects should subside very quickly in a matter of days.

Dark eye circles can be treated with a soft dermal filler. Thin, poorly-defined lips can also be augmented using lip fillers.

What does dermal filler treatment involve?

The treatment is administered using a blunt, fine needle to reduce the chance of any bruising. Depending on the complexity of the treatment, an experienced doctor typically takes about 30 minutes to complete a procedure.

There are many types of dermal fillers, ranging from hyaluronic acid to collagen-stimulating fillers such as Ellanse and Radiesse. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can last up to 12 months, while collagen-stimulating dermal fillers can last up to 24 months or longer.

Who is a suitable candidate for Derma Filler Treatment?

Dermal filler treatment is one of the most versatile procedures for the purpose of facial rejuvenation and facial augmentation. Dermal filler companies often have a wide range of fillers of different viscosity to suit many skin types.

Although there are no known risks or side effects for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to undergo a dermal filler treatment, doctors often advise against going for the treatment.

Dr. Siew stands out from the competition because he is appointed as a certified trainer for the leading brands of dermal fillers and obtained the following certification:

Galderma Asia Pacific Honorable Trainer for Restylane Train the Trainer Program
Ellanse Trainers' Accreditation
Certified Trainer for Radiesse Filler

Radium Medical Aesthetics offers a wide range of customized medical treatments to enhance your anti-aging journey, making your skincare routine a sensorial ritual that you look forward to every day.

It is conveniently located at #03-326 Suntec City Mall, Tel: 6837 0507. For more information, visit http://www.radium-aesthetics.com/