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Fillers vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?

Fillers…Botox…or both? Dr Jean and Alastair Carruthers and Dr Shannon Humphrey, in this VIP Wrinkle Treatment article> teach us the difference between Dermal Fillers and Botox, and how you can benefit from both treatments.

When it comes to the fight against fine lines there are seemingly endless options for giving your complexion a youthful boost. We’ve all heard of Botox thanks to the spate of celebrities who use it, but what about fillers, the other option for smooth, line-free skin? If you’re not sure what the difference is, or how to tell which option is best for you, we’re here to help.

To learn more we turned to some well-known experts in the field: Doctors Jean and Alastair Carruthers, known for discovering Botox for its cosmetic use today and their colleague, Dr. Shannon Humphrey.

Betting on Botox

One of the most familiar ways to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic is a brand of neuromodulator (other brands include Dysport® and Xeomin®). “These treatments work by causing facial muscles to relax temporarily,” explains Dr. Alastair Carruthers. “Botox effectively treats frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, lip lines, and many other wrinkles that result from facial expression.”

You’ve seen how Botox can take years off your favorite stars (and maybe even a few or your friends), but is it right for you? The advantages speak for themselves. “Botox is an excellent treatment for many types of patients,” says Dr. Jean Carruthers. Someone in their late 20s or early 30s might choose Botox to help prevent wrinkles and enhance their complexion. Older patients may opt for the treatment to soften existing lines and prevent new ones from forming, she explains. “In truth nearly every cosmetic patient can benefit from Botox as a component of their cosmetic treatment and maintenance plan.” Most importantly, Botox has an excellent established safety record and is the most popular cosmetic procedure worldwide.

Focus on fillers

Like Botox, fillers are an injectable treatment used to tackle some of the most frustrating signs of aging, but unlike Botox they don’t relax facial muscles, but instead work to fill creases and “plump” the skin. “Soft tissue fillers can be used to restore a semblance of youth through the replacement of lost tissue volume well as filling folds and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Humphrey. Whether you want Angelina Jolie’s luscious lips, or you’re hoping to rid you face of frown lines, there’s a filler that can help.

Botox and fillers: Can you get both?

While you might think that Botox and fillers can only be used separately, they’re actually better together (kind of like chocolate and peanut butter, or strawberries and champagne). Botox is often used in conjunction with fillers (and even lasers) to enhance the overall results of those treatments. “Botox and fillers are a perfect combination,” says Dr. Carruthers.

Botox and fillers perform differently, so a combination of those treatment works better than either treatment alone. Botox paralyzes the underlying facial muscle, while fillers plump the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. “Together they provide the most soft and natural looking improvement in facial appearance and age related cosmetic concerns. In many cases soft tissue filler will last longer when used with Botox,” Dr. Carruthers explains. Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment path is right for you.

Between Botox and fillers you should have no trouble finding a skin smoothing solution that works for you. Wrinkles and fine lines don’t stand a chance against either, and if you really want a put stop to aging skin — use a combination of both.

Male patient receiving an Emsculpt NEO treatment to the abdominal area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can EMSCULPT NEO do for me?

EMSCULPT NEO is an amazing noninvasive body sculpting treatment. It’s perfect for patients who are looking to get summer body ready! With this state-of-the-art, two-in-one technology, you build muscle and burn fat at the same time! This treatment provides a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat and 25% growth in muscle on the treated area after a recommended number of treatments.

How does EMSCULPT NEO work?

While you lie down and relax, EMSCULPT NEO sends high-intensity energies deep below your skin, making your muscles contract in a big way that is like doing thousands of crunches or squats in a few minutes. While your muscles are contracting, the energy from the applicator simultaneously sends warmth to your fat cells, heating them up to the point of destruction. So you build real muscle from the contractions while destroying fat cells that are later naturally eliminated by your body.

How many EMCULPT NEO treatments will I need?

The recommended treatment plan is 4-6 treatments, one week apart. Depending on the patient, you may see improvement in your muscle tone, core strength and posture within a few weeks. And you’ll see fat reduction continue for about 12 weeks after your last treatment.

Are there any patients for whom you do not recommend EMSCULPT NEO?

EMSCULPT NEO is great because it has been shown to be safe and approved for all body and skin types. Contraindications include hernia, recent surgery, and pregnancy, so if a patient has any of these conditions, they should wait until they don’t to get EMSCULPT NEO.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT NEO?

CoolSculpting is a well-known treatment that is excellent for reducing unwanted fat in targeted areas. EMSCULPT NEO also reduces fat, but it has the benefit of building muscle, which is what its predecessor EMSCULPT was made to do.

Which treatment you choose depends on what your body needs and your personal goals. If you have great muscle tone and only need to get rid of some extra fat in a specific area like your abdomen or below your chin, CoolSculpting is an excellent option. But if you have loss of muscle tone and need more of a lift or tightening to a certain area like your abs or butt, EMSCULPT NEO is your two-in-one solution.

What is your favorite thing about EMSCULPT NEO?

Not only is this treatment super convenient with one treatment lasting only 30 minutes, but there is also no downtime! Patients can go about their day as they normally would immediately after their visit.

Greenwich Med Spa