Which is better – Botox or hyaluronic acid, what’s the difference?

Pros and cons of Botox

Botox is known in the medical community as botulinum toxin. It is an inactivated neutrotoxin that is a stimulant of botulism. When used in small dosages it is absolutely safe for human health.

In cosmetology, the substance has become widespread in the fight against age-related changes. When injected under the skin, Botox has a relaxing effect on nerve impulses. In this way, it limits the mobility of facial expressions, which allows you to get rid of wrinkles and prevent their appearance.

Most often, botulinum toxin injections are made in the nasolabial area, between the eyebrows, around the eyes and even in the décolleté. Botox was originally intended to treat neurological diseases. It relieved cramps and nervous tics. The advantages of the substance include the following:

• no need for surgical intervention;
• speed of the procedure;
• quality result;
• low level of pain;
• lack of rehabilitation period.

To maintain the result, the procedure is carried out regularly.
Despite the many positive aspects, before carrying out the procedure you need to weigh all the nuances. Under certain circumstances, injecting a substance can cause irreparable harm to health.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

• unnatural facial expressions;
• high risk of side effects;
• many restrictions in the first days after Botox administration;
• presence of contraindications;
• significant waste of money.

Attention! Botulinum toxin has become widespread in the correction of gummy smiles.

Before carrying out the rejuvenation procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. This will help protect against side effects.

Botox is strictly prohibited in the following cases:

• neurological disorders;
• the presence of malignant tumors;
• muscle weakness;
• inflammatory processes;
• viral diseases;
• hemophilia.

What is Botox

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin obtained from bacteria. The substance is lethal in large quantities, but a tiny, controlled dose can solve many aesthetic problems, including wrinkles and lack of volume in some areas of the face.

The substance works by blocking nerve signals at injection sites. When the endings stop responding, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed. Without the movement of selected fibers, wrinkles become less pronounced and disappear.

Anti-aging products made with botulinum toxin are sold under the brand names Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin.

What is he capable of?

Wrinkles are caused by repetitive muscle contractions as we perform everyday activities. Botox actually blocks signals from nerves to muscles, so the latter cannot contract. Botox is very effective for eliminating wrinkles on the face: facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, creases on the forehead. In addition to aesthetics, Botox is effective in the following cases:

• migraine treatment;
• excessive sweating;
• symptoms of an overactive bladder;
• disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

For cosmetic treatment, Botox is injected through a very small needle. The procedure is painless, so there is no need for anesthesia. Lasts only a few minutes.

Recovery time is short, although there may be some swelling and redness at the injection sites. Results usually appear within three to seven days.

A blow to the muscles

The toxin only works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic and are often called "emotion lines."

The most common skin wrinkles that are treated with Botox injections are lines on the upper part of the face: the "11" between the eyebrows, horizontal creases on the forehead, and crow's feet around the eyes. They are caused by smiling, frowning and other facial expressions.

The drug will not be effective on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of volume in the face. These are known as age-related lines and include lines on the cheeks, neck and décolleté. The results of the injections last from 3 to 4 months.

Side effects

Botox, like any other drug, especially a poisonous one, has a risk of side effects:

• drooping of the eyelids or forehead when injected near the eye;
• weakness or paralysis of adjacent muscles;
• rash or itching;
• pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness;
• headache;
• dry mouth;
• nausea;
• gallbladder problems;
• temporary visual impairment.

Pros and cons of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a material of natural origin. At a young age, it is produced by the body independently. Along with collagen, it acts as the main building element. The main function of hyaluronic acid is to retain moisture in the lower layers of the epidermis. As you get older, its level decreases significantly. In cosmetology, hyaluronic acid is used as a base for fillers. It is injected under the skin. The demand for the procedure is due to the immediate relief from sagging skin in problem areas.

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The benefits of hyaluronic acid include the following:

• quick results;
• hypoallergenic;
• normalization of the natural balance of water in the epidermis;
• trouble-free removal of the substance from the body;
• minimal risk of side effects;
• Can be used at any age.

The natural origin of hyaluronic acid does not make it ideal for absolutely everyone.

Its disadvantages include:

• high price;
• the possibility of swelling at the injection site;
• high risk of addiction.

The disadvantages of the drug also include the presence of contraindications. If they are not taken into account, the risk of side effects increases.

The procedure cannot be performed in the following cases:

• blood clotting pathologies;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• epilepsy;
• inflammatory processes on the skin of the face;
• oncological diseases.

Comment! A slight bruise may form at the site of injection with hyaluronic acid, which will cause pain at first.

Hyaluronic acid: application in cosmetology

Hyaluronic acid is a derivative of the human body; this is the most important difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid. Its main function is to maintain optimal hydration of skin cells. With sufficient hyaluron production, the skin looks elastic and fresh. Over the years, the amount of acid in the skin decreases as a result of natural skin aging, smoking, environmental exposure, and stress. In addition, in people with dry skin, the level of hyaluronic acid is genetically lower than the required level. Cosmetics manufacturers actively use this component in creams, masks, lotions, and serums. But a more effective method of enriching the skin with hyaluronic acid is injection.

How does it work?

Products with hyaluronic acid act superficially. The component does not penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis, which means that high-quality hydration does not occur. Injection methods are much faster and more effective:

1. Mesotherapy is the introduction of hyaluronic acid under the skin in microdoses. After a course of 4–6 procedures, wrinkles are smoothed out, major defects disappear, the skin is saturated with moisturizing components;
2. Biorevitalization is a therapeutic procedure designed to restore the natural ability of cells to regenerate. It starts update processes;
3. Correction of facial contours - restoration of the oval, cheekbones, chin, smoothing of wrinkles.

Indications and contraindications, consequences

The recommendation for the procedure is:

1. Increased dryness of the skin;
2. Decreased skin tone, stress;
3. Stretch marks, scars, acne.

The procedure is prohibited for patients diagnosed with:

• Lupus,
• Oncological diseases,
• Severe forms of diabetes,
• Allergy, individual intolerance to the components of the drug,
• Thickening of the connective tissues of the skin, formation of keloid scars,
• Low blood clotting.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to treat the area with anesthetic creams, for example, Emla.

Before the procedure, you should find out about the qualifications of the clinic, as well as the employee who will directly work. Cosmetologists with a lack of knowledge and experience often experience complications when administering the drug subcutaneously:

1. Incorrect placement of acid, causing deformation on the face,
2. Severe allergy attack up to Quincke's edema,
3. Failure to comply with sanitary standards leads to necrosis,
4. purple spots,
5. Intractable swelling, redness of the face after the procedure.

Comparison of drugs, pros and cons

In order to choose which is better for wrinkles - Botox or hyaluronic acid, you need to objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each of them:

The difference between Botox and hyaluron:

1. Method of administration. Botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle, hyaluron is injected under the skin.
2. Mechanism of action. Hyaluronic acid helps retain fluid in the epidermis. When the cell is filled with moisture, the skin straightens, which results in the visual effect of immediate rejuvenation. Botox makes the muscle immobile, deprives it of unnecessary tension, it relaxes, causing the wrinkles formed by the tightening of the skin by the muscles to disappear.
3. Versatility. Hyaluron has a wide spectrum of action, copes with natural dry skin, the natural aging process, as well as expression wrinkles. Botox is not as multitasking and is indicated mainly for age-related changes.

What is the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?

What to choose, Botox or hyaluronic acid for wrinkles, depends on the purpose of visiting a cosmetologist. The fundamental difference lies in the method of exposure to the skin. Hyaluronic acid not only adds elasticity, but also eliminates dryness and refreshes the complexion. In addition, when it is administered, facial expressions are preserved.

Hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin gradually, in small dosages

Botox is used directly to block nerve impulses. It prevents muscle contractions, thereby eliminating wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is injected into specific muscles. Hyaluronic acid can be immersed in different layers of the epidermis. She straightens its structure, filling the void. Superficial effects are called mesotherapy. The procedure in which the substance penetrates into the middle layers is called bioremediation. Injections in which hyaluronic acid is injected deep into the skin are called fillers.

Both botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid dissolve over time. The duration of the effect depends not only on the chosen drug, but also on the individual characteristics of the body. The effect of fillers lasts on average 1 year. Botox needs to be renewed every 4-6 months. In terms of safety, the drugs are the same. They underwent thorough testing before entering the wider market.

Efficiency comparison

Each type of drug has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is selected based on age, skin condition and the cause of its appearance.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid include:

• injections have a beneficial effect not only on the local area, but also on the entire body as a whole;
• the drug has no age restrictions;
• after use, facial expressions remain natural;
• allows you to smooth out even the deepest wrinkles;
• the first results are noticeable immediately after the procedure.

The benefits of Botox injections include:

• helps reduce expression lines and age wrinkles;
• after the procedure, the skin becomes younger and fresher;
• if the dosage is observed, it does not cause distortion of facial expressions.

If we compare the results after the procedures, they are almost the same, the differences are the methods of administration. Botox injections are given intramuscularly using a syringe, and hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin. It is very rare to find that Botox is injected into the dermis layer, since the effect of the drug is aimed at micromuscles.

Botox works in a completely different way - wrinkles are smoothed out by relaxing the muscle that forms the fold. Results after using botulinum toxin are noticeable within a few days.

Hyaluronic acid also differs from Botox in that it not only helps reduce and completely smooth out wrinkles, but also improves the overall condition of the skin and activates the production of collagen and elastin. This allows you to eliminate skin defects caused by various factors, helps eliminate dryness and increase turgor. Botox does not have these properties.

The disadvantages of both methods are their pain, since they are performed using injections, as well as the need for repeated procedures for correction and the high cost of the procedures.

How to make the right choice

It is advisable to make the decision regarding which drug to inject after consultation with a specialist. Much depends on what type of wrinkles need to be treated.

Dynamic creases are formed as a result of active facial expressions. They are localized mainly between the eyebrows, around the eyes and mouth. If hyaluronic acid is injected into the area of ​​dynamic wrinkles, a raised area will form in this area.

Before determining whether Botox or hyaluronic acid is injected into the forehead, the cause of the defects should be identified. If they are caused by increased dry skin, then it is better to use hyaluronic acid. Mature people with active facial expressions are recommended to use Botox. Hyaluronate can also be used to correct the oval of the face and eliminate asymmetry.

Application of Botox

What is Botox so famous for? Its main task is to block facial muscles, as a result the skin around the nose, lips and eyes stretches, wrinkles disappear. All expression wrinkles most often form in these parts of the face. When the drug is injected into the skin, the muscles relax, Botox does not cause atrophy, and does not affect the blood supply.

The neurotoxin can act for a long time, the skin looks elastic and healthy.

Use of Botox:

• helps remove wrinkles between the eyebrows, usually caused by frequent shifting in the process of anger and irritation;
• Wrinkles on the forehead, which are located horizontally, are especially noticeable; Botox can remove them;
• wrinkles around the eyes are eliminated;
• removal of wrinkles on the back of the nose;
• elimination of wrinkles in the corners of the mouth, near the chin, in the area of ​​the upper lip;
• Wrinkles on the neck and décolleté disappear.

How to prepare for the procedure

It should be borne in mind that before the procedure you should not overexert yourself with physical exercise, take hormonal medications, or antibiotics. After the injection has been administered, do not bend over. Otherwise, the drug will distribute unevenly.

The entire Botox injection procedure takes very little time. The specialist injects a thin needle into the desired location. In this case, there is no pain. The drug is administered for five minutes, then cooled with a compress. Ice is a cold compress. In a week you will notice the effect of Botox.

You should not lie down, massage the injection site, or take medications. Avoid hot baths, saunas and steam baths for the next week. Alcohol is also harmful in this case. If you follow all the recommendations that the doctor gave you, you will achieve maximum effect.

It should be noted that the procedure does not require anesthesia. If you are afraid of even the slightest pain, then you can tell your doctor about it. He can lubricate the injection site with ointment, which has a cooling, pain-relieving effect. You can use a starch mask instead of Botox or a directly effective face-lifting mask made from Botox.

Benefits of Botox:

1. An excellent alternative to plastic surgery. For those who want to remain young and beautiful, but do not want to go under the surgeon’s knife, this alternative will be to their liking. The effect of Botox may be lower than the effect of surgery, but it is painless.
2. Efficiency. The effect of Botox is almost immediate. It will take several days to fully manifest itself. And traces of injections will disappear in a few hours. Many girls complain that the procedure had no effect or the result was not at all what they expected. This is due to the fact that the doctor selected the wrong dosage or injection technique.
3. The scope of Botox is quite wide. This procedure has proven itself not only for removing wrinkles, but also for combating acne, acne and even strabismus, and relieves headaches.
4. Safety of use. The procedure has been used in cosmetology for many years, and numerous tests have proven its safety.
5. Botox has received a lot of clinical trials and scientific studies, after which it has gained many positive reviews.
6. Additional result in the form of rejuvenation. Many have noticed that after injections, the skin begins to recover and produce additional amounts of collagen and elastin.

Video of Botox application:

Flaws

1. Soreness . This point is a disadvantage if a person has a very low pain threshold. You can usually withstand the injection without using additional painkillers.
2. Eliminates only expression wrinkles . Women should know that those wrinkles that appear as a result of dry skin will not go away after the Botox procedure. The same applies to those wrinkles that arose as a result of the structural features of the face.
3. Deep wrinkles will not be removed ; they can only be smoothed out.
4. Short period of action . Botox injections last from six months to 8 months on average. For some, they stop working earlier, while others can enjoy the effect for about a year. Therefore, after this period of time, the procedure must be repeated.
5. Requirements for qualifications of a doctor . The doctor who will give the injection must be highly qualified and follow safety precautions. The outcome of the procedure mainly depends on the hands of the specialist. What is the difference between Dysport and Botox and what is better to use is indicated here.

The video talks about the disadvantages of Botox:

Expert advice

Experts recommend approaching the choice of drug on an individual basis. In some cases, combining Botox injections with fillers will be a better option. Hyaluronate can be used to enlarge lips, change the shape of the face and normalize water balance.

Women often wonder whether to use Botox or hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds. The most suitable option in this case would be fillers. There are many products containing hyaluronic acid on the market. After the injection, the creases disappear, the skin in these places becomes stretched. An additional bonus of the procedure is the epidermis saturated with moisture. This reduces the likelihood of new wrinkles appearing in this area. After 3-6 months, the drug will completely dissolve without causing any negative effects on health.

Botox solves more global problems caused by age-related changes

Before visiting a cosmetologist, you need to carefully study reviews about him. It is advisable to look at the certificates confirming the specialist’s qualifications. At the consultation stage, the presence of contraindications should be excluded. Any chronic diseases must be reported to the cosmetologist before the procedure begins. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to perform rejuvenation in this way.

Important! Injection rejuvenation becomes relevant at the age of over 30-40 years.

Botox and hyaluronic acid: restrictions on use

Having analyzed the properties and features of Botox and hyaluronic acid, we can draw the following conclusion: the choice of drug depends on the area of ​​correction, health status and the desired result. A cosmetologist will help you choose the best product for you after he listens to your wishes and evaluates the condition of your skin.

To achieve optimal results, a specialist may recommend the administration of one drug or develop a comprehensive rejuvenation program.

For example, a doctor can conduct a course of biorevitalization to moisturize and tighten the skin, and then correct wrinkles in the upper third of the face using botulinum toxin, smooth out nasolabial folds and add volume to the lips using hyaluronic acid.

For the procedures to be successful, you should choose an experienced specialist and follow all medical recommendations.

Regardless of which rejuvenation technique you choose, use high-quality cosmetics between injection courses to maintain the results. You can order it in the Smart Buy online store by following the link.

To restore skin elasticity and preserve youth, cosmetologists offer girls injections. Injecting drugs under the skin can reduce wrinkles. Which product is better to choose? What is better Botox or hyaluronic acid? Are they interchangeable or not? These questions concern everyone who has decided to resort to the procedure of injection facial rejuvenation.

Drug compatibility

Fillers created on the basis of hyaluronic acid can be injected simultaneously with Botox in one case - when correcting various facial areas. If botox is injected into the forehead and around the eyes, then hyaluronic acid into the nasolabial grooves. In a situation where it is planned to treat the same place, it is necessary to wait a certain period (2-3 weeks) between procedures. This is necessary to understand where to subsequently inject the filler. These drugs are compatible, but after a certain time, they cannot interact at the same time.