Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers

The difference between anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers

When it comes to fighting off the signs of ageing, many people do not wish to go under the knife. Instead, non-surgical options such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are used. These are non-surgical treatments that have rejuvenating effects. Both dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are given through injections, which leads to many people using these terms interchangeably, and yet, these are two totally different treatments!

Anti-wrinkle injections

Anti-wrinkle injections are sometimes referred to as neuromodulators. Small amounts of the formulas used in anti-wrinkle injections have been safely administered for decades to correct wrinkles. These injections work by blocking nerve signals in the muscles located at the injection site. When those nerve signals are blocked, the affected muscle is temporarily paralysed or frozen. Without the movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

Because of the way anti-wrinkle injections work, they are only effective on dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement.

The most common dynamic wrinkles that anti-wrinkle injections can treat are lines on the upper face, such as the “11” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by smiling, frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions.

Anti-wrinkle injections do not work on static wrinkles. These are fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. Static wrinkles include lines in the cheeks, neck, and jowl areas. It is also important to note that anti-wrinkle injections are by no means a permanent treatment. For continued wrinkle reducing effects, you will be required to repeat your treatments and go for “top-ups” every few months.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular choice for getting plump, youthful and smooth skin. They are sometimes referred to as soft tissue fillers and are substances that are injected beneath the surface of the skin to “plump it up” i.e. add volume and fullness.

The substances used in dermal fillers are designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues. They give the skin a smoother appearance. Dermal fillers are a gel that can be administered to different parts of your face: around the eye, cheeks, mouth and jawline, as well as lip fillers administered directly into the lip tissue.

Unlike anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers can decrease the appearance of static wrinkles.

Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat different signs of aging. Depending on the filler used, other results may include:

• plump up thinning lips
• enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
• decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
• fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
• fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face

Static wrinkles are usually the result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin. Since dermal fillers are used to replace volume, they are a fantastic option to treat these types of wrinkles.

The time in which it takes for dermal fillers to be effective, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer. You should discuss your individual needs and expectations with their doctor to determine what treatment would be the best option for you.