If you’re new to the world of cosmetic injectables, knowing what you should use, where and for what can be really confusing – especially when many people don’t even share that they have any cosmetic treatments done in the first place. As you do more research, you’ll likely be presented with two common options: botox and fillers.

Botox and fillers are two popular cosmetic treatments used to address wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing. While both treatments involve injections, they have different purposes and methods of action. Here’s a look at their differences, benefits, drawbacks, and what you should know before choosing either treatment.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a cosmetic treatment that uses a purified form of botulinum toxin to relax facial muscles temporarily. The injection of Botox into the targeted muscles prevents them from contracting, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox injections are commonly used to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

What Are Fillers?

Fillers, also known as dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers, are cosmetic treatments that add volume to the face. They are made of various substances, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and calcium hydroxylapatite. By injecting fillers into specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, the treatment can smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, plump up hollow areas, and enhance facial features.

Botox vs. Fillers: What’s the Difference?

Botox and fillers are both injectable treatments, but they have different methods of action and are used for different purposes. Botox works by relaxing the facial muscles, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frowning or squinting. In contrast, fillers work by adding volume to the face, which fills in wrinkles, creases, and hollow areas caused by ageing and gravity.

Botox is typically used to treat wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth, while fillers are used to enhance facial features such as the cheeks, lips, and chin. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, and muscle spasms, while fillers can be used to treat acne scars and other types of scars.

Botox: The Pros & Cons

Botox has become a popular cosmetic treatment because it is relatively quick and straightforward, with minimal downtime. The treatment is typically performed at a cosmetic clinic and takes only a few minutes to complete. The results of Botox injections usually last three to four months, and most people see a noticeable improvement in their wrinkles and fine lines. It is also often used as a preventative measure to help prevent lines from deepening.

One of the concerns that many people have about Botox is the ‘frozen’ or unnatural look that is often portrayed in movies. While this risk does exist if too much is injected or if the treatment is not performed correctly, when completed by an experienced cosmetic nurse or practitioner, botox can produce some fantastic results. While some people may experience side effects such as swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site, this is often short-lived. Botox by its nature is a temporary treatment, with it wearing away in approximately 4 months time, meaning that it requires regular maintenance.

Filler: The Pros & Cons

Fillers are well-known to be an effective way to restore volume to the face and achieve a more youthful appearance. The results of filler injections are visible immediately and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used. The treatment is also relatively quick and can be performed in a doctor’s office with little to no downtime.

However, like Botox, hesitance in fillers also lies in the risk of an unnatural or overfilled appearance if too much is injected or if the treatment is not performed correctly. Again, this can be avoided in the majority of cases by working with an experienced cosmetic practitioner, particularly if their area of expertise is creating a natural-looking appearance. Some types of fillers, such as those made of hyaluronic acid, may also dissolve over time, requiring repeat treatments to maintain the results – though this will all be discussed before any treatment is performed.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Deciding whether to undergo Botox or facial fillers depends on several factors, including your specific concerns, the results you want to see, how long you want the results to last, and your budget. This is why it’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced cosmetic practitioner who can evaluate your individual needs and provide recommendations on the best treatment plan for you.

Generally speaking, Botox is typically recommended for people who want to address wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as crow’s feet or frown lines. Fillers are ideal for people who want to restore volume to their face, smooth out wrinkles and creases, and enhance facial features such as the lips and cheeks. Botox and fillers can also be used together to achieve optimal results, as they address different aspects of the ageing process.

Botox And Fillers Without The Upfront Cost

Making the decision of going ahead with cosmetic injectables is a big one – but is often hampered when discussing the upfront costs, especially when maintenance is required. This is why many people are turning to HealthNow to enable them to access the health services they need, without the upfront cost.

With HealthNow, you can spread the cost of your initial consultation with your cosmetic practitioner, treatment costs, and any associated products purchased from the clinics over up to twelve weeks. This means you only pay a fraction of the total cost on the day you see your clinician while being able to receive the treatment and start feeling more confident and happier with the appearance of your skin immediately. The HealthNow service is completely free for health consumers with no fees or interest. Your cosmetic providers get paid in full on the day of your appointment, while you pay your bill off over the number of weeks you select at the time of purchase.

HealthNow also has a specifically-designed health wallet to put away money safely to cover the costs of any medical or health-related appointments, services and products, meaning that you can start putting money away now to help take the pressure off recurring visits in the future. You choose the amount and frequency that you’d like to contribute, and others can also contribute to your health wallet, from family members who want to help you look after your health and appearance, to employers as part of employee wellness programs or as a much-desired alternative to restrictive private health insurance. Once the money is in your wallet, it’s yours in full to spend any time, on any health-related cost with HealthNow, and can be used for yourself or any other family member or loved one.

Get Started With HealthNow Today

Getting started with HealthNow is free and easy. Download the app and follow the instructions to set up your account. You can also check out HealthNow’s full benefits and features through the website, and see how it can help ease some of the financial stress off your appearance satisfaction journey.