Short answer, no!
In the media the term botox is a term used to refer to aesthetic treatment. For example “She’s got her lips fuuuull of botox”. In reality this would be a huge mistake. Let me explain.
Botox Treatment
Botox, botulinum toxin or toxin treatments are not all made equal. Botox is a brand name and therefore can be an inaccuracy if your practitioner does not use the Botox brand. At Ametrine, we use a different brand of toxin, Azzalure, therefore we refer to these treatments as ‘Toxin’ treatments.
What is Toxin Treatment?: Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by going into the nerves associated with our muscles, and causing them to be temporarily paralysed.
Where can you use Toxin? Toxin treatment is widely used in Aesthetics, it is specifically used to relax the strong muscles of facial expression. Typically the following areas are treated:
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown-line wrinkles (commonly referred to as ‘elevens’)
- Crow’s feet wrinkles- the fine wrinkles that are formed around the sides of the eyes when smiling.
- Bunny Lines
- Dimpled chin
- Smoker’s lines
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Gummy Smile
- Enlarged Masseters- the muscles responsible for clenching and grinding
- Hooked Nose
- Nefertiti Neck Lift
What does toxin do? Once the muscle relaxing properties of toxin has got into the muscles, this causes the muscles to relax and this in turn allows the skin over the muscle to smooth and soften. With repeated use the muscles can actually shrink in size and appear smaller.
How long does toxin last? This varies between client to client however the general length of action is roughly 3-6 months.
Filler Treatment
Not all dermal fillers are created equal. Let’s see why.
What is dermal filler? Dermal fillers have been around for many years, since the world wars in fact, however initially when bovine products and other nasties were used to inject into the skin to create volume and correct deformities, chemistry has harnessed the ability of Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally found in the human body, to inject into skin. Different dermal fillers contain varying amounts of HA and also different qualities, such as smooth and flowable vs stiff and lifting.
Where can you use Dermal Filler? Dermal filler can be used in many different indications. Treatment can be to provide volume, smooth wrinkles, hydrate the skin, treat deformities, create symmetry and improve skin quality.
- Lip Augmentation
- Chin Augmenttaion
- Nose Augmentation
- Tear Troughs
- Cheeks
- Nose to mouth lines
- Jaw Augmentation
- Chin augmentation
- Smokers lines
What does filler do? Dermal filler is injected into the tissues of the face and creates volume. This can contour, for example the cheeks, to create lift and structure. Dermal filler can also plump, for example the lips creating a beautiful appearance of naturally full lips.
How long does filler last? Similar to toxin, this varies between individuals and areas of treatment. Typically in an areas that moves less, for example tear troughs, these will last over nine months, verses lips which move constantly, will last for 3-6 months. In addition if you are an individual who has a high metabolic rate eg a gym bunny, your body will naturally break down the HA a lot quicker.
Ah, so they’re not the same…
Exactly, in simple terms:
- Toxin relaxes muscles and smooths wrinkles.
- Filler provides volume and doesn’t affect muscles.
Can you use them together? Yes! Often the best results for facial aesthetics is utilising toxin and filler in a treatment plan. This allows the musculature of the face to be relaxed and then contouring can take place with filler.
If you’d like to book a consultation with Dr Bryony to discuss any treatments please book an online consultation.