Fillers, Liquid Facelift, Botox: Are They the Same?

As you age, it’s normal to begin seeing the signs of getting older on your face. Often, we try to hide those fine lines and wrinkles by using makeup that doesn’t really do the trick. Those aren’t the only signs of aging, though. Sometimes, sagging skin becomes a problem, too.

Many people who begin to see the effects of aging on their faces decide to investigate cosmetic procedures. When considering a new solution to their aging dilemma, most people think of Botox, fillers, or facelifts. While many people use the terms interchangeably, some differences must be noted.

Dermal Fillers

Technically, a liquid facelift is a combination of various dermal fillers. The fillers add to the skin volume, lift tired skin slightly, and smooth out wrinkles. Dermal fillers are less invasive and risky than traditional surgical facelifts.

Botox

Botox is a good tool for working on the wrinkles that result from facial expressions. Botox relaxes the muscles in your face. As the muscles relax, so does your skin which smooths the wrinkles. Botox alone won’t give the final effects of a facelift, though.

Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift combines a variety of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are injected into those places that the client finds troublesome. Dermal fillers are products like Juvederm, Sculptra, and Radiesse.

Most dermal fillers act in the same way. Each brand has slight differences that you should thoroughly discuss with your doctor. Sometimes your doctor will suggest using fatty tissue from other places in your body (like your buttocks) to fill in your wrinkles. However, some patients object to that.

The fillers aren’t a permanent solution. Botox prolongs the effectiveness of the dermal fillers, but typically about six months after you have fillers, you will begin to notice changes. After a while, the wrinkles begin to appear again.

The Wax Doll Phenomenon

Liquid facelifts cause you to look younger and more rested. Usually. If a liquid facelift isn’t done correctly, you can begin to look like a wax doll. Follow these tips to try to avoid the wax doll look:

• Avoid silicone liquid or gel.
• Only use FDA-approved dermal fillers.
• Be realistic with your expectations.
• Only use one kind of procedure; don’t combine different ones.
• Try temporary fillers first to see if you like the results.

The Takeaway

Many people think that fillers and botox are the same thing. They often use both of those interchangeably with the term liquid facelift. However, dermal fillers are components of a liquid facelift, and botox can be used to prolong the effects. Beauty & Body by Mia can give you more information about whether you need Botox, dermal fillers, or a complete liquid facelift.