As we age, the production of elastin and collagen begins to decrease. This reduction weakens the skin’s elasticity and leads to the appearance of the first wrinkles. Cosmetic dermatology offers various treatments to combat this, the most well-known being Botox and hyaluronic acid. But which of the two is suitable for your case?
The Difference Between Botox and Hyaluronic Acid
Both Botox and hyaluronic acid are anti-aging facial treatments. They are painless and perfectly safe when performed by a specialized doctor following a specific application protocol. The choice between the two treatments depends on the type of wrinkles on the skin. Wrinkles are categorized into two types, dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles or expression lines form when muscles contract due to facial expressions. These wrinkles appear on the upper face, often between the eyebrows and on the forehead, as well as around the eyes. Static wrinkles are aging wrinkles that appear when the skin loses its elasticity, which happens with age. However, these wrinkles can also be attributed to other factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and heredity. In some cases, deep wrinkles develop on the face, primarily between the nose and mouth, due to the relaxation of skin tissue.
How Botox Works
Botox is the most common treatment for dynamic wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid is used for static wrinkles. Both Botox and hyaluronic acid can be used for deep wrinkles. Botox therapy is the most famous treatment in cosmetic dermatology. It involves the use of a liquid protein, botulinum toxin, which, when injected into the treatment area using a specific technique and in a relative quantity, effectively treats dynamic wrinkles. The process lasts just a few minutes and is painless. Botox acts directly on the muscle, immobilizing it to prevent contractions and wrinkle formation. This means that the treatment’s result is temporary and the application must be repeated every 4 to 6 months. Wrinkle elimination becomes fully visible after 5 days, and with repeated applications, the skin smoothing effect becomes more dramatic. The treatment does not require recovery time and one can return to work and daily activities immediately.
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid
Like Botox, hyaluronic acid treatment is also injectable. However, unlike Botox, hyaluronic acid is not a liquid but a gel-like substance that already exists in certain body tissues. Its primary function is to add firmness to the skin. As a dermal filler, it is used to “fill” static wrinkles and restore lost tissue volume in various areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, under the eyes, chin, lips, and around the mouth. The entire process can last from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on how many areas need treatment. The results are immediate and last for 12 months.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Therefore, the choice between the two wrinkle treatments should be determined by a specialized dermatologist after assessing the skin’s condition. Each treatment program is tailored to the individual’s needs, and the most crucial factor is achieving a natural result. To ensure this, two factors must coexist: the material used in both treatments must be certified, and the application must be performed by a medical team with specialization, expertise, and extensive experience in Botox and dermal fillers. Otherwise, the face may appear “unnatural” and “frozen” after Botox or hyaluronic acid treatments.
To schedule a complimentary assessment appointment at IQ SKIN CLINICS, specializing in Dermatology, LASER, and Plastic Surgery in Maroussi, Athens, and Glyfada, or to learn more about wrinkle treatments, please call us at +30 210 6100900.
