Botox® or Dermal Fillers: Which Is Best for Me?

Botox® and dermal fillers are two of the most innovative beauty treatments of our time. While people often whimsically wish they could turn back the hands of time, you literally can reverse signs of aging with these treatments.

In San Antonio and Schertz, Texas, Dr. Patricia Gomez-Dinger and her team at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA specialize in carrying out these ingenious aesthetic treatments.

Take a moment as we break down the similarities and differences between Botox and fillers to help you understand which treatment might be the best fit for you.

What is Botox? 

Botox is a neurotoxin made of botulinum toxin type A, but don’t let the toxin part of the terminology throw you; when Botox is used in small, safe doses, it temporarily reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles. 

It works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it’s injected, preventing the muscles from contracting and causing wrinkles. Botox is particularly effective for dynamic wrinkles — those that form from repeated facial expressions like smiling, frowning, or squinting.

What to expect from the procedure

The procedure is quick and noninvasive, with minimal downtime, which means you can be in and out of our office in minutes and return to your daily activities in no time. 

The results from Botox typically last 3-6 months, and then you may return to repeat the treatment. While side effects are rare and usually mild, they can include temporary bruising or discomfort at the injection site.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are gel-like substances that are injected into your skin to give it more volume, smooth out fine lines, or improve your facial structure. 

The most common types of fillers, like Juvéderm®, which we use at the clinic, contain hyaluronic acid, which your skin produces naturally to maintain its volume and hydration.

What to expect from the procedure

Dr. Gomez-Dinger starts by examining your face to determine the appropriate points for injecting the fillers. The whole process can take as little as 15 minutes but can last up to an hour in more extensive cases. 

The effects of dermal fillers are typically immediate and can last from six months to a few years, depending on the type of filler used. 

As with any procedure, there are potential side effects like swelling or bruising, but they typically subside quickly.

Choosing between Botox and dermal fillers

Choosing between these two treatments depends on the results you want. If you’re looking to get rid of dynamic wrinkles, Botox is most likely right for you.

On the other hand, dermal fillers might be more appropriate if you’re more concerned about your face losing volume or you have static wrinkles, which are present even when your face isn’t moving.

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA, Dr. Gomez-Dinger helps you choose between Botox and dermal fillers to help restore your skin’s youthfulness. Request an appointment with us online or call the office nearest you to get started today.