Both in the media and popularly, Botox is often confused with a filler or wrinkle filler. This completely unjustified because the mechanism of action of these two cosmetic products, is completely different.
Botox
Botox or Botulinum toxin is a protein made by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. In high concentrations it is a toxic substance, but in low concentrations such as those used in cosmetic medicine it has a relaxing effect on muscles, causing wrinkles in certain areas to fade or disappear. Thus, you cannot get bumps (often mentioned in media) from Botox because there is no padding under the skin. The process takes place at the micro level, or receptor level. The substance that signals muscles to tighten is blocked, preventing the muscle from tightening, and preventing wrinkling of the skin.
Filler
A filler, on the other hand, is often a natural substance that is close to the body and has a filling effect. It blurs wrinkles and folds and restores contours , by replenishing volume lost over the years. Nowadays, temporary fillers are usually used because they are a lot safer than permanent fillers (see earlier column). Some fillers, if necessary today, can even be dissolved. From fillers, if they are inserted incorrectly or the wrong filler is used, you can get bumps. When the doctor uses temporary fillers, this problem is transient and if a hyaluronic acid is used (Restylane, Juvederm or Teosyal), as mentioned earlier, the product can be dissolved, causing the lump to disappear within 3 hours.
Similarities Fillers and Botox
The similarities that both products have is that both fillers and Botox are used to rejuvenate the face. Both products can also be used one after the other. Furthermore, the efficacy of both products is temporary and thus should be reapplied after a certain period of time.
However, the differences between the two are greater. Botox is used mainly in the upper part of the face: crow’s feet, frown and forehead lines,while fillers are often used at the bottom of the face: nasolabial fold, lips, corner of the mouth. Botox often needs to be repeated every 3-6 months, while most fillers last for a year or more. Contours can only be restored with fillers and not Botox. Botox can also be used for excessive sweating especially in the armpits and for migraines (see earlier column).
Bart Biermans, The Body Clinic
