What is the Difference Between Injectables and Fillers?

In today’s cosmetic industry, injectables and fillers are two (2) of the most common treatments heard and administered in most clinics and med spas across the board. These procedures are often related and linked to each other or are often compared and contrasted every once in a while. You might get easily confused if you’re new to the cosmetic scene. That’s why information can be crucial so that you won’t experience any troubles along the way.

Now, we’ll talk about injectables and fillers and how each can be the same or different from one another. Let’s learn more about these cosmetic procedures and help you discover which one works best for your skin needs and concerns.

What are Injectables?

Injectables are often used medically in treating particular muscular conditions. It cosmetically removes wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles temporarily.

One of the most common injectables available in the market nowadays is Botox. As made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, it is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botox is now perhaps the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment among other injectables. With over six (6) million Botox treatments each year, this injectable has become a treatment for excessive sweating, migraines, and muscular disorders.

Common Uses

For wrinkle treatment, injectables are primarily used in treating dynamic wrinkles. These wrinkles happen naturally around the areas of the eyes and mouth and in between the eyebrows. These wrinkles become more prominent as we age. Injectables help relax muscles near and around these wrinkles. In addition, they don’t allow muscles to move, reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the process.

However, Botox is an injectable not used for fine lines that result from collagen breakdown. Doctors and healthcare providers use injectables only for the muscles that contribute to particular wrinkles that need to be treated. This injection only takes a couple of minutes to administer, producing noticeable results after two (2) weeks.

What are Fillers?

Dermal fillers, or fillers for short, are cosmetic procedures, like injectables, designed to help smoothen out wrinkles, restore lost skin volume from the effects of aging, and provide effective projection in some regions of the face. It delivers subtle yet proper enhancements, corrections, and results of a more youthful appearance.

However, not all filler types are made equally. That’s why clinics and med spas offer a wide variety of dermal fillers to provide patients with only the best alternatives and options available in the cosmetic scene today—choosing the correct filler type addresses every area of concern you want to be treated in your face and body.

Common Uses

Fillers are also treatments for wrinkles, mostly found on the face. These procedures treat smile lines, but fillers can also plump up the lips or cheeks when appropriately administered. In some cases, they’re used as hand treatments or aids in reducing the appearance of scars. Dermal fillers are not yet approved for plumping other body parts and areas like breasts.

Dermal fillers also come in various forms, and like Botox and Dysport, they are also injectables. Some types are only temporary and used primarily on areas in the face with soft tissues, along the regions where smile lines are prominent. As of the current time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA has only approved the following options for fillers:

calcium hydroxylapatite – a gel solution that is temporary and can last for eighteen (18) months (ex. Radiesse)
collagen – a quick material that loses its effects after four (4) months
hyaluronic acid – another quick material that can last for six (6) to twelve (12) months
poly-L-lactic acid – an artificial ingredient that diminishes after two (2) years (ex. Sculptra, Sculptra Aesthetic)
polymethylmethacrylate beads – the only permanent dermal filler type in this list available in the cosmetic market nowadays

The Differences Between Injectables and Fillers

Injectables and fillers are two cosmetic terms often heard together and frequently compared. Here are some common differences between these two procedures and how to know which one is which.

#1 Fillers are types of injectables.

With many types of dermal filler products available on the market nowadays, identifying the differences between these two can be confusing. Each cosmetic product is uniquely designed and formulated to a specific density, texture, and injection depth to help achieve various outcomes. Simply put, fillers are particular types of injectables since both procedures involve ‘injecting’ and ‘filling’ up the skin beneath body parts.

#2 Fillers mainly give you volume and facial contour.

Cosmetic dermal fillers like the common ones – Juvaderm, Radiesse, Restylane, and Voluma, are filler types that add volume to the product type that gets injected into the patient. These filler products can add volume to your luscious lips, plump cheeks, and even under your tantalizing eye eliminating those unwanted dark circles. Fillers are primarily used on wrinkles seen as prevalent on the face. This treatment support parts of your skin that have lost their radiance. Some of the reasons include age, exposure to the sun, or even weight loss on the face.

#3 Fillers are known to reduce deep-set wrinkles.

Other cosmetic fillers, like Botox and Dysport, are used to correct issues with fine lines and wrinkles. Once injected into your face, these fillers don’t truly add volume but, in actuality, paralyze particular muscles targeted under the skin that cause wrinkles. Since fillers are injectables, both typically are ‘injected,’ commonly used in the upper face around the eyebrows and forehead area.

#4 Selecting the correct injectable treatments

Make sure to consider and do some research about fillers as you would do with invasive surgical procedures. Non-surgical injectables, such as fillers, are treatments that are still medical procedures that need specific and suitable training, knowledge, and skill. Once equipped with these aspects, practitioners can ensure you a safe treatment and eventual natural-looking results. Choose the appropriate practitioner or healthcare provider with extensive and reputable knowledge of facial anatomy, a well-developed keen and aesthetic eye, and a surgeon’s detailed skill and precision.

Injectables vs. Fillers: Which One to Choose

First, determine whether it would be beneficial for you to have either injectable or filler treatments and what you can get from them. Generally, injectables are much more suitable for treating joint issues like wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Meanwhile, fillers work better for filling out recessed areas, such as those hollows under the eye or on the cheeks.

However, there is always an exception to every rule. It is always best to consult first medical experts, such as board-certified plastic surgeons, doctors, or practitioners, before undergoing any cosmetic procedure in the future.

Final Takeaways

Fillers may produce more long-term results, but injectables can also carry more side effects. Remember that even though injectables and fillers are pretty standard, each of these treatments can be slightly different and have problems along the way. Typically, injectables and fillers can be used in other face areas. They may also be administered together as complimentary skin treatments, helping achieve your desired outcome. Weigh all your options carefully by talking to your doctor or healthcare provider about injectables and fillers.

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