Botox and hyaluronic acid have become two of the most widely used substances in aesthetic medicine in the search for perpetual youth and beauty.
Treatments with these two products have gained in popularity due to their ease of use, immediate results and relatively low prices. They are widely used by people of all ages who wish to improve their appearance and fight the signs of aging.
However, despite their popularity, Botox and hyaluronic acid are often confused as similar or complementary treatments, when in fact they represent different approaches to facial rejuvenation and correction of skin imperfections.
In the following, we will explore the distinctive features of each treatment, from its mechanism of action to its applications and side effects, with the aim of providing a complete and enlightening overview.
What is the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?
Both products have been proven effective and safe for years, but it is important to understand their differences in order to make informed decisions about which treatment may be more appropriate for each individual.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used in small amounts to temporarily block nerve signals that cause muscle contraction, resulting in a reduction of dynamic wrinkles, such as expression lines.
On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body and is used synthetically to fill wrinkles, increase lip volume and restore skin hydration.
Application
In aesthetic medicine, Botox acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction. By temporarily inhibiting this action, muscle activity is reduced and wrinkles associated with facial expression are smoothed. Botox is commonly used to treat dynamic facial wrinkles, caused by muscle contractions, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles between the eyebrows. It can also be applied to other areas of the body to treat problems such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Hyaluronic acid works by attracting and retaining water, which increases skin volume and fills wrinkles and fine lines. It is also used to plump the lips, shape the cheeks, rejuvenate the back of the hands, shape the chin, improve the appearance of depressed scars and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Duration of effects
The effects of Botox usually begin to be visible within the first few days after treatment and can last from 3 to 6 months. After this time, the effects begin to gradually diminish as the muscles recover their normal activity. To maintain results, booster treatments are required every few months.
On the other hand, hyaluronic acid can offer results that last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of product used and the speed of metabolization of each individual. Highly mobile areas, such as the lips, tend to absorb hyaluronic acid more quickly, which may require more frequent booster treatments.
Side effects
Common side effects of Botox include bruising, swelling, pain at the injection site and temporary weakness in the surrounding muscles.
As for hyaluronic acid, side effects may include redness, swelling, tenderness and the formation of lumps or nodules. Both treatments also present rarer risks, such as allergic reactions or infections.
Treatment price
The price of Botox and hyaluronic acid treatment is very similar. It varies according to the amount of product needed, the brand of product and the experience of the supplier, but generally ranges from 300 to 600 euros per session.
When to choose Botox or hyaluronic acid?
Knowing the differences between the two substances, if you are still not sure which treatment to choose, the following summary will surely help you. The choice between Botox and hyaluronic acid depends on the specific aesthetic concerns and goals of each individual:
- Dynamic wrinkles: Botox is the preferred option, as its temporary paralyzing action on facial muscles effectively smoothes expression lines.
- Add volume and fill static wrinkles: hyaluronic acid is the ideal choice, as it has the ability to fill and shape areas that have lost volume over time.
- Improve the overall appearance and hydration of the skin: hyaluronic acid is more indicated, as it also has moisturizing properties and can improve the overall skin quality.
Regardless of the solution chosen, Botox and hyaluronic acid are non-permanent treatments. When your result is over, it will be necessary to re-inject to maintain the effect.
