Botox and fillers… what is the difference between them and the reasons for using them?
In recent years, injection techniques have seen remarkable progress thanks to the use of 3D imaging devices to pinpoint the exact injection sites, the integration of injections with other skin treatments to improve results, and local anesthesia techniques to reduce pain during the procedure.
Among the most important injection techniques are Botox and fillers. The program ” Your Health, ” which airs on Al-Araby 2, discussed the main differences between them and the reasons for using each.
The beginnings of the use of “Botox” and “Fillers”
The use of ” Botox ” began in the 1960s for medical purposes such as treating muscle spasms and eye disorders.
Over time, doctors discovered that Botox injections can effectively reduce wrinkles, making this technique one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide.
As for fillers , they began as simple filling materials to conceal facial hollows. However, they have undergone tremendous development with the emergence of absorbable materials such as hyaluronic acid, which gives the face a natural volume and restores radiance without the need for surgical intervention.
What are the risks of Botox and fillers?
However, doctors emphasize that Botox and fillers are not risk-free, the most prominent of which are:
- Temporary swelling and bruising;
- Rare allergic reactions;
- Inconsistent results if the injection is performed inaccurately.
- Infection if sterilization conditions are not followed strictly;
Therefore, the “Your Health” program emphasizes the importance of choosing a qualified and certified doctor to perform the injection procedure, and following the instructions before and after the procedure to ensure the best results and maintain health.
Doctors also advise avoiding excessively frequent injections and seeing a doctor periodically to assess the results, because safe and thoughtful use ensures a natural appearance and long-lasting youthfulness.
The idea behind how “Botox” and fillers work.
Dermatologist Rahaf Homsieh explained to the “Your Health” program that “Botox” consists of the protein substance “Botulinum Botoxin,” which is a very pure substance.
Homsi added that the function of “Botox” is directly related to communication between nerves and muscles, explaining that when any muscle is moved – for example – the brain transmits a signal to the muscle via a neurotransmitter called “acetylcholine”.
She continued, explaining that the function of “Botox” is “to prevent the secretion of this neurotransmitter, thus preventing muscle movement and making it relaxed, so the skin covering it becomes smooth, and the dynamic wrinkles disappear,” clarifying that this means temporarily calming hyperactivity of movement.
As for “filler,” it is a filling substance (hyaluronic acid), which is a complex sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body, noting that it is very water-loving.
She explained that the substance, which is a gel, binds to a thousand times its weight in water, filling the gaps and lines by linking its molecules together with bonds called “crosslinks”.
Regarding the uses of “Botox” and fillers, Homsiyya said that their uses are not limited to cosmetic purposes, but also have therapeutic uses that affect the lifestyle in general.
She noted that “among these treatments in which Botox is used are those related to patients suffering from excessive sweating of the armpits, palms, and soles, as well as those suffering from migraine attacks.”
The dermatologist pointed out that “fillers” are also used to beautify areas of deep scars that usually occur after any injury, adding that they are also used to hide the symptoms of sudden weight loss.