Botox Injections Versus Restylane: Which Should You Choose?

As people grow older fine lines and wrinkles on the face become more visible. And because many tend to pay too much attention on how they look, they will surely find ways to maintain a younger appearance, regardless of their age. That said, the cosmetic industry has become a thriving business since many people want to alter their looks to improve their appearance.

Botox injections and Restylane (produced by Q-Med) are just some of the treatments used to treat wrinkles found on the face. However, though these two cosmetic injectables aim a similar goal, they actually work differently. So, if you are thinking of eliminating those unsightly frown and crow lines near your eyes or the wrinkles on your forehead, you have to first determine the best kind of cosmetic treatment that will help you achieve your desired outcome.

First and foremost, you have to know the difference between botox injections and Restylane. A common misconception is that botox is a type of dermal filler, like Restylane, which is not true. Botox is produced from clostridium botulinum bacterium (a protein derivative that is purified from a toxin). Botox is FDA-approved and widely used for treating wrinkles.

When injected in a specific area on the face, botox will impede the release of a neurotransmitter called as acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for sending nerve impulses to the facial muscles which in turn causes them to contract. When botox is injected, the nerve cell will refrain from producing acetylcholine thus weakening the muscle cell and producing lesser contractions. This is done to smoothen out the fine lines on the face which is produced when the face muscles move or contract. Results are already visible a week after botox is injected. You will notice that laugh and frown lines have considerably decrease after a successful botox treatment. Such results can last up to around six months or in some cases even longer.

Restylane, meanwhile, as mentioned earlier is a type of dermal filler. It is a popular alternative to botox injections. Just like botox, Restylane come in injectable forms. It is given in a series of tiny injections but instead of preventing facial movement, it works by deactivating the muscles on the treatment area. It contains hyalorunic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, which works by leveling out fine line or wrinkles on the face by filling in the depressions. Restylane helps improve the volume of the skin around the face, thus reducing all visible wrinkles surrounding the eyes or those found on the forehead.

Whichever you use, both are deemed to be safe. However, it is advised that you schedule a consultation to a doctor specializing on skin rejuvenation to know the best type of wrinkle treatment for you.