Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are two of the most commonly administered cosmetic injectables in the UK. Sometimes however their names may be used interchangeably which can result in some confusion as to the nature of these treatments.

In this blog we will look at the differences between anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

What are anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections contain Botulinum toxin, which is a protein that causes the muscles to paralyse when injected. By making the muscles relax under the skin anti-wrinkle injections can make the skin that is overlaying the muscle appear smoother thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Some of the areas anti-wrinkle injections may be used to treat include:

• Crow’s feet (fine lines around your eyes)
• Smoker’s lines or lip lines (wrinkles that form on the skin between the upper lip and the nose, commonly caused by smoking)
• Frown lines (also known as Glabellar lines) are vertical lines that develop between your eyebrows and nose when you frown
• Forehead lines
• Nasolabial folds (the deep lines that form from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth)

Botulinum toxin is most commonly used for cosmetic enhancement but may also be used for treating teeth grinding, excessive sweating and migraines.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid that are injected into your face to add volume to areas such as your cheeks, lips or under-eyes. The plumping effect in turn smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Some of the areas dermal fillers may be used to treat include:

• Lips
• Tear troughs (under-eye)
• Cheek augmentation (shaping or contouring)
• Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)

What is the difference between anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers?

Although dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections both injectable anti-aging treatments, the main difference between them is the active ingredients they contain which work in completely different ways. Because of this, these treatments differ in the areas they treat as well as the onset and duration of results, with results from anti-wrinkle injections normally lasting for up to 4-6 months, whilst filler results lasting for up to 18 months.

Since dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections treat different aging concerns, they can be used at the same time in some cases. The choice of treatment should always be made following a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can advise on which treatment would be most suitable for you.

 

At Skinnou all our practitioners are fully trained healthcare professionals who can advise on a tailored treatment plan depending on your goals and requirements. You can view a full list of dermal filler and anti-wrinkle treatments we offer at Skinnou here.