Botox or hyaluronic acid, which is better?

Injection cosmetology has deserved popularity. Since it became widespread, every person who cares about their appearance has had the opportunity not only to rejuvenate their face, but also to change its features.

Cosmetologist patients often ask the question at appointments: Botox or hyaluronic acid - which is better? The answer cannot be unambiguous, because, despite the fact that both of these drugs are compositions for cosmetic injections, it is incorrect to compare them.

Botox – what is it?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a substance that can cause temporary paralysis of the muscle into which it was injected. Botox was originally used in neurology to eliminate the effects of excessive muscle tension. During use, not only a therapeutic, but also a cosmetic effect was noted, so today Botox is better known as a drug used for beauty rather than for health.

"Botox" is the name of a botulinum toxin-based drug produced in America. There is also Dysport, manufactured in France, and Xeomin, created in Germany. There are virtually no differences between these drugs, since each of them is based on botulinum toxin, but Dysport is a less concentrated drug, and Xeomin is a more purified drug.

Botox and wrinkles

Before answering the question of which is better: Botox or hyaluronic acid, it is necessary to consider the area in which it is used. There are two types of wrinkles: facial and age-related. Age-related, as follows from the definition, are formed as the skin ages, when all metabolic processes in the body slow down.

Expression wrinkles can form at any age, as this is facilitated by facial expressions and the specific structure of the face. They appear around the eyes and on the forehead: so-called “crow’s feet”, longitudinal and transverse stripes on the forehead, folds on the bridge of the nose.

In order to get rid of them, it is necessary to minimize facial expressions in a given area. This is what Botox is used for. When the muscle relaxes, the “crease” on the skin stops forming, and as the epidermis is renewed, traces of wrinkles disappear, giving way to smooth skin.

When it comes to expression wrinkles, when answering the question: “Botox” or hyaluronic acid – which is better, patient reviews and doctors’ opinions clearly recommend the use of botulinum toxin.

Botox and contouring

Contour plastic surgery is a cosmetic technique that can be used to change facial features without resorting to the services of a plastic surgeon. It is traditionally believed that the main tool of a cosmetologist to change facial features are fillers, which overwhelmingly consist of hyaluronic acid. But in fact, Botox can also help transform yourself, so the question of which is better: Botox or hyaluronic acid is relevant.

What can Botox do?

Using this drug, you can perform the following contouring techniques:

1. change in the shape of the eyes when botulinum toxin is injected into the superciliary region: relaxation of the lower part of the forehead leads to contraction of the muscles of its upper part, as a result of which the eyelid or the outer corner of the eye and eyebrows rise, rounding the eye, or, on the contrary, giving it a “cat-like” cut;
2. changing the shape of the lips, or rather, reducing the distance between the upper lip and the columella of the nose, as a result of which the size of the upper lip visually increases;
3. changing the oval of the face - getting rid of jowls, ptosis of the facial contour, is done by introducing botulinum toxin into the platysma;
4. changing the shape of the nose - you can raise the tip of the nose by injecting Botox into the columella;
5. smile correction – the so-called “gummy smile” is eliminated with an injection into the gum.

Hyaluronic acid

To find out the answer to the question “Botox or hyaluronic acid: which is better? ", it is necessary to comprehensively consider hyaluronic acid.

This is a substance produced by the human body in order to retain water molecules and maintain the natural balance of fluid in the body. There is enough hyaluronic acid in the body of a child and teenager, which is why their skin is soft and moisturized, and their joints are mobile. With age, acid decreases, so the skin needs hydration and joints become fragile.

Many manufacturers of facial care cosmetics add this component to the composition, but there is no reason for this: the hyaluronic acid molecule is approximately 50 times larger than the membrane holes in the barrier layer of the skin. Therefore, this substance can only be introduced into the deep layers by injection.

It is worth noting that sometimes the patient does not require deep injection of the drug under the skin if only superficial hydration is necessary. To find out, you need to consult a cosmetologist who will tell you what is best to do. Botox or hyaluronic acid are safe drugs, but their use must have clear indications.

Hyaluronic acid and wrinkles

Slightly pronounced wrinkles, perceived as sagging skin, can be removed with hyaluronic acid using a procedure such as biorevitalization. The acid is introduced into the skin in tiny portions over short distances, thus moisturizing the deep layers of the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté.

Deep wrinkles cannot be eliminated in this way, but the resulting fold of skin can be filled from the inside with filler. The composition for such manipulation will be slightly thicker than for biorevitalization.

Hyaluronic acid and contouring

Fillers based on hyaluronic acid can change the size and shape of the lips, make the cheekbones more expressive, the chin clearer, and the bridge of the nose smooth.

Different gels have different compositions and densities. For example, fillers for lip augmentation may have the usual ability to attract water molecules, and drugs used to disguise dark circles under the eyes should not form bags.

Fillers based on hyaluronic acid can be injected in varying quantities into almost all facial tissues, but in order for the result to be harmonious and beautiful, contour plastic surgery should only be performed by a professional cosmetologist who knows what Botox or hyaluronic acid is used for, that will better provide the effect desired by the client.

Validity

It is logical to compare two drugs with different mechanisms of action, but similar in results, from the point of view of the duration of the effect they create, then it will be clearer which is better to inject.

Botox or hyaluronic acid remain in tissues for approximately the same period. After introducing botulinum toxin into the muscles, the result will be noticeable after approximately two weeks, when the upper layer of the epidermis is worn off, and will last for 6-8 months.

How long hyaluronic acid will remain in the tissues depends on the thickness of the gel. The composition for biorevitalization, characterized by a minimum density, will moisturize the skin for two months, and filler for contouring will preserve the result for up to a year.

It is important to understand that the stated boundaries do not apply to all fillers; they can only be applicable to preparations based on hyaluronic acid.

But there is a significant difference between the two products, which will partially answer the question “Botox or hyaluronic acid: which is better?” ", is the fact that over time, resistance to Botox develops. That is why it is not recommended to start injecting it too early, so that by the age of 45-50 you do not encounter the problem of the body’s lack of sensitivity to any permissible dosages of botulinum toxin.

Hyaluronic acid can be injected in any quantity and with any frequency; the result of the injection will depend only on the quality of the drug and the professionalism of the specialist, and not on the age of the patient or the number of similar procedures he has performed previously.

Disadvantages of Botox

In order to make the right decision regarding which method of rejuvenation and contouring to use, you need to know the negative aspects of each method, and this aspect is much more important than the answer to the question: “Botox” or hyaluronic acid - which is better? The disadvantages of Botox, fortunately, are always temporary. That is, no matter what the result is, after six months the face will be the same as it was before the procedure.

A negative result of the drug, as a rule, is understood as the resulting asymmetry of the face or drooping of the eyebrows. This happens for only one reason: the low level of professionalism of the master. When some muscles relax with the help of botulinum toxin, others tend to become toned. If a cosmetologist does not have a medical education and does not have the necessary knowledge in the field of anatomy, he cannot predict what the injection he will do will lead to, or whether smoothing out wrinkles in one area will cause the formation of wrinkles in another.

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid

Excess injected hyaluronic acid often leads to filler migration. This process occurs gradually, that is, a person may not detect the fact that part of the lip filler has gradually descended in small lumps into the chin area.

In this case, considering the question of “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better for the lips, we can conclude that botulinum toxin wins. Despite the fact that the effect it creates is less pronounced and applies only to the upper lip, there will be no unpleasant consequences from the injection.

The second factor that people who want to change their appearance in a cosmetologist’s office should pay attention to is the effect of injections on the immune system. Despite the fact that the hyaluronic acid in the preparations is close in chemical composition to that in the body, it is still synthetic and not natural. Therefore, people with highly sensitive immune systems may experience an allergic reaction or rejection of the filler.

Drug compatibility

Instead of torturing yourself with long thoughts about “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better for the face? ", you can combine the administration of both drugs, with each of them performing its own task.

For example, in order to enlarge the lips and improve their shape, you can first inject Botox into the contour area of ​​the upper lip to lift it and slightly turn it out. Once the result can be assessed, it can be corrected using filler. A small amount of injected hyaluronic acid will reduce the risk of migration of the substance several times.

There are also areas for which one type of drug is preferable: suppose, for correcting wrinkles in the forehead and eyes, Botox works better, and in order to give volume to cheekbones or a sloping chin, there is no other method other than injecting filler.

Thus, knowing what Botox or hyaluronic acid is, which is better, the pros and cons for different areas and tasks, you can choose a transformation technique that will lead to the desired result in the shortest and safest way.

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If you, like me, had doubts, and when you heard the word “Botox” you imagined a mummified mask instead of a happy face with a smile, then first, just consult with a cosmetologist. Looking in the mirror with a specialist will be more meaningful. They will definitely ask you what you don’t like most about your face, and they will evaluate the condition and type of your skin. The nasolabial folds just drove me crazy - they added age. It was they who announced the fight using hyaluronic acid injections.

Important! Hyaluronic acid is used in two ways: biorevitalization (primarily for deep hydration of the skin) and contouring (for filling wrinkles and replenishing volume). Botox is used to combat expression wrinkles (forehead area, between the eyebrows and around the eyes). This drug acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses - the muscle relaxes - as a result, wrinkles straighten out, as the skin gets time to recover.

Expert opinion. Igor Bely, Doctor of Medical Sciences, plastic surgeon, leading specialist at the Ottimo aesthetic surgery clinic:

— Hyaluronic acid and Botox cannot be compared. These drugs work differently and solve different problems. During your consultation, a cosmetologist will help you determine which drug is right for you. The full effect of Botox appears within 10 days. There is no exact duration of the procedure; it all depends on the individual reaction of the body.

Choosing what to inject

In my case, the cosmetologist suggested that I fill the nasolabial folds with hyaluronic acid, and since I have thin, dry skin, they also did biorevitalization to increase tone and elasticity under the cheekbones.

How long does the effect last?

The procedure lasts a few minutes and is almost painless. The drug is injected under the skin with a thin needle, barely noticeable injection points remain, sometimes microbruises, but since masking agents can be used, this does not particularly interfere with the normal rhythm of life. Another thing is that I couldn’t smile for a day - it’s difficult. But the result was worth it - the “nasolabial lips” were smoothed out, the face became fresher, the skin was more elastic. The cosmetologist said that the procedure can be repeated in a year. But I was happy with everything even two years later: when I came back for contouring, my problem area needed much less hyaluronic acid than the first time. In addition, to moisturize the skin, I was advised to apply a cream consisting of one hundred percent hyaluronic acid.

Expert opinion. Ekaterina Papava, chief physician of the Ottimo aesthetic surgery clinic, dermato-cosmetologist.

— Refusal to carry out this procedure can only be due to individual intolerance to the drugs. As with all procedures and surgeries, side effects are possible but minimal. In rare cases, they are expressed in a mild form of allergy.

Me before and after the procedure

Contraindications. Injection procedures for the face are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who have serious chronic diseases in the acute stage, dermatological inflammatory elements in the procedure area, permanent fillers in the facial area, etc.

P.S. Remember that injection cosmetic procedures must take place in licensed clinics and beauty salons.

Expert opinion. Igor Bely, Doctor of Medical Sciences, plastic surgeon, leading specialist at the Ottimo aesthetic surgery clinic

— Recently, a charming actress, singer and very famous beauty blogger Lera Tumanova came to visit me. I want to share my personal feeling, she is not just a very beautiful and pleasant girl, but also a really thoughtful person. We discussed all the subtleties and features of modern beauty injections. Particularly detailed about Botox and its “cheap analogues” (this is the expression of Lera’s subscribers; they naturally ask why pay more). We discussed not only the biochemical differences between the drugs, but also the features of my technique, which I have been using and teaching for more than 10 years, “Living Face”. And of course, after our conversation, Lera decided to try this technique on herself! I am absolutely sure of the result. And although they say that beauty cannot be decorated, we can help it not to fade. After 10 days, we met again at our Ottimo clinic on Myasnitskaya, almost in the heart of the capital, and Lera confirmed the amazing effect.

Lera Tumanova and Igor Bely

​ There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

There are many ways to stop approaching aging and eliminate its symptoms. Often representatives of the fair sex choose beauty injections for this. And here a conflict arises: Botox or hyaluronic acid - which is better? Reflections on this topic torment many women. If you are one of them, look for comprehensive answers to your questions in our article.

What is Botox

Botulinum toxin or Botox is often called a poison, which in small quantities is beneficial to humans. The drug deserves this characteristic because of its origin. It contains an inactivated (non-living) neurotoxin from the deadly disease botulism. This component is obtained in laboratory conditions as a result of the life activity of dangerous bacteria Clostridium botulinum, first growing them and then killing them.

The synthesized botulinum toxin is purified and diluted with auxiliary ingredients, turning the toxic substance into a useful drug with a wide range of applications.

Operating principle

When injected into the skin, Botox suppresses impulses from nerves to muscles. Thus it relaxes the muscles and prevents them from contracting. The skin in these places does not atrophy, but is temporarily smoothed out, and wrinkles disappear. Botox itself does not eliminate wrinkles. This means that repeated injections are required to maintain the effect.

To achieve the right effect and not immobilize your face, turning it into a frozen mask, you should inject botulinum toxin correctly. The drug is injected with a thin needle over 5 minutes, then the area is cooled with a compress. It is important to hit exactly the right muscle. Therefore, it is best to entrust your skin not to a cosmetologist, but to a plastic surgeon.

By the way. Most often, botulinum toxin is injected into the upper part of the face - in the area around the eyes and forehead, where facial expressions are most active, causing early wrinkles.

Indications for use

Botulinum therapy (Botox injections) is known throughout the world as a procedure that slows down aging. However, this is not the only way to use the drug. Initially, it was administered to patients with various neurological ailments.

In this way, patients were relieved of nervous tics and convulsions. Botulinum toxin is also used to treat strabismus, herpes, hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), pain syndromes of various etiologies - headache, dental, and also those that occur, for example, when wearing uncomfortable shoes (including high heels).

From medicine, the practice of using Botox has moved into the field of cosmetology. Injections help remove facial asymmetry, correct its shape, and smooth out wrinkles:

1. between the eyebrows;
2. on the forehead;
3. around eyes;
4. On the nose;
5. around the mouth - in the chin area, upper lip (along the contour), in the corners;
6. on the neck and décolleté area.

Attention! Botox is not injected directly into the lips. Their volume cannot be increased with the help of the drug.

What is hyaluronic acid

Unlike Botox, hyaluronic acid is a substance that is not alien to the human body. It is present in some tissues - in particular, in the epidermis, where it retains moisture. Moisturized skin does not fade longer, remains elastic and does not become wrinkled. Over the years, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases. This leads to the fact that the dermis begins to age more intensively.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, there is also sodium hyaluronate. Substances differ in the size of their molecules.

Operating principle

Hyaluronic acid is found not only in anti-aging injections, but also in various products - creams, serums. It is believed that such cosmetics are effective up to the age of 30, at the first signs of skin aging. Creams and serums only moisturize the outer layer of the dermis. To eliminate pronounced symptoms of aging, injections of hyaluronic acid are suitable.

Using a thin needle, the doctor injects filler into the problem area - the forehead, between the eyebrows, into the nasolabial fold, etc. Once in their usual environment, hyaluronic acid molecules promote the accumulation of moisture in the deep layers of the skin, smoothing out wrinkles from the inside. The face regains its previous contours.

The hyaluronic acid contained in fillers is of artificial origin, and therefore rarely causes allergies.

Indications for use

The scope of use of hyaluronic acid is wider than Botox injections. The substance is included in eye drops and in drugs used to treat joint diseases.

Hyaluronic acid is used in various areas of dentistry: for the treatment and restoration of gums, accelerating rehabilitation after installation of implants, etc. Hyaluronic acid is also in great demand in cosmetology and plastic surgery. It is used for mesotherapy, biorevitalization, contour plastic surgery to solve the following problems:

1. replenish moisture deficiency in the skin;
2. increase the elasticity of the epidermis;
3. minimize the severity of stretch marks and scars;
4. smooth out wrinkles;
5. enlarge lips;
6. cure acne, remove pimples;
7. achieve a slight lifting effect, etc.

Hyaluronic acid is used not only externally, but also internally. It is part of some dietary supplements and vitamin complexes.

To effectively rejuvenate the skin, several rules should be followed:

1. Remember that the hyaluronic acid must be stabilized. This substance fills wrinkles well. If you need to moisturize the dermis, an unstabilized acid is suitable.
2. Choose drugs with a hyaluronic acid concentration of at least 15 mg/ml.
3. Pay attention to the viscosity of the substance. The higher this indicator, the more severe creases and folds on the skin it will cope with.

By the way. For home use, you can purchase hyaluronic acid in powder. It must be mixed with clean water, carefully observing the dilution proportions recommended by the manufacturer.

Differences and similarities

Both Botox and hyaluronic acid are used in cosmetology for anti-aging purposes. They reduce the severity of wrinkles, smooth the skin, and slow down the aging of the epidermis. In both cases, the results last 6-12 months. The exact period depends on the characteristics of the skin.

Despite the fact that the drugs are used in the form of injections, there is a difference between them regarding the method of administration. Hyaluronic acid is injected subcutaneously, and botulinum toxin is injected intramuscularly.

In some situations, when there are problems with muscle tone, Botox is also injected under the skin. However, it will still act on micromuscles.

Another fundamental difference is related to the mechanism for eliminating wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration to the skin, which directly affects the elasticity of the epidermis. As a result, it becomes more even and smooth - this is noticeable already in the first hours after the procedure. Botox works differently: it relaxes the muscles that tighten the skin. The effect appears a few days after the injections.

Due to its wide spectrum of action, hyaluronic acid generally improves the condition of the epidermis and relieves it of dryness. Botulinum toxin cannot do this.

Any injections are accompanied by pain. For lasting results, it is recommended to do botulinum therapy or inject hyaluronic fillers twice a year. It should be remembered that the drugs have contraindications. In both cases, these are pregnancy, breastfeeding, oncology, viral and chronic illnesses, problems with blood clotting, inflammatory processes on the face, allergies, etc. In addition, hyaluronic acid cannot be injected in case of diabetes, a tendency to form keloid scars, and some other situations. Botox is prohibited for muscle weakness - the diagnosis is called myasthenia gravis.

An important factor that influences the choice of a particular service is the cost of injections. The drugs are approximately in the same price category, although in practice hyaluronic acid is usually more expensive than Botox. The final amount depends on the size of the area being treated, the complexity of the problem, the prestige of the clinic, the qualifications of the doctor, etc.

If the result of the injections is unsatisfactory, complications or allergies to the drug occur, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Hyaluronic acid can be neutralized by injecting hyaluronidase. It’s more difficult with Botox: you won’t be able to remove it from the body in a matter of days, but you can slightly weaken the effect if you do massage, microcurrent therapy and some other procedures. All this is strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

What to give preference

To make a choice in favor of one procedure or another, you need to rely on the following theses:

1. Botox is most often used to eliminate folds and creases in the upper part of the face, including mimic crow's feet. Hyaluronic acid copes well with sagging and dry skin. It is suitable for correcting various folds, including nasolabial folds, to improve the oval of the face.
2. Serious clinics that value their reputation use proven, clinically tested drugs. When used correctly, they will not harm the patient. However, if you overdose, Botox becomes dangerous - do not forget that it is poison. Muscle atrophy and other negative reactions are possible. It is almost impossible to overdo it with hyaluronic acid.
3. The duration of the rejuvenating effect depends on the individual characteristics of the epidermis and on average is about six months for both procedures. It happens even longer.
4. If you believe the reviews, patients consider hyaluronic acid a less “serious” drug that can be injected after 25 years. Many women decide to undergo Botox injections only after 30–40 years of age. The exception is deep early wrinkles, for example, on the forehead.

Whether the patient injects Botox or prefers hyaluronic acid - in both cases there is a risk of side effects. Bruises, swelling, pain - all this usually goes away within a week. More serious consequences are facial asymmetry, distortion of facial expressions, abscess, etc.

Advice. To reduce the risk of complications after Botox or hyaluronic acid, contact a clinic with a solid reputation and trust your face to an experienced doctor, preferably a plastic surgeon.

How to combine drugs

Cosmetologists advise first performing aggressive and then gentle procedures. That's why if correction of the same area of ​​the face is required, Botox is injected before hyaluronic acid. The interval between injections is 2–3 weeks. This is due to the fact that only after 14–20 days can the result of botulinum therapy be fully assessed and whether the skin requires additional correction with hyaluronic acid.

There is an opinion that the optimal interval between procedures is 3–4 months. During this time, the functionality of the muscles after Botox is partially restored, which means that hyaluronic acid acts more effectively.

Also, doctors sometimes offer a different sequence of sessions: first - biorevitalization, then - botulinum therapy.

This is done in order to first saturate the skin with moisture, smooth out wrinkles, and only then consolidate the effect with Botox and prevent further deepening and spreading of folds. The break between injections is 14 days.

In the last few years, research has appeared on whether it is possible to inject hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin at the same time. Such an experiment is allowed if correction of different areas of the face is required - for example, the forehead and lips.

If you need to treat the same area, it is better not to combine drugs. Scientists have experimentally found that Botox, injected together with filler, prolongs the effect of hyaluronic acid. And at the same time, after such injections, the swelling of the skin increases greatly.

Since the safety of the innovation for patients has not yet been proven, the joint procedure has not become widespread - doctors still inject Botox and hyaluronic acid separately.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Many cosmetologists note that it is incorrect to compare botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid, since the drugs are designed to solve different problems.

Botox is recommended to smooth out facial wrinkles.

Experts emphasize that botulinum therapy is suitable for the upper part of the face after the age of 30.

Patient reviews

Clients of cosmetology clinics choose both drugs. Each according to his own testimony. The author of this review prefers Botox.

This woman prefers hyaluronic acid as a product with an overall anti-aging effect.

If the patient has tried both drugs on his skin, he can already decide for himself which is better and which injections to do again.

Both Botox and hyaluronic acid cannot be injected without clear indications for use. But when administered correctly, they work wonders. Only a doctor can give recommendations on the use of a particular drug, who will professionally assess the condition of the skin and existing problems, prescribe a medical examination and decide on a suitable procedure. Therefore, the main thing in this matter is to contact an experienced specialist.

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