Wrinkles and fine lines on the skin are some of the early signs of old age. They could also come from sun damage or a poor diet. Because of that, injectables have become popular, and many people are using them globally.
These are alternatives for people who do not want to have plastic surgery. While Botox has been the number 1 filler in the market, there are others like Restylane coming into the market.
With all these injectables in the market, the most important and pressing topic is to determine which one is the best for you. To do that, you have to learn everything about them.
Both Botox and Restylane are approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes. You can also complete the procedure for both of them in one visit to the doctor’s office, and you will experience temporary bruising and discomfort at the injection sites.
While those are some of the similarities between the two fillers, there are other things you need to know which are better for you.
What They Are And What They Treat
Botox is normally a botulinum toxin solution that eliminates wrinkles and fine lines by stopping muscle activities under your skin. The doctor injects the solution into the part of the skin with wrinkles and fine lines.
Apart from wrinkles and fine lions, some other problems that Botox can fix include:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Nasolabial lines
- Repetitive neck spasms
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive sweating
- Lazy eye
- Furrows on the forehead
- Overactive bladder
Restylane, on the other hand, is a filler whose main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs on the skin. Hyaluronic holds water in your skin, which keeps it hydrated, fuller, and smoother.
Due to various factors like age, medication, and genetics, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the body reduces. Apart from reducing wrinkles, Restylane helps even out or pump:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- The back of the hands
- Nasolabial folds
Good Candidates
These procedures are good for people of all skin types, skin tones, weights, and heights because they are FDA-approved. However, there are a few factors that might make it impossible for you to get the injections.
Botox
- You might not be a good candidate for Botox injection if you:
- Had a previous hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Botox
- Are breastfeeding or pregnant
- Have neuromuscular issues like myasthenia gravis
- Had an infection at a previous injection site
Restylane
- You should avoid Restylane if you:
- Had bruising at a previous Restylane injection site
- Experienced an allergic reaction to a previous Restylane injection
- Take blood-thinning medication
Procedure
You can get both Botox and Restylane treatments in an outpatient facility and complete them within one visit.
Botox
The procedure takes around 10 minutes, and it requires you to get astound 3- 5 injections in 1 session. While you might experience some bruising and swelling, you can go back to your daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Restylane
The Restylane procedure lasts longer than the Botox one, lasting for about 1 hour depending on how much work you wanted the doctor to do. Just like Botox, you might experience swelling and bruising, but recovery takes less than 24 hours.
Recovery And Results
Botox
For Botox, you will start seeing the results after 1-2 days after the procedure. However, you have to wait up to 10-14 days to see the results. The timeline for results depends on the size of the muscles and the severity of the problem.
The results of your Botox procedure can last for around 3-4 months, and it requires you to have repeat procedures to maintain the results.
The results also depend on how well you take care of your skin. The doctor advises you to avoid strenuous activities, scratching or touching the injected areas, and avoid bending or lying down after the procedure.
That is because they could cause the Botox to migrate to the nearby muscles and cause swelling or numbness.
Restylane
You start seeing the results of the procedures immediately after your appointment. However, it will take 1-2 weeks for you to see the full results.
The results could last for between 6-18 months, depending on the type of injection. Also, the results last longer after you go for repetitive injections.
During recovery, you need to protect your skin because the injections make it vulnerable. You need to avoid direct sunlight, excess heat and sweating, tobacco and alcohol, and massaging or touching your skin.
You also have to follow the directions your doctor gives you for washing and cleansing your face because using some products could cause damage.
Side Effects
Generally, the side effects you get from Botox and Restylane injections are minor and go away after a few days. However, in rare occurrences, the side effects may become severe, and you might need to visit a doctor.
Botox
The main side effects mainly at the injection site include:
- Bruising
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Swelling
These side effects die down within a week after the procedure. However, some of the severe side effects include:
- Allergic reactions like asthma symptoms and itching
- Headache
- Drooping or swelling of your eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Neck pains
- Trouble urinating
- Double vision
- Tiredness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
Restylane
The common side effects include:
- Itching or pain in the injection site
- Swelling
- Headache
- Tenderness
- Bruising
These disappear after around 7-18 days after the procedure. Some of the serious side effects include:
- Infections
- Allergic reaction
- Bleeding from the injection site
- Uneven firmness of the skin
Cost
The costs of Botox and Restylane are different and depend on the number of areas you want the doctor to treat, where you live, and the doctor you visit.
Botox
The average cost of having a Botox injection is between $420 and $550. You should also note that the insurance does not cover Botox when you use it for cosmetic purposes. However, when you use it to treat conditions like chronic migraines and overactive bladder, you might get your insurance to help with the cost.
Restylane
The average cost of having a Restylane procedure is between $651 and $750. This cost is estimated per syringe. Just like Botox, insurance does not cover Restylane injections if you use them for cosmetic purposes.
When looking for a Botox or Restylane New Jersey service provider, ensure that they are licensed. You should also read their customer reviews on their website or ask for recommendations from friends and family members.