Neuromodulators vs. Fillers: Which Is Right for Me?

Chances are, you’ve heard of both of these injectable options for the face, and with good reason. These treatment options are highly effective at temporarily improving the facial profile— but you should know that they accomplish different things through different means. One might be better than the other in accomplishing your aesthetic goals, and here’s your guide to determining which one is right for you.

What are Neuromodulators?

This injectable option is famously known by its most popular brand name, Botox®. However, it can also include brands like Dysport® or Xeomin®. While one might be better for your expected results than the other, they all accomplish the same thing— they use botulinum toxin to block the receptors in the muscle that receive movement signals from the brain. This causes the muscle to relax, preventing repetitive movements that can cause wrinkles over time. It’s especially effective around the eyes and forehead, where wrinkles begin to form soonest. These injections can last up to six months and can be a great way to determine your aesthetic goals for a later procedure like a forehead lift.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers can be more varied in design and purpose than neuromodulators, but they all share a similar goal, which is restoring lost volume underneath the skin. This loss of volume over the course of aging can be the cause of things like wrinkles, and adding a dermal filler underneath the skin restores a supportive matrix that is lost over time. These can be used on different areas of the body (like the hands) and the face (most commonly in the lower areas). These can generally last longer than neuromodulators and exist under brand names like Restylane®, Juvéderm®, or Radiesse®. Different sub-brands exist that are tailored to specific areas in order to get the best results from CosmedicDerm.

Which one is best for me?

The best way to create your treatment plan is through a consultation with an experienced and licensed provider who can determine the cause of your problem areas and recommend the appropriate treatment. Some patients can greatly benefit from both types, but neuromodulators are generally used on the upper face (around the forehead and eyes) while fillers are effective in treating the lower face (around the mouth and cheeks). Your lifestyle expected results, and personal anatomy can also be determining factors in choosing which treatment is best for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about your cosmetic treatment options, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our professional aestheticians.