What is the Difference Between Anti-Wrinkle and Dermal Filler?
They are two of the most sought after non-surgical cosmetic treatments, but do you really know the difference between the two, and what is right for you?
What are anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections are most commonly used to combat signs of ageing, particularly line formation that results from muscle movement and facial expression.
Anti-wrinkle injections are made from a naturally occurring protein, and as the name suggests, are used to temporarily reduce contraction of the injected facial muscle, therefore stopping the creation of lines that appear when we move our face.
Where can anti-wrinkle injections be used?
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used in a number of areas, for a number of reasons. Their main use is to relax the muscles of the face and neck, therefore reducing the formation of lines, which over time become permanent wrinkles.
Common areas on the face to treat include:
Crow’s feet
Frown lines
Forehead lines
Bunny lines
Anti-wrinkle injections are also used to treat excessive sweating of the hands and underarms, jaw clenching or grinding, and migraines. To find out what areas we treat with anti-wrinkle injections, click here.
A Dermaq Aesthetics patient before and after anti-wrinkle injections (demonstrated is range of movement, the reduction of which reduces the appearance and formation of fine lines and wrinkles.)
What is the difference between anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler?
Anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing muscles that cause permanent wrinkle formation. When you repeatedly smile or frown, the fine lines that form can become permanent over time. Your skin has memory, and in the long term you will have fewer and less noticeable lines and creases when you have been treated with anti-wrinkle injections regularly.
Dermal fillers on the other hand are used to volumize, contour and fill out wrinkles. If you have a permanent line, which is still visible when your face is relaxed, dermal filler can be used to fill in the crease so the wrinkle is not as prominent. Dermal filler is commonly used to plump the lips, define the jawline and contour the cheek bones.
Dermal fillers are made from a naturally occurring substance called hyaluronic acid. Our bodies actually make and store hyaluronic acid naturally, however as we age our stores deplete. Dermal fillers are used to inject volume and restore the sunken or sagging appearance on the face.
When will I notice the results?
You will start to notice results from anti-wrinkle injections approximately 3-5 days after treatment, however it can take up to 14 days for you to see the full effect.
Unlike anti-wrinkle injections, the results from dermal fillers are instant. In an area subject to moderate swelling, such as the lips, it may take around 7 days for the final result to be apparent once swelling and bruising have settled.
How long will they last?
Anti-wrinkle injections last 3-4 months, and as the effect wears off your muscles will regain full movement and create the lines and creases again.
Dermal filler lasts much longer than anti-wrinkle, lasting anywhere between 6 and 18 months depending on the thickness and location.
How do I know what to get?
The best thing to do is speak to a qualified cosmetic injector who will complete a facial assessment and determine your eligibility for treatment. If you are wanting more volume and/or definition, then dermal fillers would be worth talking about with your injector. If you are concerned about pesky lines sticking around, then anti-wrinkle injections could be suitable. We recommend that you book in for a complimentary consultation with one of our highly skilled cosmetic injectors here.
