When it comes to treating wrinkles, Botox is by far the most widely known product on the market. If you were to talk to someone with little to no knowledge of the skincare industry, they likely would, at the very least, have heard of Botox. The injectable has been around since 1989, and in the fast-moving world of skincare, the fact that Botox is still the most widely used of its class shows just how effective the product is.
However, Botox is not the only injectable product on the market. There are other options out there designed to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. One of the newest options is known as Juvederm. This injectable is significantly newer, having first made it to the United States in 2006 (although the Juvederm medical brand has been around since 1948). How do they work? And which is a better choice for you? Here is what you need to know about Juvederm vs Botox.
Juvederm vs Botox: Both Treat Wrinkles, Methods are Different
Among Juvederm vs Botox, both are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, however, their methods are completely different. Botox is a neuromodulator, meaning it relaxes the targeted muscles. In the early years of Botox, the entire area receiving the injection would stop moving, and while this would help improve the appearance of wrinkles, it often didn’t allow desired expression movement. Now, however, the art of Botox injections has been perfected, making it possible to relax muscle tissue while still allowing some movement in facial gestures. This results in a more natural, youthful appearance.
Juvederm does not relax the muscles. Instead, it uses hyaluronic acid (HA for short), to add volume back were lost due to aging, causing lines and wrinkles to appear. Where Botox relaxes the muscles and softens the appearance of wrinkles, Juvederm plumps the affected area to temporarily eliminate or at least reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Expected Results
The expected results are a reduction of visible lines and wrinkles. It’s just the way to achieve the results are different, and each is typically used to treat a different area of the face. Between Juvederm vs botox, Botox, for example, is more likely to be used on forehead lines and crow’s feet while Juvederm may be used to add volume mid-face, temple area, and lips to fill, plump, and enhance.
In terms of a quick turnaround with longer-lasting results, Juvederm works almost instantly. The injected HA goes to work right away, and in a matter of minutes, you will see the results (there may be a bit of swelling and possibly bruising, final results will be realized after 2 weeks). These results last longer as well. For some, it may be possible to maintain the results for up to two years, although you can realistically pencil in at least one year.
Botox, on the other hand, will take longer to deliver final results. It may take up to two weeks for your body to fully respond to the injections. Additionally, these results diminish faster as well, requiring retreatment of the area about three to four months later to maintain.
Treatment Areas
Juvederm is not a one-size-fits-all product. There are various versions of Juvederm, each of which is specific to the treatment area. Ultra XC is designed for wrinkles around the lips and mouth, including the “parentheses” lines. Vollure XC is designed specifically for the nasolabial folds, lines running from your nose to the mouth. Voluma XC is for plumping your cheeks, while Volbella XC is used for adding volume to the lips.
There are some non “XC” products from Juvederm, although all XC products come with lidocaine within the injection, which helps reduce any discomfort you might feel during an injection.
Botox remains the same, regardless of where it is injected. What differs is the amount (number of units) injected into the area and the desired correction. Where Juvederm uses HA to plump the skin, Botox uses botulinum toxin A, which is what allows the muscles to relax and refrain from moving.
While the most common treatment areas are the parallel lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles (as well as prevent them in the first place) Botox is also widely used to treat non-wrinkle conditions, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating – think underarms), migraines (which might stem from the over-flexing of muscles in your head), TMJ clenching your jaw from stress, incontinence, or myokymia (eyelid twitch without warning).
Which is Right For You? Juvederm vs Botox
The right injection for you may depend on the desired correction and the results you are looking for, also important, how long you want to maintain the results from the injection. Often patients experience the best results with a combination of the two. Together they work to relax the muscles and plump the skin. For deeper wrinkles (such as static forehead lines), the combination is especially effective, offering correction and prevention of the specific area. However, the best way to determine which is the best option for you is to schedule an in-person consultation.
Find the Right Wrinkle Solution For Your Skin
There is an abundance of anti-aging, wrinkle-reducing treatments on the market today. Here at The Skin Center By CPS, we offer the most effective, non-surgical options, including everything from chemical peels to microneedling with PRP. Additionally, injectables are a powerful option when treating wrinkles and fine lines. While between Juvederm vs botox, Botox is the most widely-known injectable on the market, there are several options including Juvederm that deliver positive results. Which is right for you? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation.
Having a comprehensive consultation is the first step to ensuring a successful outcome. We will discuss the area you wish to treat, your expectations, your intended timeline and then we will perform a thorough review of your medical history to include any allergies to possible ingredients in the injectable, only then will we be able to recommend the most beneficial product to meet your desired goals. So why wait? If you’re ready to begin looking more refreshed and youthful, now is the perfect time to give us a call and schedule your in-person consultation.
