The difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections.

The difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections.

Mar 17 , 2017


A question I get asked in the clinic every day is “what’s the difference between anti-wrinkle injections and fillers?” There is a common misconception that having anything injected in your face results in lips that resemble a reaction to a bee sting and a somewhat emotionless expression even when you’re utterly surprised. Let me try and put those myths into perspective by explaining where exactly anti-wrinkles and dermal fillers are used. Hopefully it will help you understand that controlling those nasty wrinkles does not mean you can no longer show emotion again.  

Before I begin, it is important to understand that there are two types of facial lines – dynamic and static. Each is the result of a different action and requires a different approach for optimal treatment. Repetitive muscle movements such as squinting, frowning and smiling cause dynamic lines. These lines are generally present on the forehead, between the eyebrows and the crow’s feet. Static lines occur when we lose collagen, elastin, fat and subsequently the skin becomes more lax.  Diet, genetics, smoking, and skin care play a huge part in the contribution to these lines. Static lines are often seen along the cheek, neck, and around the mouth. Dynamic wrinkle treatment requires a muscle relaxant to help stop muscle contraction and therefore soften the lines of expression. However, static lines require a dermal filler to essentially fill out the gaps were the wrinkles have formed and give structure back to the face where the ageing process has taken its toll.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants consist of a natural purified protein that is used to relax facial muscles that causes lines and wrinkles. They work by temporarily freezing the action of the muscle and preventing it from contracting.  This in turn prevents new wrinkles from forming which makes it a common preventative treatment in skincare today.  Muscle relaxants last anywhere from eight weeks to four months, depending on the area being treated.

Dermal fillers

Before you ask, no, it’s not silicon. Our dermal fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in skin, muscles and tendons. It is essential for maintaining internal hydration.  Fillers are used to restore volume to the skin, giving people a more youthful appearance.  Dermal fillers generally last from nine months to two years, depending on the area of injection. They are also used in lip augmentation where they can achieve more definition and not just the luscious lips that go with the stigma of their name. 

Our goal at Complete Skin is to enhance your natural features and not make people in the street wonder if you had work done. Come in for a consultation and let me help you take the next step.

Ruth Gorman (RN).

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