Hyaluronic Acid or Botox? Which is Right for You?

Hyaluronic acid and Botox are two star treatments in aesthetic medicine that consistently emerge as effective solutions to wrinkles and loss of volume and firmness. But the two don't target the same skin issues. So, which one is right for you? The choice depends on your goals.

In today's article, we'll explore the uses, differences, and benefits of hyaluronic acid and Botox, and answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Let's get started!

Purposes of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid injection with a volumizing and hydrating effect. It is ideal for:

• Fill in wrinkles and fine lines.

• Deeply moisturize the skin.

• Restore radiance to the skin.

• Correct dark circles.

• Restore lost or sagging volume in hollow areas and deep furrows.

• Plumps the skin and gives it firmness.

• Regulate excess sebum.

• Redraw the oval of the face.

Goals of Botox

Botox causes temporary relaxation of the muscles in your face. Its main purpose is to:

• Reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive movements (e.g. frowning, smiling.)

• Prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

• Smooth facial features

• Correct facial asymmetry.

What is the main difference between hyaluronic acid and botox?

An injection of hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful moisturizer and primarily combats static wrinkles , which are formed due to the loss of volume and elasticity of the skin. Botox, on the other hand, acts as a muscle neutralizer responsible for expression lines that appear due to repeated muscle contractions.

Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule that already exists in our bodies. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, it acts as a protective film against dehydration by retaining water in skin tissue, thus maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

However, its production in our body and its quality deteriorate with age, which causes a loss of volume and firmness, as well as sagging skin.

But thanks to advances in aesthetic medicine, it is now possible to compensate for this loss with hyaluronic acid injections . However, a question always arises: how are hyaluronic acid injections obtained?

How are hyaluronic acid injections obtained?

Injectable hyaluronic acid is the result of advanced and rigorously controlled biotechnology. It is obtained by bacterial fermentation from plant material. Once fermented and recovered, it is purified, sterilized, and modified for medical or cosmetic use. This modification step is called chemical crosslinking, which increases its viscosity and stability.

Note that the highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid guarantees its good performance and prolongs its effects in the skin by preventing it from being quickly reabsorbed by the body.

Hyaluronic acid is often available in pre-filled syringes with concentrations tailored to individual needs (usually between 15 and 25 mg/ml). Clinics obtain it either by ordering it directly from laboratories or by purchasing it from pharmacies.

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of hyaluronic acid:

• Immediate results visible just after the first injection.

• Intense hydration because it can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water.

• Natural effect by subtly filling wrinkles.

• Natural and biocompatible.

• Reversible. If you are not satisfied with the result, the product can be easily dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase.
  

The disadvantages of hyaluronic acid:

• Needs some touch-ups.

• May cause temporary swelling.

• Not recommended in case of autoimmune diseases and pregnancy (except for topical use in cream form).

Areas of the face to be treated with hyaluronic acid

• Lips : to add volume, redefine the contour and correct asymmetries or folds.

• Nasolabial folds : to fill in the folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth.

• Chin : to project a slightly pronounced chin and structure the oval of the face.

• Cheekbones : to sculpt and define the contours of the cheekbones and give them a lifted effect.

• Eye contour : to fill hollows under the eyes and reduce dark circles.

• Nose : To correct bumps or hollows in the nose (a non-surgical procedure called rhinoplasty)

Duration of results and frequency of touch-ups

The results of hyaluronic acid injections generally last between 6 months and two years . Six months for areas like the lips due to their constant mobility and significant vascularity and two years for less stressed areas like dark circles and cheekbones.

The longevity of the effects depends largely on the area to be treated, the degree of crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid, lifestyle (smoking and diet) as well as the user's metabolism, i.e. how quickly the product is absorbed by our body. To maintain the effects of hyaluronic acid in place, particularly on the lips, it is recommended to do regular touch-ups every 3 months.

Side effects of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid can cause temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, and edema. In some cases, there may be a small lumpy sensation when touched in the treated area, but don't worry, this is just a bruise due to possible excess hyaluronic acid. You can remove it by gently massaging the area. If the effect persists, consult your therapist to correct it. These reactions generally disappear within a week following the injection.

Botox: Everything you need to know

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a natural, purified protein secreted by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is injected in small amounts under the skin into the wrinkled muscle to block nerve or muscle contractions, thereby relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines.

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of botox:

• Reduction of existing expression lines.

• Prevents the formation of new wrinkles.

• Quick procedure in 10 to 20 minutes.

• Progressive results appear in 3 to 7 days, allowing the skin to adjust without causing a fixed or artificial appearance.

The disadvantages of botox:

• Temporary effects.

• In case of excessive dose , it can give a frozen appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to have it done by an experienced doctor.

• Possible but temporary side effects.

• Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding and in case of intolerance to botulinum toxin.

Areas of the face to be treated with Botox

• Forehead : to smooth horizontal wrinkles caused by repeated movements.

• Inter-eyebrow area : to reduce frown lines for a less severe appearance.

• Crow's feet : to blend fine lines at the corners of the eyes.

• Upper eyebrows: to achieve a lifted effect and an open look.

• Neck : To soften vertical stripes on the neck.

Duration of results and frequency of touch-ups

The effects of Botox reach their peak within 2 weeks after injection, and last on average 3 to 6 months . It requires more frequent touch-ups than hyaluronic acid to maintain its effectiveness because the muscles eventually return to their normal activity, allowing wrinkles to reappear. It is therefore advisable to respect the recommended interval between touch-up sessions to avoid constantly correcting the same wrinkles and instead slow down their reappearance.

Risks and side effects of Botox

Possible side effects include a feeling of heaviness and temporary headaches. These effects may be more pronounced in people with migraines.

In rare cases, temporary muscle asymmetry or weakness may occur. Therefore, it is important to choose your practitioner carefully when administering Botox injections because if the product is injected incorrectly, it may spread to neighboring muscles and cause unexpected reactions such as drooping of the eyelids, for example.

Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid or Botox, which is right for you?

If you want fuller lips, plumper cheeks, and a smoother, hydrated skin texture, hyaluronic acid is for you.

If you want to reduce expression lines caused by frowning, raising eyebrows, wrinkling and smiling, Botox is your ally.

FAQ: We answer your most frequently asked questions!

Are the results of hyaluronic acid injections permanent?

No, the results of hyaluronic acid injections are not permanent and touch-ups will be necessary every 3 months for areas in constant movement such as the lips.

Are the results of Botox injections permanent?

No, the effects of Botox injections usually wear off after 3 to 6 months.

From what age should hyaluronic acid injections be used?

Hyaluronic acid injections can be used at from the age of 20 if you want to see plumped lips or if your skin is lacking increased hydration and around the age of 30 if you start to notice the appearance of the first wrinkles.

From what age should you use Botox?

Botox can be used at from the age of 30-35 if you want to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines or prevent them from deepening into the epidermis and avoid premature aging of the skin.

Can the two treatments be combined?

It's perfectly possible to combine Botox and hyaluronic acid injections if you want to address the various components of skin aging, including: lack of tone, elasticity, and hydration, as well as a loss of facial structure. However, it's essential to consult your practitioner.