As we age, the underlying structure and moisture levels in our faces decrease, leading to drooping, saggy skin and wrinkles. Diet, health, stress, and sun damage accelerate these signs of aging and affect our self-confidence. This further impacts our emotional well-being and adds additional stress.

When you’re wearing the signs of time on your face, it’s time to consider an effective anti-aging treatment. Of the available options, BOTOX® and Juvederm® are two of the most popular at Med Spas in the North Capitol Hill/Uptown Denver area.

But, which one works best? Are these the same type of treatment or do they address similar issues in different ways? Read on to learn more.

How are BOTOX and Juvederm Different, and What do They Have in Common

Before diving deeper into the differences and indications of each type of treatment, let’s discuss the similarities. Both are injectable solutions that offer a temporary reduction in the appearance of facial lines and creases. They’ve both been deemed safe by the FDA for use as anti-aging treatments, and the effects are fairly long-lasting when administered by a certified professional.

However, that’s where the similarities end.

Juvederm is an injectable facial filler that works to plump up the areas beneath the skin and reduce the signs of aging. BOTOX is an injectable substance that works by relaxing the muscle tissue beneath the skin’s surface. This relaxation affects the epidermis by softening the appearance of deep lines and creases. You’ll notice a brief, slightly diminished example of this effect when you frown and then relax your face again.

Both substances can be used to address some of the same beauty concerns, which include:

  • Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes
  • Frown lines between the brows
  • Forehead creases
  • Laugh lines around the mouth
  • “Puppet lines” at the sides of the chin
  • Nasolabial facial folds from the nose to the corners of the mouth

However, Juvederm can also be used to fill out hollowed cheeks and that sunken appearance around the eyes. Another difference is in how soon you’ll notice the effects and the length of their effectiveness. This can make a difference in how often you’ll need to return for a touch-up and in how long you’ll have to wait until you notice a difference in your appearance.

Botox: Indications and Benefits

BOTOX is created by combining the protein from the botulinum toxin with human plasma and saline solution. It’s injected into the underlying muscle at the treatment site to block the nerve impulses that cause the muscles to contract. When used as indicated, it’s perfectly safe and effective for softening the features by stopping the actions that create wrinkles and creases in the skin.

The effects will take up to two days to fully experience, but they’ll last for up to four months. The length of time BOTOX takes to wear off depends upon the strength of the solution, the condition of your skin, and the talent of the technician to target the treatment areas. However, once the treatment wears off, your skin will simply return to its original condition.

The result is a more relaxed, youthful appearance that can continue for as long as you want it with touchups two to three times a year. There are two factors that will reduce the need for touchups. One is that your skin is less wrinkled to begin with. Long-term users have also found that the longer they use BOTOX, the longer the effects will last between sessions.

Juvederm: Indications and Benefits

Juvederm is one of a group of facial fillers that are created using a base of lidocaine to numb the area and synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) to plump the skin. This is a natural substance that keeps our skin supple and elastic while encouraging collagen production. Unfortunately, we produce less of these substances as we age.

There are four distinct formulations, two of which, JUVÉDERM® XC and JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC, are used for filling cheeks and eradicating deeper creases or more severe wrinkles. The other two, JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC, have a less dramatic effect and are more often used for fine lines around the mouth.

You’ll notice the effects of these fillers right away. However, the effects can last for up to a year or more after treatment, depending on the type, amount of filler, and the condition of your skin before treatment.

Do These Two Injectables Work Together?

Because these are two different types of fillers, with different ingredients, that generally work best in separate areas of the face, Juvederm and BOTOX can complement each other nicely by producing an overall youthful effect. There are rarely any side-effects other than slight swelling or redness at the injection site unless too much product is applied or it migrates from the treatment area.

The most popular way to use both is to have them applied to the areas of the face where they work best. That is, to use BOTOX around the eyes and on the forehead and reserve Juvederm for the cheeks and around the mouth.

Other Considerations Before Scheduling Treatment

Although dermal fillers and injectables aren’t permanent solutions, the effects do last for several weeks, even months, after treatment. Reversing the process isn’t easy either.

Those are good reasons to learn as much as you can about the products and benefits as well as how they align with your beauty goals. A consultation and treatment with a trained, experienced aesthetician will provide you with the facts you need to make an informed decision and ensure a satisfactory outcome.

During your initial consultation, we’ll go over your goals and concerns. Your clinician will also take into account such factors as your age, health history, skin type, and budget to choose the best course of treatment for your particular needs and desired look.

Your age and the condition of your skin play a part in both the type of treatment and the price. Juvederm is slightly more expensive, but you need fewer treatments to achieve results. While BOTOX is less expensive, it requires multiple treatments to obtain the same effect as a filler. If you’re older and have deeper lines or more mature skin, Juvederm may be a more cost-effective option. Younger guests with fewer issues might do better with BOTOX if cost is a consideration.

Book Your Appointment for Facial Rejuvenation Today!

Younger, firmer-looking skin is closer than you think. Vesper Gray Med Spa offers a selection of products and treatments that are designed to address a broad spectrum of beauty issues.

Call us at (720) 682-2269 or visit our website to book an appointment today.