Dermal Fillers, Botulinum Rejuvenation, Creams, and Lotions: Which Wrinkle Treatment Is Right?

Which wrinkle treatment is right for your needs? You may not be not sure if dermal fillers, botulinum toxin type A injectables, or topical treatments are the best way to fight fine lines. Before you choose one cosmetic option over another, take a look at what you need to know about wrinkles and the best ways to freshen your face. 

Are All Injectables the Same?

Simply stated, no. Cosmetic injectables can fill fine lines and give you a more youthful appearance. Even though different types of injectables can have the same (or similar) result, the way they work, the type of treatments, the number of treatments you will need, and the duration of the results may differ.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are exactly what the name sounds like. This type of injectable cosmetic treatment fills the skin. This helps to restore facial volume and can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Along with adding fullness and softening the look of wrinkles or creases, fillers can also plump the lips and may help to reduce the appearance of some types of scars. 

How Are Fillers and Other Fine Line InjectableTreatments Different?

Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, polyalkylimide, polylactic acid, or polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres. Even though these products are injected into the facial skin, they are not the same as botulinum toxin type A or other injections. Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume, botulinum rejuvenation relaxes the facial muscles. This results in the reduction of fine lines over the injection area. 

Are Dermal Fillers and Hyaluronic Acid Creams Different?

Both injectable fillers and creams may contain hyaluronic acid. While you may see this ingredient in each cosmetic option, injectables and creams are not the same—and do not have the same results. 

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that your body already makes. This acid gives your skin structure and helps it stay plump. As you age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your body decreases. This can lead to sagging, thinning, or wrinkled skin. 

Topical hyaluronic acid creams can help to moisturize the skin, add elasticity, and even reduce some fine lines after 60 days of application, according to a study published in the Journal of Drugs In Dermatology. But this study also found that the formulation and molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid impacted its effectiveness. 

Unlike creams and other topicals, injectable dermal fillers can smooth wrinkles and plump the skin in as little as one treatment. These results are often much more noticeable than what you could achieve with a cream—especially if the topical doesn't contain the right hyaluronic acid formulation. If you want almost instant results that won't involve daily maintenance, an injectable filler is a better wrinkle-reducing option.

To learn more about these treatments, contact a wrinkle treatment provider such as Dr. Park Avenue.