Botox vs dermal fillers: All you need to know
After Rajkummar Rao recently opened up on getting chin fillers, people were quick to share their two cents, but some also commended the actor for being vocal about his decision. Many actors have talked about undergoing cosmetic enhancements while highlighting the need to normalise such personal decisions whether it comes from Botox or fillers.
But what are the different types of injectables and what they’re used for? We break it down.
What are dermal fillers ?
According to Dr Monica Bambroo , head of dermatology at Artemis Hospitals, dermal filler is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment commonly using hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. “Dermal fillers are injected into targeted areas to add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and folds. Additionally, they can be used to augment lips and cheeks, reshape the nose, and improve the appearance of scars. The fillers work by attracting water to the injected area, plumping it up and giving a more youthful appearance” she adds.
What are dermal fillers ?
According to Dr Monica Bambroo , head of dermatology at Artemis Hospitals, dermal filler is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment commonly using hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. “Dermal fillers are injected into targeted areas to add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and folds. Additionally, they can be used to augment lips and cheeks, reshape the nose, and improve the appearance of scars. The fillers work by attracting water to the injected area, plumping it up and giving a more youthful appearance” she adds.
What is Botox?
“Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that is used to treat wrinkles produced due to muscular contractions,” explains Dr Satish Bhatia , MD, board-certified dermatologist, Indian Cancer Society, Mumbai. “Botox injections temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles by paralysing the muscles and are used on the forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines around the nose, dimpled chin, and neck bands,” adds Dr Bhatia .
What's the difference?
“Both injectables have a completely different mechanism of action,” says Dr Bhatia, adding, “While Botox uses acetylcholine to prevent muscle contractions, fillers contain hyaluronic acid which is part of the natural collagen component. When dermal fillers are injected, they mould like a gel to fill wrinkles and folds. They’re also used for chin enhancement and jaw reshaping.”
“Injectable dermal fillers are used as a minimally invasive treatment to improve the face by fluffing it up and removing wrinkles, but this is a temporary fix to delay a facelift. Botox or dermal fillers can be safe and repeated if given by the right medical professional”
— Dr Madhu Chopra, MBBS DORL, cosmetologist, managing director at an enhancement clinic
How long do these last?
Botox lasts between 5-7 months while dermal fillers can last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type used and the area treated.
Cost:
Botox: Rs 250-300 per unit
Dermal fillers: Rs 18,000-45,000
Understand the cons
“If not done properly, side effects of Botox could lead to temporary bruising, swelling, or drooping of nearby muscles, though it resolves within a few weeks. The side effects of dermal filler include bruising, swelling, and lumps, asymmetry,” shares Dr Bambroo adding that a thorough check about the doctor, their qualifications and success rate should be done before going for any of the procedures.
How long do these last?
Botox lasts between 5-7 months while dermal fillers can last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type used and the area treated.
Cost:
Botox: Rs 250-300 per unit
Dermal fillers: Rs 18,000-45,000
Understand the cons
“If not done properly, side effects of Botox could lead to temporary bruising, swelling, or drooping of nearby muscles, though it resolves within a few weeks. The side effects of dermal filler include bruising, swelling, and lumps, asymmetry,” shares Dr Bambroo adding that a thorough check about the doctor, their qualifications and success rate should be done before going for any of the procedures.
Right or wrong? Celebs speak about injectables
Rajkummar Rao
After a recent pic of the actor started plastic surgery rumours, he said, “Eight to nine years back, I did a little touch-up on my chin with fillers, which is like a half-an-hour job because I wanted to feel more confident, which I do. I feel I look much better, but has it changed me as a person, has it changed me as an artist? Not at all.”
Anushka Sharma
In an interview with Vogue in 2016, Anushka Sharma opened up about her lip job and said, “When I spoke about my lip job, a lot of people called me brave for coming out. But I did what I had to for my role in Bombay Velvet
. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t; I had to take ownership. I wanted fans to know that I’m human and not perfect.”
Uorfi Javed
In July last year, Uorfi shared a series of photos giving her followers a glimpse of her face after getting fillers. “I always felt my lips were too thin and I wanted bigger fuller lips,” she wrote, adding, “I still very much have lip fillers, just that I know what suits my face and I know now less is more. If you have some insecurities about your face or body instead of hating yourself or your face it’s just better to opt for fillers or surgeries but from a very good doctor only.”
Uorfi Javed
In July last year, Uorfi shared a series of photos giving her followers a glimpse of her face after getting fillers. “I always felt my lips were too thin and I wanted bigger fuller lips,” she wrote, adding, “I still very much have lip fillers, just that I know what suits my face and I know now less is more. If you have some insecurities about your face or body instead of hating yourself or your face it’s just better to opt for fillers or surgeries but from a very good doctor only.”
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