What’s the Difference Between Wrinkle Relaxers and Dermal Fillers?

For many of us, the earliest signs of aging appear as lines and wrinkles on the face. When this occurs, patients often begin to explore their options for restoring a smoother, more youthful look. Without a doubt, cosmetic injectables are among the most popular and convenient facial rejuvenation solutions available today. However, many patients are uncertain about the difference between the various types of injectables – and which one may be right for them. At White Pearl Med Spa in Des Plaines, Northwest Suburbs, IL, double board-certified physician and aesthetic expert Dr. Philip Conrardy is proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic anti-aging treatments – including injectables – to help patients look and feel their best at every age. In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between cosmetic wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers to determine whether one – or both – may be the most appropriate option for you.

What are cosmetic injectables?

Cosmetic injectables are products that are injected into the face or body to address a wide variety of aesthetic concerns, many of which are age-related. From smoothing lines and wrinkles to melting away unwanted fat to minimizing the appearance of cellulite, the wide array of cosmetic injectables available today offers potential benefits to virtually anyone. Two of the most commonly used classes of cosmetic injectables are wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers.

Do I need fillers or BOTOX®?

If you have started to notice increasingly visible lines, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging and are ready to experiment with cosmetic injectables, you may be wondering whether fillers (like JUVÉDERM®) or wrinkles relaxers (like BOTOX) are most appropriate for you. To determine the best type of injectable for your needs, it’s helpful to understand a little bit of the basics of each:

Wrinkle relaxers

These injectables, like BOTOX and XEOMIN®, are designed to smooth the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles, meaning those that appear as the result of repetitive muscle movements and facial expressions. Common concerns that can be improved with injectable wrinkle relaxers include:

• Forehead lines
• Brow lines
• Frown lines
• Glabellar lines
• Crow’s feet

Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers, like JUVÉDERM, help to add or restore volume to flat features and fill in static lines and wrinkles. Areas that are frequently treated with injectable dermal fillers include:

• Hollow circles under the eyes
• Sunken cheeks
• Nasolabial folds
• Lines around the mouth
• Lips

Comparing wrinkle relaxers and fillers

In addition to the primary functions of wrinkle relaxers and fillers, there are several other key differences between the two classes of injectables:

Wrinkle relaxers

• Take about one week to provide visible results
• Last on average for about 3 – 4 months
• Cannot be reversed

Dermal fillers

• Provide instant results
• Last on average for about 12 – 18 months
• Some can be reversed/dissolved (hyaluronic acid-based fillers)

During your initial consultation for cosmetic injectables in Des Plaines, Northwest Suburbs, IL, Dr. Conrardy will thoroughly evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your personal goals, and recommend the most appropriate type of injectable for you. Oftentimes, a combination of dermal fillers plus wrinkle relaxers can help patients achieve the most pleasing, natural-looking, and long-lasting outcome.

Refresh your look with cosmetic injectables in Des Plaines, Northwest Suburbs, IL

Whether you’re frustrated by visible signs of facial aging or simply want to enhance certain features for a more desirable look overall, you may be a candidate for cosmetic injectables. To learn more about whether injectable dermal fillers, wrinkle relaxers, or a combination of both may be right for you, call White Pearl Med Spa in Des Plaines, Northwest Suburbs, IL to schedule your private consultation with double board-certified physician and aesthetic expert Dr. Philip Conrardy today.

*All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.

Philip Conrardy, DDS

Dr. Philip Conrardy is a highly experienced, double-board-certified anesthesiology and pain management physician with over 30 years of practice and has been doing liposuction for 16 years. He currently serves as a physician at Watertown Regional Medical Center in Wisconsin. A pioneer in the medical use of CBD, Dr. Conrardy has lectured nationally and contributed to COVID-19 research, collaborating with the White House Task Force and Wisconsin Public Health. He holds an M.D. from AUC Medical School and completed residencies at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Conrardy's expertise has earned him recognition from state leaders and medical authorities.

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