Botox and dermal filler; costs, considerations and facts

Are you thinking about having an aesthetic treatment, but not sure what options are available to you? Maybe you have heard a bit about Botox and fillers, but not sure what the differences are and want a clearer understanding?

The core difference is as follows: Botox contains purified bacteria that freezes the muscles. In doing so, Botox can help minimise the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by your facial expressions. Dermal fillers contain ingredients that add fullness to areas that have thinned due to ageing and actually plumps the skin to tackle wrinkles and lines that have already appeared on your face.

Both are minimally invasive, meaning that they are not a surgical procedure, but they do require the use of a needle. However, there are more factors you should consider when deciding which to go for. If you’re thinking of having injectable facial treatments there are a lot of options and you may be wondering, which option is right for me?

Tay MediSpa is a multi-award winning clinic and has earned a number of accolades and awards in the Aesthetics industry. Dr Julia Langford provides our complete client care package here in Perth. She brings over 10 years of experience in cosmetic work, and over 15 years as a GP.

I had a chat with Dr Julia to find out more about the differences between Botox and dermal filler, and make it easier for you to decide which, if any, will work for you.

What is Botox?

Botox is actually the most well-known brand name for a prescriptive medicine called Botulinum Toxin (similar to how we “hoover” the house, when it’s actually vacuum!)  Botox and other brands are a natural, purified form of the botulinum toxin protein that is obtained from bacteria. This method of treatment has been used safely for decades, both in medical and cosmetic medicine. Although it may sound daunting, it’s actually one of the safest products out there for aesthetics treatments. 

How does Botox work?

Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it has been injected. Botox interrupts the nerve signals and the affected muscle is therefore relaxed. As a result, the specific muscles treated will not move as much and certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced or even removed.

Dr Julia explains, “Think of the movement in the skin like folding a page; the longer you fold it for the deeper the crease. By using Botox in your skin you can prevent the deeper crease developing or reduce an existing crease.”

What does Botox treat?

Botox works really well on wrinkles or fine lines caused by muscle movement in the face, commonly the upper face or arising the mouth. Botox will reduce or prevent movement lines (those that appear when you make an expression, such as frown). If you already have resting lines (this is a line that remains on your face when you are not making any expression) Botox will also soften these lines but it may take a few treatments if the lines are deep. 

Platysmal bands

Botox can also be used to treat Platysmal Bands, which are the muscles that start at the base of your neck and run up the sides of your neck to the jawline. When we age, we lose fatty tissue and this can cause these muscles to protrude from our neck and make our neck look more aged.

Dr Julia adds that there are other interesting ways of using Botox beyond aesthetic treatments.

Hyperhidrosis

“We also use Botox in-clinic to treat Hyperhidrosis; a common condition in which a person sweats excessively. This process involves the same product but used in a different way. The Botox is injected under the surface of the skin and works on the acetylcholine receptors. The Botox affects them in such a way that sweat will no longer be produced. I have found that this has had life-changing results on my clients who have had this treatment, as their symptoms were affecting their daily life and they now have freedom and relief. The best thing is that this treatment lasts 7-10 months if not longer!

Teeth grinding

“The same relief can be provided using Botox for Teeth Grinding to relax the muscles and reduce pain. It also shapes the jawline if it has become square due to teeth grinding.

Migraines and headaches

“Botox can also be used to relieve migraines and tension headaches. It can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, sometimes getting rid of migraines altogether.”

What are Botox side effects?

The best thing about Botox is that it is very safe and is also temporary, making it a great first option for people considering non-surgical treatments. Even if you have a minor side effect it will always wear off. This is because nerve endings always repair and recover over time.

Some minor side effects could be bruising or swelling around the area, but this will subside after a few days. After the treatment, some people may feel a mild headache the evening of the treatment, especially if they have had a lot of injections, but again this will subside. 

Is getting Botox painful?

Botox is injected using a small needle, similar to ones used for insulin injections and much smaller than a needle used for a blood test. It is a quick, sharp scratch then sometimes a cold sensation. We occasionally use topical anaesthetic cream, but Dr Julia finds that this is rarely required by her patients for Botox injections.

How much does Botox cost?

Botox treatments can vary in price, depending on where you are in the country and the level of Professional carrying out the treatment. Most commonly, treatments are provided by a Doctor, Dentist or Nurse with prescribing experience. Beauty Therapists can administer Botox if a Healthcare Professional prescribes for them. Health Improvement Scotland do not regulate Beauty Therapists at the moment, but they do regulate Health Professionals. 

In Perthshire, you can have Botox or “Anti-Wrinkle Injection” treatments from around £90, but these treatments may be administered by someone other than a Doctor, using alternative Botulinum toxin brands and perhaps not in a licensed clinic. The average prices in Perthshire start from around £160 for one area (e.g. Forehead, frown or eyes), and most clinics will offer you a professional consultation, free of charge, to help you make an informed decision. There should be no obligation to purchase.

The prices in Perthshire are fantastic, as prices in other areas can be much more expensive. In London, prices start at around £200! Our consultations, treatment reviews and Botox appointments are all conducted by Dr Julia. For pricing information, email us at info@taymedispa.co.uk

Dr Julia also offers consultations and post-treatment reviews free of charge.

Had an extremely informative consultation with Dr Julia, feel totally confident to go ahead with the treatments we discussed.

Julie – after aesthetics consultation

What’s the best age to start treatments for wrinkles?

I was curious to find out the answer to this question, but Dr Julia says the answer is not as straightforward as I think it might be. “I would recommend that if a person is confident that is a choice they wish to make, they should start preventatively in their late 20s or early 30s, depending on their skin. Ideally, you should come in before a permanent resting line appears on your skin. However, it’s never too late to treat fine lines and wrinkles. We can give you an idea of the results to expect when we map out your skin”.

What to expect after a Botox treatment

One main difference between Botox and dermal filler is that Botox effects come on gradually and can take up to two weeks to full effect, whereas dermal fillers show instant results. However, Dr Julia says with Botox you may notice a difference within 3-4 days. After two weeks we will book you in for a treatment review, where you will have a chat with Dr Julia so she can find out if you are happy with the results and review the effects; some people need a top-up.

What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal fillers are sometimes referred to as soft tissue fillers and are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. As we age, the natural collagen and elastin in the skin lessens, and the cells lose their ability to naturally produce more of these substances. This can result in severe resting lines and volume loss. There are several different types and consistencies of filler and each one is designed to address a particular concern in the face.

How does dermal filler work?

As mentioned above, Botulinum Toxin can take some time to work through the muscle to have the desired effect, whereas with dermal filler there is an instant result. Dermal filler contains a substance called hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is actually a natural substance found in our bodies. The hyaluronic acid in filler is man-made but is very similar, so your body will recognise the substance as your own. What’s really interesting is that before scientists replicated the substance into a man-made formula, it used to be derived from pigs. Thankfully, Dr Julia assures me that this is no longer the case!

Another difference between Botox and dermal filler is that dermal filler comes in different thicknesses and lifting capacities. Dr Julia explains these to me by describing their effect:

“You could have a lifting filler; which holds the area up like a tent pole, a volumising filler; which is more like a dome, with a softer graduation, and then there are more syrupy fillers for fine superficial lines. There are also different methods when injecting filler. I use filler directly and indirectly.”

We’ll go into more detail about these different types and methods below.

What is dermal filler commonly used for?

Dermal filler is commonly used in the lower face but can be used across the whole face depending on the result you would like to achieve. For example, Dr Julia uses volumising filler in the chin or nose-to-mouth lines, whereas syrupy fillers tackle areas with fine lines or thin skin, such as around the mouth, or in the tear troughs.

Direct approach

The direct approach to dermal fillers is simply treating directly into that line you can see. This is the traditional approach to filler and is ideal for clients looking for an instant result.

Indirect approach

The indirect approach to using dermal fillers can be equally, if not more, effective when conducted by someone with extensive anatomical knowledge. Dr Julia explains more, “As we age, ligaments become more lax on the cheekbones, and the fat pads in the cheeks separate and drop. This causes the troughs in the skin, laxity and jowls. We also lose fatty tissue as we age, resulting in loose skin. The indirect approach helps bring structure and support to your face by lifting tissue along the cheekbones or jaw. I like to think of this as future-proofing your face! By adding structure, we reduce the mid-face lines indirectly.”

In addition to these areas, dermal filler can also be used to fill lips that have either become thinner or less plump due to ageing or if a client feels they would like to enhance the fullness and shape of their lips for aesthetic purposes. It can also be used to build the chin back up to its original shape after teeth removal or gum recession.

More recently, dermal fillers have also been used as a skin booster. The clinician injects a watery filler in droplets under the surface of the skin in a grid pattern. This improves the texture of the skin and increases hydration and plumpness. We can carry out this treatment on the hands, cheeks and around the eyes.

One of the most underrated uses of dermal filler is to reduce the appearance of scarring due to injury.

What are dermal filler side effects?

Dermal fillers are considered safe, but there are more things to consider than with Botox. This is because of where the filler is being injected. There are blood vessels and nerves in the areas being treated, and it is very important to know where these are and how best to avoid them. It is so important to be in the best hands with this treatment, and someone who knows their anatomy is crucial as any complications must be managed carefully.

One difference between dermal fillers and Botox is that dermal fillers last longer. Therefore, it’s essential that the person treating you is fully-qualified otherwise you could be left with a problem, or results you are not happy with. However, dermal fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme, so corrective treatments can be made if necessary. 

Minor side-effects include redness, bruising or some swelling but these symptoms will settle after a while.

Is getting dermal filler painful?

According to Dr Julia, dermal fillers can be slightly more uncomfortable than Botox and, when treating a client, she will use a topical numbing cream. This is because the needle is larger than a Botox needle, there is more volume being injected into the face and the treatment takes longer. Dr Julia notes though, “I have also had clients say the treatment is relaxing! I have never had anyone stop the treatment due to discomfort.”

How much does dermal filler cost?

Similarly to Botox, dermal filler costs vary, based on the experience and qualifications of the treatment provider, but also on the brands of filler being used. At Tay MediSpa we use Restylane and Juvéderm for Dermal Fillers & Lip Fillers as we feel they deliver the best results, but there are many other brands out there including Captique, Esthélis, Elevess, Hylaform, Perlane, Prevelle and Puragen.

The more filler we use, the higher the cost and advanced treatments may cost more. In Perth, prices start at around £150-£200.  Prices are very reasonable in Perthshire compared to other areas in the UK, with prices in London starting from £250-£400! Similarly, as with Botox, clinics should offer a free consultation to ensure that dermal fillers are the right solution for you, and to be clear on what your goals and expectations are from the treatment. Our consultations, treatment reviews and dermal filler appointments are all conducted by Dr Julia.

Our prices are as follows:

Aesthetic Dermal Filler Treatments

• £240 0.5ml

• £320 1.0ml

• £490 2.0ml

• £660 3.0ml

• £830 4.0ml

My treatment was more gentle than I thought it would be. Julia has the ability to make you feel special and also makes you feel amazing… Being a mature woman, I’m looking to make the best of my features… Tay MediSpa is a gem on our doorstep.

Lorna – after dermal filler treatment

If you require any specialised treatments, Dr Julia will discuss these with you to ascertain how much dermal filler she needs to use in order to complete the treatment. Dr Julia explains more, “Depending on how many areas the client would like treated, I would give an up-front price, or we could work to their budget and treat the areas the client will see the most impact. Dermal filler lasts anything from 6-18 months and will last longer depending on whether my client smokes, drinks, uses sunbeds and also whether or not they are using a good SPF product. The treatment can last even longer in some cases!”

Dr Julia also offers consultations and post-treatment reviews free of charge.

What’s the best age to start dermal filler?

This section answers another key difference between Botox and dermal filler. Dr Julia continues, “Some of my clients come to see me a bit further down their wrinkle journey, and so dermal fillers are great as a corrective measure. Sometimes I use Botox and filler in the same treatment area, one to prevent further wrinkling, the other to reduce the established wrinkles.” With this one there is no real age, but when resting lines form on the face which are fairly deep and defined, the answer may be to have a dermal filler treatment.

What to expect after a dermal filler treatment

The filler instantly plumps the skin, and over the following month integrates into your skin and softens up. Dr Julia will ask you to come in after 3-4 weeks for a post-treatment review. In this review, she will see how you are doing, how you feel about your treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Other considerations

To summarise, the key differences between Botox and dermal fillers are that Botox relaxes the muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by active muscles in the face. Typically, we find these muscles in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to fill in or plump areas that have lost volume or smoothness. This can include wrinkles around the mouth, lips and cheeks. Botox is a prescription-only medicinal treatment, and dermal fillers are purely cosmetic.

When experienced clinicians perform the treatments, Botox and dermal fillers are minimally invasive solutions and are safe. Side effects are mainly minor and rarely occur in most clients. Although they are minimally invasive, both can carry some risks you need to be aware of.

In addition, we do not recommend Botox and fillers for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who have certain health conditions or who take any medications should discuss with a clinician or doctor whether the treatments are safe for them.

It is important that you ensure that the clinic you are looking into has a qualified professional administering the treatments, and Professional with in-depth anatomical knowledge is an even safer choice. All clinics administering Botox or dermal filler in Scotland should be registered with Health Improvement Scotland. You can view all registered clinics on their HIS Map.

“I’ve been to see Dr Julia a few times and every time she has been wonderful. My features look lovely and natural. She really understood my concerns and didn’t try and sell me things I didn’t need.”

Debra – after anti-wrinkle treatment

Find out more from us

Dr Julia is fully-qualified and award-winning in the field of Aesthetics, and she is our sole provider of dermal filler injections in Tay MediSpa. She also carries out all of our consultation and treatment review appointments. Dr Julia feels strongly about not making changes to her clients’ natural beauty;

“There is no reason why you should look like you have had aesthetic treatements. I always like to make sure my clients stay true to their features and restore or enhance their natural beauty. It’s all about getting the client looking and feeling like the best version of themselves.”

I hope this rundown has helped you understand the difference between Botox and dermal filler, it certainly has for me! To find out more, click one of the links below or you have any questions for Dr Julia, ask us on Facebook, or book a free consultation!

Hannah – Tay MediSpa

55 York Place, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 8EH