What’s the Difference Between Botox and Juvederm?
Botox and Juvederm are names that are often heard in discussions of cosmetic dermatology and beauty treatments. What they actually are may be mysterious for some people. This post will try to clarify what they are and what they are used for.
Botox is a chemical derived from bacteria that works by blocking the responsiveness of muscles to nerve impulses. In tiny doses, as in standard medical practice, when botox is injected into facial muscles, it causes them to relax and stop working for an average of 3 months. So, if someone has overactive facial muscles that are causing wrinkles, such as between the eyebrows and around the eyes, Botox can be injected in a pinpoint fashion to relax these. It targets those muscles only, producing a specific and predictable improvement in frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. Such wrinkles are all caused by overactive muscles that are not necessary for a happy, normal appearance. They can be treated to produce a relaxed, youthful look. Obviously, you would not want to immobilize all the muscles of facial expression, as this would look unnatural. Some muscles in the face are essential for function, such as the lips and eyelids, and these are not typically treated either.
Juvederm is very different from Botox. It is not an active biochemical. Although it is made by bioengineered bacteria, it is consists of hyaluronic acid. This is a structural molecule within the skin that has no chemical activity on nerves or muscles. Juvederm acts by filling a depression in the skin where it is injected. Thus it can be injected under and within wrinkles to make them flatten out and to make them disappear. It can also be injected into lips to make them plumper. Juvederm is FDA-approved to last up to 1 year in the nasolabial folds. It can be used anywhere there are deep wrinkles, such as a very deep furrow between the eyebrows, deep lines around the corners of the mouth, and anywhere else.
Juvederm and Botox are often used together since they work on different aspects of lines and wrinkles. It is common to get Botox for upper face wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines and Juvederm for lips or nasolabial folds. At Tattoo MD, a custom solution that addresses your specific needs will be tailored for you. Whether it is for Juvederm, Botox, or tattoo removal, consults are always free! Contact us for an appoinment.
