Should I Choose Restylane or Botox?

Restylane and Botox are injections used for cosmetic procedures. They are FDA approved for treating fine lines and wrinkles, and their common side effects are temporary discomfort and bruising at the injected area. The procedures are convenient and performed in a single visit at the doctor’s office.

In a recent study, eight percent of individuals who received Restylane injections say it improved their upper lip in two weeks. While those given Botox injection report, the frown lines were reduced to no lines after four weeks of receiving the injection.

Botox and Restylane are the most popular injections used to augment facial features. Cosmetically, Botox is used to prevent wrinkles and smooth out your face. The procedure paralyzes muscles temporarily using a toxin called botulinum type A. Botox is also used in treating other conditions like lazy eye and overactive bladder.

Restylane is a filler consisting of hyaluronic acid. The procedure uses naturally occurring substances to fatten out face areas and the back areas of the hands. Fattening face areas also reduces wrinkles.

Comparing Botox and Restylane Procedures

When comparing the cosmetic procedures, they are both non-invasive, done in a single doctor’s office visit. They need no anesthesia and are injected where one needs results.

Botox

As stated above, Botox is a cosmetic procedure to stop muscle movement in a specific area temporarily. The toxin is injected in a desirable area, and it can also address other health conditions and cosmetic aims, including:

• Excessive sweating
• Esotropia
• Neck spasms
• Crow’s feet
• Furrows on the forehead

After the procedure, one can continue with their daily activities with no discomfort or pain.

Restylane

It is the second popular cosmetic procedure after Botox. Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in Restylane filler that is naturally found in the body. The injection helps to smooth wrinkles by plumping face areas. The injection pumps areas like:

• Your mouth folds
• Lips
• Nasolabial folds
• Cheeks

Whatever type of injection you choose depends on the areas you need to treat and your desired goals.

How Long Do the Procedures Last?

Restylane and Botox are outpatient processes and completed in one brief visit to the doctor’s office. A complete Botox procedure needs four to five injections in one session. It takes about ten minutes to complete the process, and results are visible after two to three days. Restylane procedure takes about one hour in a single visit to the doctor’s office. The results are visible after one to two days, with full results achievable after two weeks.

Comparing Their Outcomes

The two injectable procedures have similar results, with both injections offering immediate improvements. Even though it takes almost a month to see the full results, the results vary depending on their longevity. Botox injection effects last for up to four months. In 2013, a study showed that the injection improved individuals ‘forehead lines by two points after thirty days.

Depending on the type of injection, Restylane lasts up to eighteen months. In European research, seventy-eight percent of individuals had remarkable improvement after eight months of receiving the injection. In the same study, sixty-nine percent had improvement after 26 weeks while eighty-two percent at twelve weeks.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for the Injections?

People of all characteristics are ideal for Restylane and Botox treatment. However, there is some factor that makes one not fit for the procedures :

Restylane

The procedure is also FDA approved and should not be given to individuals who:

• Consume blood-thinning drugs
• Had allergic reaction from the past Restylane procedure
• Had bruising in the injected area

Botox

Botox procedure is approved by FDA, which means doctors specializing in the process should be cautious on whom to give the injection. People who are not fit for the injection are:

• Breastfeeding or pregnant
• Had an infection in an injected area from the previous Botox
• Had hypersensitivity or allergy from previous Botox injection
• Have neuromuscular conditions

Cost Comparison

Botox and Restylane’s cost varies according to different states, specific doctors, and the number of areas you want to be injected. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery report in 2017, the average cost of Botox injection ranges from $420 to $550. The same report found the average price of Restylane injection is between $650 and $750.

The two injection procedures are not covered by medical insurance as the injections are cosmetic procedures. However, if they are used to treat specific health issues, medical insurance applies.

Comparing Side Effects

Restylane and Botox side effects are mild with quick resolution. However, some complications can be severe and may require consulting a doctor for immediate treatment.

Botox

The overall known side effects of the Botox procedure are discomfort and minor bruising. However, contact your doctor if you incur the following side effects:

• Dry eyes
• Double vision
• Neck Pain
• Drooping or Swelling Eyelid
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Allergic reactions

Restylane

This procedure’s common side effects are headaches, bruising, itching at the injected area, and tenderness. The side effects resolve one or two weeks after the injection. However, watch out for these severe side effects :

• Uneven Skin Firmness
• Bruising or Bleeding at the Injected spot
• Allergic Reactions
• Infection

Which Injection Procedure Should You Choose?

Whatever injection you choose, either Botox or Restylane depends on what you want to achieve in specific areas. The details above will help you in deciding the proper procedure to meet your desired needs. If you need a temporary injection to hide your fine lines and wrinkles, Botox will be the best choice. Restylane offers a permanent or temporary solution to your wrinkles or aging effects.

Finding a Professional Provider

It is essential to look for a qualified, experienced, and certified provider conversant with Restylane and Botox injection procedures. Do in-depth research on medical firm websites and learn about the experts who have experience in these procedures. Click here for an experienced and qualified team to help you understand the difference between the two procedures, what to expect from the two, and offer you the best results depending on your desired procedure. Selecting a doctor who is not knowledgeable about the two techniques is risking your safety, and you may end up not getting your desired results or achieving your goals.