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Botox vs. Juvederm: Cost & Benefits

Botox and Juvederm are two very popular products on the market for reducing wrinkles, especially frown lines. Botox and Juvederm are drastically different products however.  Botox is a toxin paralyzing the muscle into which it is injected, relaxing the muscle, thereby removing the wrinkle. Juvederm, on the other hand, is a facial filler which plumps out the area under the wrinkle, creating a smooth surface on the skin above. So which is the better choice?

The main difference between Botox and Juvederm is in the injections’ solutions themselves. Juvederm is a dermal filler using uses a hyaluronic acid-based gel to literally “fill in” wrinkles and rejuvenate aging skin. Botox, on the other hand, is an injection that uses a refined solution of botulinum toxin type A. This toxin, also known as a neuromuscular blocking toxin, eliminates the appearance of wrinkles by blocking the chemical that triggers muscle responses, acetylcholine. This creates a temporary paralysis of muscles at the injection site, thus smoothing skin in the forehead and around the eyes for a more youthful appearance. By comparison, Juvederm’s filler solution plumps weak or deteriorating skin tissues to temporarily compensate for reduced collagen levels and loss of skin elasticity.

Botox: Cost and Benefits

For those of us who are just too nervous to try something newer, Botox is a reliable choice. We know it works, and side effects are rare and minor. We also know Botox’s downsides, like the frozen face phenomenon. But most people accept that effect in lieu of the other benefits. Speaking of which, what are the benefits of Botox?  Simpley, it works reliably. And we’ve known how Botox works for years now. A fast, easy, and only somewhat uncomfortable process that can be done on your lunch break, Botox efficiently freezes muscles at the point of injection. This prevents the contractions of these muscles causing the lines in the first place. Radiant Medspa will evaluate your facial structure to determine where the injections are needed. By pinpointing where to freeze the muscle contractions, Radiant Medspa can ensure effectiveness and safety. According to Botox Cosmetic, clinical studies have proven 90% of people have rated the improvement in the disappearance of lines as moderate to better within only one month – results are usually seen within a few days of treatment, and can last up to four months.

So what are the risks of Botox? Well, while four months is a long time for an injection to last, remember that this means you will need to get the injections every four months to maintain the look. The good news is Botox costs have gone down. As far as side effects and conflicts, Botox Cosmetic warns you should not use Botox if you have an infection, if you are allergic to any ingredients in Botox (your doctor will advise), or if you are pregnant. In very rare cases, Botox can cause problems swallowing. More common effects include dry mouth, discomfort, headache, tiredness, and dry eyes.

Juvederm: Cost and Benefits

Juvederm is newer to the scene, and can be the better choice depending on how severe your wrinkles are. Juvederm is an all-natural injection; instead of freezing muscles with a chemical, Juvederm actually fills lines using hyaluronic acid, a substance that actually occurs naturally in your skin. This is a great option, because it means you’re not introducing anything foreign into your skin. The cost of Juvederm treatments are greater than Botox, but Juvederm last longer, so less treatments are needed.

So, the benefits include some of what Botox does, such as effectiveness. Results are typically seen in a few days. The injection hydrates skin, fills the lines to make them disappear, and gives a refreshed effect. The results begin to appear immediately, although they reach their full potential over time. As the time goes on, the results improve gradually. The fact that this is an all-natural, healthy injection is a huge plus, and furthermore, there’s none of the face-freezing that Botox causes. Common side effects of Juvederm include swelling and discomfort, and these typically subside after the first week.

In order to determine whether Botox injections or Juvederm injections will better suit your cosmetic needs, call Radiant Medspa at 206-402-3063 for a complimentary consultation, in either Seattle or Lynnwood.