Wrinkles
Restylane vs. Botox
Choosing Restylane or Botox really depends on the location and degree of wrinkles on the face. According to the Glogau Wrinkle Classification, wrinkles can be divided into three categories; wrinkles in motion, wrinkles at rest, and only wrinkles. The latter generally benefits most from surgery.
Restylane, or hyaluronic acid, is a filler that is used to smooth out wrinkles. Other popular filling agents are compounds that include collagen, combination products, and fat injection. Fillers work best on wrinkles at rest and wrinkles in motion. They are often used in the area of the nasolabial folds, the lips, and the wrinkles around the mouth. In general, fillers should last two to six or more months.
Botox, a denervating agent, works by paralyzing the muscles that form the wrinkle. The upper one-third of the face, including the forehead, brows, and crow's feet around the eyes, are the usual areas treated with Botox. Botox works best in wrinkles in motion, since these wrinkles are primarily seen with a facial gesture, such as a scowl or a squint. In general, Botox should last between three to six months.
Botox also works well with a filling agent like Restylane, in that the effects of both agents are prolonged. (far left: before botox treatment, near left: after botox treatment)