Frown lines are a common sign of ageing, and tend to appear due to the repeated movement of facial muscles. These lines can also be exacerbated by UV exposure, smoking and an unhealthy diet. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce the appearance of frown lines. So, which treatment is better for reducing frown lines: dermal fillers or botox?
Botox is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles that have appeared due to repeated muscle movement. This makes botox the ideal treatment for frown lines and other dynamic wrinkles. Dermal fillers are primarily used to restore volume which has been lost under skin, which is not usually the cause of frown lines.
Keep reading to find out more about the differences between botox and dermal filler injections, and which is the best treatment for frown lines.
Botox or Filler for Frown Lines?
While both dermal fillers and botox injections can be used to effectively treat various signs of ageing, especially in the face, there are certain examples of skin conditions when one method of treatment is better than the other.
As frown lines are generally caused by the repeated contraction of muscles in the face, this repeated movement causes dynamic wrinkles to form. This does not necessarily mean that your skin has lost its volume, but dynamic wrinkles will nonetheless form as your expression changes. These lines typically form as a result of repeated squinting, smiling, frowning, or any other facial expression that causes the muscles in your face to contract.
To treat this, botulinum toxin injections (botox) can be used to effectively relax the muscles in the face that are causing these wrinkles to remain in place. This will reduce the appearance of your frown lines, and help to give a smoother skin.
Find out more about how our faces lose volume with time by reading our detailed blog: What Causes Facial Volume Loss?
When is Botox Most Effective?
Botox is primarily used to treat wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle movement. On the face, when these dynamic wrinkles form, they are often referred to as expression lines. These expression lines differ from static lines, which are always on display. Some of the common signs of ageing which botox can be used to tackle include:
How Botox Works
Injections of botox contain a purified form of botulinum toxin which is obtained from clostridium botulinum bacteria, and acts as a neuromodulator. These injections work by blocking nerve signals in your facial muscles, causing the targeted muscles to become frozen, preventing dynamic wrinkles from forming. Botox will only work on dynamic wrinkles, and will not be able to reduce the appearance of static wrinkles.
How Long Botox Lasts
While botox is not a permanent solution for frown lines, with regular appointments to receive further injections, results can be sustained indefinitely. Generally speaking, if you receive one round of botox injections, your frown lines will be reduced for around three to four months.
Find out more about some of the top ways to reduce the appearance of frown lines by reading our detailed blog: Can You Get Rid of Frown Lines?
Are There Any Side Effects of Frown Line Treatment?
To maximise your safety when receiving any form of cosmetic procedure, it is vital that you book an appointment with a trusted professional that has experience delivering that specific treatment. Being minimally invasive, the side effects of botox injections are limited to a number of minor symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Mild swelling or redness
- Bruising
- Headache
- Numbness
Any symptoms such as these can be expected to subside within a few days of receiving botox injections.
Ensure your safety and an effective treatment by booking with Infinity Aesthetics: Book Now
What Can Dermal Fillers be Used for?
While dermal fillers are a less effective option for frown line treatment, there are a wide range of ageing signs that can be significantly reduced with filler injections. Dermal fillers, typically using hyaluronic acid, are highly versatile, and can be used to treat volume loss in the following areas:
Book Your Frown Line Treatment With a Clinic You Can Trust
At Infinity Aesthetics, we are proud to offer the highest-quality cosmetic treatments, delivered with care and precision. To receive frown line treatment, use our online booking portal or contact us to find out more.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
