Injectable treatments can be a great way to soften lines and add volume without the downtime that comes with surgery. You can use them to address signs of aging like frown lines, forehead creases, and volume loss in the cheeks or lips. These treatments are quick, require little to no recovery, and can fit easily into a routine.
While surgery can be the right choice for some, others prefer something simpler with less commitment. Botox® and JUVÉDERM® are two injectable options that can help with different concerns depending on what you’re looking to treat. At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, CA, we offer both for patients who want a non-surgical refresh.
What Is JUVÉDERM?
JUVÉDERM® is a family of hyaluronic acid-based fillers used to add volume in areas that appear hollow or creased with age. It can smooth lines around the mouth, fill in deeper folds, or enhance facial contours like the cheeks and lips. This injectable fits well into an anti-aging routine for patients who want subtle but noticeable improvements.
What Is Botox?
Botox smoothes the wrinkles that form during facial expressions. These wrinkles are called dynamic wrinkles, and are the type of folds that disappear when the face is at rest. Dynamic lines often appear on the upper half of the face. Botox can give patients a smoother appearance within a few days after treatment.
How Each of These Injectables Works
Botox works at the neuromuscular level. It blocks the signals that tell certain muscles to contract, which softens the repeated movements that create fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t add volume but reduces movement in targeted areas, helping the skin to look smoother.
JUVÉDERM is placed under the skin to physically lift and fill areas that have lost volume. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, which helps restore a more hydrated look to the skin. It is well suited for areas where folds have developed or where structure has diminished over time. This product stays in place until it gradually breaks down, which happens naturally over several months.
What Botox Is Best At Treating
Forehead Lines
Repeated facial movements like raising your eyebrows can leave horizontal lines across the forehead. Botox helps reduce the appearance of these wrinkles by limiting the muscle activity that causes them. Treated areas look smoother while still allowing for some natural movement.
Frown Lines
Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called “11s,” can become more noticeable with time. You may start to see these lines when frowning or concentrating. Botox eases the tension that forms these deep creases and gives the face a more relaxed appearance.
Crow’s Feet
Smiling or squinting creases the skin near the outer corners of the eyes. This creates a sunburst of lines in the area known as “crow’s feet”. Botox injections aim to minimize the lines at the corners of the eyes while allowing you to keep a natural smile.
Other Lines and Wrinkles
Botox can also be used in smaller doses across different parts of the face. Areas like the chin, neck, or even around the nose may benefit from treatment when fine lines appear due to muscle activity. These are less commonly treated but may be suitable for you depending on your goals.
Non-Cosmetic Uses
Botox is also used to treat issues unrelated to facial aesthetics. It has medical applications for conditions like teeth grinding, chronic migraines, and excessive underarm sweating. These uses rely on Botox’s ability to block nerve signals to muscles or glands that are overactive.
What JUVÉDERM Is Best At Treating
Lines Around the Mouth
Movement and volume loss over time can create folds around the mouth, such as smile lines and marionette lines. Certain JUVÉDERM products can soften these wrinkles by filling the creases and restoring some of the lost structure.
Cheek Augmentation
Flat or sunken cheeks can make the face look tired or less defined. JUVÉDERM fillers can add volume to the midface area, helping create a more lifted and youthful appearance. The added support can also enhance facial contours that have softened with age.
Lip Enhancement
For patients who want fuller lips or better definition along the lip border, JUVÉDERM lip filler can offer subtle yet noticeable improvements. It can be used to enhance volume, shape, or symmetry. Some formulas are specifically made for lips and move naturally with facial expressions.
Chin and Jawline Contouring
Using injectables in the chin or jawline can create more structure without surgery. JUVÉDERM can help sharpen the jawline or improve chin projection, especially in cases where the lower face looks recessed or undefined. The added volume supports a more balanced facial profile.
Undereye Hollowing
Volume loss beneath the eyes can create a sunken or shadowed appearance. JUVÉDERM can fill in the area just above the cheekbone, reducing the depth of tear troughs and helping the under-eye area appear brighter. This treatment is delicate and best for patients with minimal skin laxity.
Timeline and Longevity of Results
Botox
Botox does not work instantly. Most patients begin to notice results within three to five days, with full effects appearing around ten to fourteen days after treatment. The smoothing effects usually last about three to four months before muscle activity gradually returns.
JUVÉDERM
Results from injectables like JUVÉDERM can often be seen right after treatment, although mild swelling may temporarily affect the appearance. Once settled, the effects can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the product used and where it’s placed. Areas with more movement, like the lips, may break down filler more quickly than areas like the cheeks.
Treatment Experience
Both Botox and JUVÉDERM treatments are done in-office and typically take less than 30 minutes. A small needle is used, and most patients report only minimal discomfort. Numbing cream is applied beforehand for added comfort. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising can happen after either treatment, but most people return to regular activities the same day. Aftercare instructions are simple and usually involve avoiding pressure or heat on the treated areas for a short time.
Can Botox and JUVÉDERM Be Used Together?
Yes, Botox and JUVÉDERM are often used in combination for a more complete anti-aging approach. Many patients choose to treat different parts of the face in a single appointment for convenience and balanced results. A combination plan can be adjusted depending on what each area of the face needs.
Smoother, Lifted Skin Starts With a Consultation in Sacramento, CA
Botox can smooth dynamic lines, and JUVÉDERM can restore lost volume for a more refreshed appearance without surgery. We offer both options at Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, where patients in Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas can receive guidance on which treatments suit their goals. We’re available to discuss your concerns and provide clear information about how these injectables work. To schedule a consultation, call (916) 480-9080 or reach out using the online form.
