The famous filler, but what is it really?
It's very common to ask a plastic surgeon if they use neuromodulators and fillers. When they say yes and explain the difference between the two, we're often surprised, as we've always thought they were the same thing.
This is understandable since neuromodulator and filler injections are the most frequently performed procedures by plastic surgeons, with over 10 million applications performed annually worldwide! (This does not include all patients who undergo procedures performed by non-plastic surgeons).
If they're not the same, how are they different? As we saw in the previous post , neuromodulators primarily work to reduce wrinkles on the face. We discussed how it's similar to a highway. If thousands of cars drive on it, it will deteriorate faster than if we limit the number of cars allowed. It's the same with neuromodulators: by reducing the intensity of facial expressions, wrinkles will gradually diminish. Fillers, on the other hand, are completely different since they have nothing to do with facial expressions!
The preferred filler is a natural component present in our skin. As we age, we stop producing it in the quantities we did in our youth, and we continue to use it at the same rate. This results in a decrease in its amount in our tissues, which translates into less firm tissue. This loss of turgor is precisely the main purpose of filler injections. However, by providing volume, firmness, or turgor to tissues, other applications have been developed, such as body sculpting.
What do I mean by sculpting body tissues? In some cases, it can improve the jawline, in others the nose, in others the lip contour , and it can even be used to improve the appearance of cellulite. Some surgeons even use it to enhance the buttocks!
Filler application is attractive because it's a relatively inexpensive procedure, quick to perform, and offers rapid recovery. Patients' favorite feature is minimal or no activity loss, which is why it's so popular. However, it carries risks that are often not disclosed to the patient because the person performing it doesn't know them! (which is a tragedy!).
These risks can range from minor, such as bruising or slight swelling, to more serious complications like facial distortion with "duck lips," artificially exaggerated cheekbones, or a visible product due to improper placement. Ultimately, tragedies such as blindness or loss of the nose can occur. This underscores the importance of carefully choosing the surgeon who will perform the procedure . While budget is certainly important, even more crucial is the peace of mind that comes from knowing the expected results are the desired ones.
By the way, how are neuromodulators and fillers similar? They're similar in that they both help you look better! They're both premium skincare categories, as they'll improve skin quality like no cream ever will. We often compare them to creams like someone in Guatemala who wants to go to Japan. They'll never make it on foot, but it'll only take a few hours by plane!
Feel good about looking better!