Nine Major Differences Between Botox and Restylane

Science has developed many wonderful alternatives in the area of cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Sculpt Spa Las Vegas offers the ideal choices in its facial filler and anti-wrinkle injection services. 

As clients consider which treatments are ideal, they often think that Botox and Restylane based services are just alternatives to one another. That is not the case.   

Both did have German forefathers, but their histories varied significantly from there. 

The science behind Botox started in the 1820s.  Justinus Kerner, a German physician, experimented with using botulism for therapeutic use.   Then in the 1980s, ophthalmologist Alan Scott used a similar concept when he underwent a never-before tried method with a patient suffering from double vision.  Scott injected a tamed form of botulism toxin into the patient’s eye muscles. It worked. 

Scott formed the botulism toxin with spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The drug prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This paralyzes the muscles for short-term periods. He sold the rights to the pharmaceutical company Allergan in 1991, which brought Botox to market for the cosmetic use that is popular today. 

Hyaluronic Acid: Roots Of Restylane 

Meanwhile, in 1934, a German biochemist named Karl Meyer and his colleague John Palmer developed a substance from cows’ eyes that had not been isolated before. They named it “hyaluronic acid”. It was since discovered that hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide naturally present in human bodies as well as cows. 

In the beginning it was used as an egg substitute in baking. Later, it was proven effective in treating diseases in connective tissues in the body. Scientist found that it allows cells to hold water in the skin tissues and keep them well hydrated. 

In 2003 the FDA approved it as a wrinkle treatment for Restylane, and a few years later, for other brands. 

How do modern Botox and Restylane compare?  Here are the nine points to determine their differences: 

1. They are from different drug classes 
   Botox is a neurotoxin and Restylane is a dermal filler. A neurotoxin is a substance which changes the function of the nervous system or nerves and the signals they send around the body.  A dermal filler works with the tissues of the body and adds plumpness. The main ingredient in Restylane is hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in your body.
2. They act differently 
   Botox is an injectable that paralyzes the underlying muscles under the skin. Restylane fills in the creases of the skin. 
3. They have different alternative uses beyond facial wrinkles 
   Alternative uses of Botox include treatment of sweaty underarms, chronic migraines, neck muscle spasms, eyelid twitching and crossed eyes. Alternative uses of Restylane include deeper dermal implantations like the correction of laugh lines and to augment lips in patients over 21.   
4. They have different side effect risks 
   The list of potential side effects from a Botox injection is longer than the list of potential Restylane side effects. The Botox side effects can range from allergic reactions, neck/back pain, flu-like symptoms, site injection reactions, urinary tract infections and more. The side effects of Restylane tend to be more centered around the injection site with possible redness, tenderness, itching, etc. 
5. They react differently to other drugs in your system 
   Botox may increase if other drugs that are used for neuromuscular functions are present in the body. Restylane also may interact with some drugs. You should consult with the administrator before treatments of either especially if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or are breast-feeding. 
6. They are both FDA approved for safety 
   The FDA has approved both treatment regimens for eradicating fine line wrinkles. They should be always administered by a medical professional, as they are at Sculpt Spa Las Vegas. 
7. The administration procedures are similar   
   Generally, no anesthesia is required, and the procedures are minimally invasive.  The injections are administered directly into the face where you are seeking results. The whole process is done in a single office visit.   
8. The treatment timing varies, but not much 
   A Botox treatment may require three to five injections during your visit. All those injections can be administered in a total of 10 minutes. You should see results in one or two days. Restylane may take a tiny bit longer with the treatment still being administered in under an hour. The recovery from your Restylane treatment is usually less than a day and you can often see results right away, with full results evident in a week or two. 
9. The effects from each do not last the same amount of time 
   The Restylane effects tend to be longer lasting than Botox. They both last for months. Some studies show Botox lasting about four months. Another study shows Restylane to last between six and eighteen months. 

A major perk of either kind of injectables is getting results that are essentially instantaneous. After a few short days, you’ll have a clear idea of how injectables work best for you. 

As a follow up, it is important to practice healthy lifestyle habits. In addition to following the proper anti-aging skin care routine, making healthy lifestyle changes can have a considerable impact on your skin’s health and appearance, in turn, helping to prolong your filler results. 

SCULPT SPA  is Las Vegas’ leading provider of INJECTION TREATMENTS. We offer the latest hyaluronic acid dermal fillers from Galderma, with lip, facial, and anti-wrinkle treatments available for you.  

Sculpt Spa offers its services in a serene, nonjudgmental spa setting. With additional services including BODY CONTOURING, NAD+, and VITAMIN INJECTIONS, we are the ideal place for making a new you. TALK TO A SCULPT SPA PRO TODAY  about our injections and more!