Dr Rita Rakus

Fillers vs Botox: Which one is best for you?

There are a few blurred lines when it comes to enhancing our lips – do we opt for dermal fillers or is Botox best? Which one will have the desired effects? What does each of them involve?

Here we ask London lip queen Dr Rita Rakus about the differences and what may be achieved with both….

BOTOX

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is a muscle relaxing injection proven and used by many cosmetic aesthetic doctors and clinics.

What does it address?

Botox will improve the appearance of wrinkles and facial lines, crow’s feet, chin dimples, décolletage and tighten the jawline – as well as reducing excessive sweating. Many of my patients also have Botox as a preventative treatment and our customers return to the clinic time and time again for this treatment.

What does the treatment involve?

During a treatment, we administer several injections of Botox into the muscles in the chosen area and this normally takes around 15 minutes. We always insist on a complementary consultation before having Botox to determine if you are suitable for the treatment.

What is mini Botox?

Mini Botox also known as Baby Botox is perfect for our clients who want to achieve a very natural and subtle look. This is where a small amount is injected and the results aren’t as permanent.

Can I decide how ‘big’ or how subtle I want to go with Botox?

Yes, absolutely! Injectable treatments are a great option to improve wrinkles and reverse the signs of ageing, in a natural and subtle way. It is important to note that after you have the treatment you should wait at least a couple of weeks to see the full effects before having anymore to ensure you are conservative and look natural.

Who should avoid this treatment?

Botox is suitable for most people and for both men and women, however we do not treat patients who are pregnant or breast feeding and we always insist that anyone who is looking at having Botox must have a full confidential medical consultation beforehand.

At what age does this treatment work best?

Many of my patients, both men and women, and a range of ages, return to the clinic to have Botox for the treatment of wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet or as a preventative measure. This is because it is one of the most affordable, fastest working, effective and safe non-surgical ageing treatments available with no recovery time needed.

FILLERS

What are fillers and how do they work?

Dermal fillers can be used to plump up your skin, smooth wrinkles and fill out deep lines, ideal for patients who have fine or superficial lines that give them a ‘tired’ look.

What does it address?

What does the treatment involve?

Restylane is injected into the upper layer of the skin to smooth out these tell-tail signs of ageing and are particularly useful for filling imperfections and acne scars, sleep creases, lipstick bleed lines and forehead and periorbital (around the eye) lines in combination with Botox.

Both Restylane and Restylane Perlane are ideal for diminishing the appearance of frown lines on the forehead and above the nose, softening the harsh creases from the nose to the mouth, correcting ageing marionette lines at the corners of the mouth and plumping cheeks and accentuating natural features.

Can I decide how ‘big’ or how subtle I want to go with fillers?

Yes absolutely, we use natural, dissolvable fillers to create a nice, subtle and natural look.

Who should avoid this treatment?

Similar to Botox, filler is suitable for most people and for men and women, however we do not treat patients who are pregnant or breast feeding. We also always insist that anyone who is looking at having filler must have a full confidential medical consultation beforehand.

At what age does this treatment work best?

It doesn’t really matter what age you are; it depends on how deep your lines are. We would suggest having dermal fillers to treat these issues if it is affecting your confidence and wellbeing.