Botox Versus Restylane – Know the Difference

The purpose of this article is to discuss two forms of cosmetic plastic

surgery. In doing so, Botox and Restylane will be compared and

contrasted.



One of the things many of us struggle with is the never ending battle

with the aging process; particularly for women. While we all know and

generally accept the fact that wrinkles are a part of the aging process,

what most of us will not, nor should we, accept the fact that aging has

to be any less dignified or graceful than we hope. For this reason,

among many others, I believe that plastic surgery, and even more

specifically cosmetic surgery, has become increasingly popular. Botox

and Restylane are both two very popular examples of cosmetic plastic

surgery that are utilized in an effort to minimize the signs of aging.

This article will compare and contrast the two procedures.



According to the-cosmetic-surgery-directory.com, Botox, or Botulinum

Toxin Type A, is an anti-wrinkle injection procedure used to treat

wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet. Essentially, Botox, which is

injected into the muscle tissue surrounding the site of the wrinkles,

relaxes the muscle tissue thereby creating a smoother and temporarily

wrinkle free area. Due to the fact that the recovery time usually lasts

only several days, the procedure can be repeated within several months

of each injection. While Botox is one of the easiest and fastest

cosmetic procedures as a result of its success rate, it does possess a

minimal amount of side effects, which include: bruising, numbness and

swelling. Good candidates for Botox typically include individuals with

wrinkles who do not want a more invasive form of plastic surgery, while

pregnant women are turned away due to the fact that the long term

effects on pregnant women remains unknown.



Restylane, according to yourplasticsurgery.com, is also an injection

procedure used to diminish the appearance of wrinkles (typically around

the mouth and nose area); however, it is comprised of natural sugar

compound. While a local anesthesia is administered before the

injections, patients are allowed to go home shortly after the procedure

is performed; making it an outpatient procedure like Botox. However,

unlike Botox, Restylane can greatly diminish the appearance of deep

wrinkles in addition to offering patients longer lasting results, i.e. 6

months. As is the case with Botox, patients who have received Restylane

injections will likely experience swelling, which can and usually does

subside within several days of the procedure. However, more severe

complications including: headache, flu-like symptoms and pain can occur,

which can have an impact on the recovery process.



Comparatively speaking, Botox and Restylane are both injection

procedures that are relatively fast and easy to use. While both are FDA

approved, Restylane has industry approval, not only because the

injection is comprised of a natural substance ordinarily found in the

body, but also because it tends to outlast Botox by nearly three months.

However, Botox has an advantage over Restylane due to the fact that the

potential complications are not nearly as severe as those potentially

incurred as a result of using Restylane. As a result, I can only

conclude that both are equally qualified forms of cosmetic plastic

surgery procedures depending on preferences and desired outcomes.