Hyaluronic Acid or Botox: Which Treatment Suits You Best?

It’s one of the most common questions asked by people seeking a facial treatment for a youthful, refreshed look. Both of these methods rank among the most popular, non-invasive procedures in aesthetic medicine. They aim to improve facial features—hyaluronic acid and Botox—but they differ in how they work, how long they last, what types of wrinkles they address, and of course, the final outcome.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component found in our bodies, mainly in the skin, eyes, and joints. As the years go by, the levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, gradually reducing the skin’s elasticity and volume. Aesthetic injectable applications of hyaluronic acid are used to fill wrinkles, restore volume, and provide deep hydration in various areas of the face. Treatments with hyaluronic acid usually target wrinkles around the mouth, the cheekbones, and the nasolabial folds, as well as areas that need more volume like the lips or the cheekbones.

What Is Botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a substance that temporarily relaxes the facial muscles. It has multiple medical uses, but it’s best known in aesthetic medicine for its wrinkle-smoothing effect. Simply put, it smooths out wrinkles created by our expressions, such as those on the forehead, between the eyebrows (the glabellar lines), and around the eyes (“crow’s feet”).

A systematic review published in Cureus analyzed the use of Botox for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. The study concluded that Botox is effective in reducing facial wrinkles and in treating conditions like hyperhidrosis.

Hyaluronic Acid and Botox: Key Differences

The main difference is that hyaluronic acid adds volume and hydration, while Botox relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines. Therefore, you choose the treatment based on your needs:

Hyaluronic Acid: If your wrinkles are static (visible even when you’re not making a facial expression), or if you need volume in the lips or cheekbones, or want deep hydration, hyaluronic acid is the right choice.
Botox: If your wrinkles appear with facial expressions when you laugh or lift your eyebrows, for example, then Botox is ideal, as it reduces the muscle contractions that lead to dynamic wrinkles.

Can These Treatments Be Combined?

Sometimes, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation, these treatments can be combined. Botox can address dynamic wrinkles on the forehead and the glabellar lines, while hyaluronic acid can add volume to the cheekbones or lips. This way, you achieve a more complete and harmonious improvement in your overall facial appearance.

Hyaluronic acid vs Botox: Advantages and disadvantages

Hyaluronic acid and Botox are both excellent options for combating the signs of aging. Below is a more detailed look at their differences:

Hyalouronic acid advantages:

Immediate Results: It fills wrinkles, adds volume, and the effects are visible right after the procedure.
Natural Look: It maintains the face’s natural expressions without distortion.
Deep Hydration: It retains moisture and gives a radiant appearance.
Reversible: If the result isn’t what you expected, hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Biocompatible: It’s a natural component of the body, so it rarely causes reactions.

Hyalouronic acid disadvantages:

It is not suitable for dynamic wrinkles.
Possible mild side effects like slight swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically subside quickly.

Hyalouronic acid

Botox advantages:

Effectively Smooths Expression Lines: Ideal for wrinkles on the forehead, glabellar lines, and “crow’s feet.”
Quick Procedure: The treatment session is very short.
Prevents New Wrinkles: It can also be used preventively to delay the appearance of wrinkles in younger individuals.

Botox disadvantages:

Effectively Smooths Expression Lines: Ideal for wrinkles on the forehead, glabellar lines, and “crow’s feet.”
Not ideal for static wrinkles: it doesn’t fill wrinkles already visible on the skin.
Possible mild side effects like bruising or headache, which subside in a short period.

Botox

Are These Treatments Safe?

Injectable treatments with hyaluronic acid and Botox are safe for aesthetic use, provided they are performed by a qualified professional—ideally a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist specialized in injectables. It’s also essential that approved materials are used, to ensure the best possible outcome with the highest level of safety.

Which Treatment Should You Choose?

Whether you opt for hyaluronic acid or Botox, you have two excellent options for refreshing your face. It depends on your age, the type of wrinkles, the overall condition of your skin, and your expectations. The most important thing is to be well-informed and to choose a skilled specialist for proper guidance. At Facemed Clinic, where we have extensive experience in aesthetic treatments, you’ll find the right advice. This way, you can ensure the best and safest result, tailored to your individual needs.

Ask the doctor

Dr. Dimitroulas Nikolaos

210 69 29 999