Elevate Your Aesthetic Game: Staten Island's Guide to Botox and Fillers

Getting older has its benefits. Not only do we gain experience and knowledge, but it also brings us a host of other things – such as memories, relationships, opportunities, perspectives, time, and so much more. 

But then come the wrinkles. 

Some wrinkles, known as dynamic wrinkles, are caused by the many unique facial expressions we make on a daily basis – gradually forming over time as we smile, squint, frown, laugh, talk, chew, and more.

Other wrinkles, known as static wrinkles, are a more direct result of the natural aging process. As we age, our collagen and elastin levels drop significantly – robbing our skin of its elasticity, flexibility, and strength.

Either way, wrinkles aren’t a bad thing – they’re just a normal part of life. 

At the same time, it’s okay if you don’t like them – in fact, we’re here to help. 

At Nü Forma Wellness Lounge located in both Staten Island and New Jersey, we offer a variety of treatments, such as Botox and fillers, to help you hide those wrinkles and smoothen that beautiful skin of yours.

While Botox and filler are similar in outcome, they work in two completely different ways and are designed for two completely different people. Don’t worry – we’ll explain everything you need to know below. 

Botox: A Neuromodulator That Paralyzes Facial Muscles

First up is Botox – which is, without a doubt, the most popular cosmetic procedure in the entire world. According to UCSF Health, more than 11 million people worldwide use Botox at least once every year.

Botox falls under a category of substances called neuromodulators, and is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. It works by binding to receptors in the muscle and blocking the release of acetylcholine. 

It basically paralyzes the targeted muscle, allowing it to relax. 

When injected in and around the face, Botox can temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles – making your skin appear smoother, tighter, younger, and healthier. Results often last three to six months. 

Botox works best on dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and smile lines. It not only prevents new wrinkles from forming, but also prevents existing wrinkles from worsening.

Fillers: An Injection That Restores Volume in the Face

Where Botox paralyzes facial muscles, dermal fillers, well – as the name suggests – fill in the area around those muscles to help restore volume in the face. In doing so, those pesky wrinkles temporarily disappear. 

Most fillers today are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in most skincare products, but they can also be made of polylactic acid (PLA) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA).

Either way, they’ll help fill in those creases and add volume where it’s needed the most.

The reason so many people prefer hyaluronic acid-based fillers is because they help retain moisture in ways other brands can’t. It not only hides wrinkles, but it gives skin a healthy, young, and hydrated look.

Some of the most popular HA-based fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, Captique, Esthélis, Elevess, Hylaform, Perlane, Prevelle, and Puragen. Radiesse (CaHA) and Sculptra (PLA) are also popular options.

Botox vs. Fillers: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Asking someone to choose between Botox and dermal fillers is a lot like asking someone from Staten Island whether they root for the Giants or Jets on Sundays – or the Rangers and Islanders of the NHL. 

You’re going to get a different answer every time. 

Neuromodulators and fillers might share a similar outcome – much like the Giants and Jets share the same stadium – but their differences are what set them apart. Let’s summarize what we learned today:

What they’re made of: Botox is made of botulinum toxin (a neurotoxic protein), while dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), polylactic acid (PLA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), or something similar.

How they work: Botox works by temporarily paralyzing targeted muscles in and around the face, while dermal fillers work by temporarily restoring volume to areas of the face that lose volume as we age. 

Treatment areas: Both Botox and dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face, but Botox is primarily used for dynamic wrinkles (facial expressions), and fillers are primarily used for static wrinkles.

How long they last: Botox takes up to two weeks to settle in and lasts between three and five months, while results from dermal fillers are visible immediately and can last between eight and 12 months. 

While some people will go the Botox route and others will choose the filler route, some might not have to settle on just one. In fact, many people end up doing a combination of both to achieve their desired result.

Nü Forma: Let’s Make That Decision Together!

Are you starting to notice wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, forehead, cheeks, chin, or nose? Is your skin starting to lose its youthful appearance? Do you want to regain confidence and comfort in your own skin? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Nü Forma Wellness Lounge.

With offices in Staten Island, Brick, Totowa, and Montclair, NJ, we’re proud to serve the NYC and New Jersey area with best-in-class aesthetic treatments – including hyaluronic acid-based fillers and botulinum toxin. 

Don’t worry – your expectations are in great hands. 

We understand there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter solution to giving you the skin you’ve always wanted. That’s why we sit down with each individual patient to better understand their needs and limits.

To learn more about the differences between Botox and dermal fillers, and which one might be best for you, contact one of our local offices and schedule an appointment with our wonderful team of experts. 

Here at Nü Forma Wellness Lounge, your health and well-being is our No. 1 priority!