Wrinkle treatment: botox or hyaluronic acid?

At what age do the first wrinkles appear?

Skin ageing is a natural process that affects everyone. With age, wrinkles appear and mark the face, in the form of folds or fine striations on the skin. Two natural proteins are involved: collagen and elastin, responsible respectively for skin firmness and elasticity, are no longer produced in sufficient quantities by the body. As a result, from the age of 25, the skin is less supple and wrinkles can appear. This age of course varies from person to person. Many factors can accelerate skin ageing: smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and chronic or prolonged exposure to the sun.

The first signs of time on the face are fine lines that do not become permanent. The first wrinkles are called “expression lines”. They correspond to the areas of the face involved in expressions and emotions: around the eyes, around the smile, between the eyebrows. In these areas, the skin is particularly thin and sensitive.

How is hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medicine?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the skin. In aesthetic medicine, its moisturising properties (it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water) and its volumising properties are highly valued. Hyaluronic acid is used in the form of injections and, depending on its density, has a wide range of indications:

• Restoring volume to the face (or the body, or lips that are too thin).
• Filling fine lines and wrinkles.
• Filling nasolabial folds.
• Deeply moisturising the skin.
• Restoring radiance to the skin.
• Modifying the shape of the face (medical rhinoplasty, jawline contouring, cheekbone enhancement, facial oval, etc.).

The benefits of hyaluronic acid are numerous:

• This natural ingredient is very well tolerated, with a very limited risk of allergy.
• The molecule is resorbed naturally by the body. Results are therefore not permanent, but last from 9 to 18 months, depending on the area treated.
• The result is immediate.

What is botox in aesthetic medicine?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic molecule better known as botox. It is used in aesthetic medicine in the form of injections designed to block muscle action temporarily. Botox inhibits the neurotransmitter and allows the muscles responsible for expression lines in the upper third of the face to rest. The muscles relax, the skin smooths out and wrinkles are softened. Botulinum toxin can be used to correct:

• Glabellar lines (frown lines)
• Crow’s feet (outer corner of the eyes)
• Forehead wrinkles, which run across the forehead.
• Marionette lines.
• A double chin.

Contrary to popular belief, botulinum toxin is in no way synonymous with a frozen face. It has many advantages:

• Its effect is temporary. Results fade on their own after 6 to 9 months, and are therefore reversible.
• Botox removes deep wrinkles from the face.
• It is effective on many areas: the face, the neck and the décolleté.

How do you choose between hyaluronic acid or botox injections to treat wrinkles?

The two products have different indications. If the aim is to correct expression lines, Botox is the better choice. If the aim is to restore volume to the face or to treat static wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is the treatment of choice.

It should be noted, however, that the two treatments are entirely complementary and can be combined without difficulty. Dr Hayot always carries out a meticulous analysis of your facial wrinkles, at rest and in movement, in order to offer you a tailor-made, safe and effective treatment plan. To treat several areas of the face, hyaluronic acid and Botox can be combined for a complete anti-ageing treatment.