Question:
What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid and how does that compare to Botox? I am considering some face touch ups, and want to explore all of my options.
Answer:
Hyaluronic acid and botox are two entirely different products which have two very different indications. Botox and Dysport are muscle relaxants that help reduce wrinkles of the face by decreasing the ability of the muscles of facial expression to contract and wrinkle the skin in the areas that Botox or Dysport are injected. Hyaluronic acids such as Restylane and Juvederm are also used to treat wrinkles but in a very different way. Juvederm and Restylane actually fill up the deep portion of facial wrinkles to smooth the skin. Common areas that Juvederm and Restylane are used are the nasolabial folds, the marrionette lines of the cheeks, filler for the cheeks, and underneath the eyes.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld