Are you bothered by the fine lines and wrinkles that have formed on your face over time? Are you looking for an effective way to restore your youthful radiance? Aesthetic medicine offers a variety of ways to combat the signs of aging. Two of the best-known methods for achieving a fresher and smoother complexion are Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid treatments.
Are you also wondering which of these two treatments works better against wrinkles? We would like to inform you below about the effects and areas of application of these methods.
The difference between Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid
Both hyaluronic acid and Botox (botulinum toxin) are used to treat wrinkles on the face. The main difference lies in their mode of action and application. Botox (botulinum toxin) works by temporarily reducing muscle activity at the injection site. By relaxing the muscles, dynamic wrinkles in particular, i.e. those caused by facial expressions such as laughing, squinting or frowning, can be treated. The skin is smoothed and the wrinkles become less visible as a result.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body and has a high water-binding capacity. When used as a filler, it can plump up the skin from the inside, which is particularly effective for static wrinkles, i.e. those that are visible even without facial expressions, such as the nasolabial fold. Hyaluronic acid provides the skin with moisture and volume. This helps to counteract deeper wrinkles.
“It’s not about becoming someone else.
It’s about discovering the best version of yourself.”Dr. med. Nauras Abuagela, Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Treatment of mimic wrinkles with Botox (botulinum toxin)
Botox (botulinum toxin) is a protein that is used in aesthetic medicine to treat wrinkles. Its mode of action is based on the temporary paralysis of the muscles responsible for the formation of expression lines. The botulinum toxin injection blocks the nerve signals in the treated areas, which leads to muscle relaxation. In this way, the skin can be smoothed.
Typical areas of application include
- Frown lines,
- Forehead wrinkles,
- Nose wrinkles and
- Eye wrinkles.
The duration of effect varies in most cases between 3 and 6 months. With regular prophylactic use, the effect can also last for up to 9 months.
Treatment of volume loss with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an endogenous substance that is an important component of the skin and is also found in connective tissue, the vitreous humor of the eye and synovial fluid. It serves our skin as a moisture reservoir. The skin’s elasticity decreases, particularly due to the ageing process, which can lead to sagging and the formation of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid injections plump up the skin from the inside, smoothing it out. The cheek area, for example, can be emphasized.
The filler is mainly used for
- Nasolabial folds,
- Lip wrinkles,
- Marionette pleats and
- Décolleté folds.
Hyaluronic acid can also be used to treat volume loss in the face. Hyaluronic fillers are effective for around 6-18 months.
Combining Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid for optimal results
Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid therefore each have different treatment goals and cannot simply be used interchangeably. However, they can be used in combination for a comprehensive anti-ageing concept to achieve optimal results. The combination allows both dynamic and static wrinkles to be treated effectively. As a complementary treatment, the skin can be effectively smoothed and lost volume can be replenished. Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid are often used in combination, particularly for marionette lines, nasolabial folds and cheek wrinkles.
It is crucial to put yourself in experienced hands. Our expert in wrinkle treatment, specialist Nauras Abuagela, has many years of experience in botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections as well as the combined application and will tailor the treatment to your individual anatomy and needs.
The right method depending on the treatment zone
Botox (botulinum toxin) or hyaluronic acid? The choice of the right method depends largely on the specific treatment area on the face. Different areas require different approaches in order to achieve the desired results. The following diagram shows the different areas of application of Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid on the face:

While botulinum toxin is used to relax muscles and is therefore able to smooth the skin, hyaluronic acid is used to compensate for volume loss. In addition to treating wrinkles, it can also be used to treat dark circles under the eyes and give the lips more contour and volume. In combination, muscle movements can be minimized in certain areas, such as the mouth, and wrinkles can be plumped up from the inside.
Personal consultation on wrinkle treatment
Do you want smoother skin and wrinkle-free facial expressions? Then put your trust in the treatment of our experts. During a personal appointment, we will take plenty of time to discuss your wishes and needs. After a careful analysis of your skin, we will look together at which treatment method is the best choice for you. In addition to minimally invasive methods, a facelift offers an effective way to achieve more comprehensive and long-term results. You are welcome to arrange an initial consultation with us in Frankfurt.
FAQ
Can botulinum toxin make wrinkles worse?
Can botulinum toxin make wrinkles worse?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is used to reduce wrinkles. If the effect wears off, the wrinkles can become visible again, but not worse than before the treatment. In the long term, the use of botulinum toxin can help to slow down the formation of new wrinkles.
How long does Botox (botulinum toxin) last on the face?
How long does Botox (botulinum toxin) last on the face?
The effect of Botox (botulinum toxin) on the face varies and depends on the metabolism, the treatment area and the amount of active ingredient used. The duration of effect is generally between 3 and 6 months.
Can botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid be injected at the same time?
Can botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid be injected at the same time?
In many cases, Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid can be combined to achieve optimal results. Botulinum toxin, for example, can be used to smooth mimic wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid can be used to even out volume or improve contours.
Written by:
Dr. med. Nauras Abuagela
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist in gentle anti-ageing treatments and innovative laser medicine. Dr. Abuagela combines medical expertise with a keen sense of aesthetic harmony and has been successfully treating patients with state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation procedures for years.
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