Dr. Saber’s Blog

Botox or Fillers: Is There Actually a Best Choice?

What is Botox?

If you’ve missed our previous talks about it, Botox is the brand name of a protein made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is a neurotoxin but, when used appropriately and in a therapeutic context, it has many benefits. In addition, in very small doses it is safe and has few side effects.

Botox treatment is an injectable cosmetic procedure. When applied to areas of the face it erases or greatly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.  The FDA has approved botulinum toxin under the brand names Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeauveau for treatment of facial wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle activity associated with facial expressions are best treated with Botox. The most common areas for facial wrinkles are around the eyes and mouth, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. Dynamic wrinkles are often referred to as “expression lines” including frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and ‘11s’ between the eyebrows.

When injected in the muscles, Botox blocks nerve signals. The affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or weakened. Without movement in these muscles, wrinkles are softened, reduced, or even removed.

Botox vs Dermal Fillers

Does Botox treatment work?

Most people see positive results after Botox injections. Effects can be seen after 2-10 days and last about three to four months. After that, additional treatments are necessary to maintain results.

A major benefit of Botox is there is no downtime, so daily activities can resume after treatment.

Non-cosmetic uses for Botox are incredibly popular as well: 

If you have a medical condition, the full effect of Botox injections may be limited. During your consultation, Dr. Saber will review your medical history as well as any current medications or conditions.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like cosmetic injectables introduced under the skin to diminish fine lines, replace lost volume, and restore the overall youthful appearance of the face.

Due to the breakdown of collagen, elastin, and fat loss in the face as we age, the skin becomes less tight, and static wrinkles form. Static wrinkles are caused by loss of volume, not due to the movement of muscles. Fillers add volume, making them a great non-surgical option for static wrinkles.

As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat as well as skin elasticity. This process can be sped up or made worse by sun exposure, lifestyle, and heredity.

Dermal filler treatments are used for:

  • plumping thin lips
  • smoothing lip lines
  • softening facial creases
  • enhancing shallow contours
  • treating smile lines
  • improving the appearance of recessed scars
  • decreasing or removing the shadow of the lower lids

What types of aesthetic fillers are there?

The FDA has approved four materials for cosmetic fillers.

1. Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Sold under the brand name Radiesse, CaHA lasts about 18 months. It’s primarily used to:

  • Soften or remove moderate-to-severe creases such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines
  • Enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours
  • Increase volume

2. Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Sold under the brand names Juvederm and Restylane, hyaluronic acid fillers last 6 to 12 months and are often used for:

  • Acne scars
  • Cheek depressions
  • Crow’s feet
  • Deep smile lines running from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial furrows)
  • Frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
  • Redefining lip border
  • Scars, including burns, acne, and those caused by wounds
  • Smoker’s lines; vertical lines on the mouth
  • Facial scars
  • Forehead lines

3. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

Sold under the brand name Sculptra, PLLA stimulates your body’s natural collagen production. PLLA lasts about two years and is very useful in the lower half of the face for:

  • Filling in laugh lines
  • Plumping thin lips
  • Treating deep nasolabial folds

Poly-L-lactic acid is unlike other dermal fillers because it doesn’t produce immediate results. It stimulates your own body’s collagen production, so results appear gradually over a few months.

4. Polymethyl methacrylate beads (PMMA)

Considered a semi-permanent filler, PMMA is most often used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds, and furrows. It also offers a more permanent solution to facial wrinkles and can be used to fill out pitted scars and augment thin lips.

Botox vs Fillers: What’s the difference?

There were about 7.4 million injections of Botox and 2.6 million dermal filler injections in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Together, these are the top two minimally invasive procedures in the United States.

Botox vs Dermal Fillers

Botox and fillers are both anti-aging agents used to treat unwanted changes in the face brought on by aging. They are injectable, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, meaning they do not involve surgery or downtime. While they can both provide a more youthful look, the results may not be as powerful as having a surgical procedure, such as a facelift.

Botox and fillers can also be used together, combining their strengths. However, they work differently and are used on different lines. The key differences between Botox and fillers are:

  • Botox “freezes” facial muscles to lessen creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions, known as dynamic wrinkles. These wrinkles are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
  • Dermal fillers use substances to “fill in” or plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness; this includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They can also be used on forehead wrinkles, scars, and other areas that need extra volume.
  • Botox results last about three to four months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on the type of filler.

Are cosmetic injectables safe?

A study in JAMA Dermatology found that Botox and filler procedures are very safe when performed by experienced board-certified professionals. Side effects occurred in less than 1% of patients, and most of these were minor. While minimally invasive, injections still carry some risk. You should be aware of all possible risks and benefits before having any treatment.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Saber is properly trained to perform injectable procedures as well as manage any complications that may arise. She can also advise on what procedures will best provide your desired results

Trust Saber Plastic Surgery with your cosmetic goals

Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing cosmetic procedures and surgeries from a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. She ensures that all questions are answered so that each patient can make a truly well-informed decision.

Keeping her patients safe remains her top priority. She employs the latest state-of-the-art techniques and performs her procedures in the top surgical centers and hospitals where she enjoys full admitting privileges.

Dr. Saber takes her patients’ safety very seriously. Her facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are always required in our office during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

To request a consultation, please call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020