Signs of aging in the form of wrinkles and folds on our face gets more and more visible as we grow older. To maintain a long lasting younger appearance on your face many cosmetic therapies and injections are available on the market. Generally these solutions add volume and smoothen out wrinkle lines. Among them restylane and botox are quite common and both have their own features and applications.

Restylane is a new injection filler that has advantages over other injections existing on the market. Restylane is an FDA approved non-animal, biodegradable, crystal clear gel that is based on a natural substance, hyaluronic acid, which adds facial curves, fills depressions, levels facial wrinkles and shapes lips. Hyaluronic acid is formed naturally in our body. It is a substance of connective tissues. Allergic reactions are fewer as this acid is produced by our body itself. Restylane is also suggested to those people who want to enhance appearance and fullness of lips.

Botox (botulinum - a toxin) injections are another method to regain your smooth and soft look. Botox injections are an FDA (food and drugs association) approved treatment. Botox is a purified protein that is derived from bacterium clostridium botulinum, a toxin that causes food poisoning. Botox is a simple treatment and, according to ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), botox is the fastest growing treatment available.

Wrinkles crop up with the use of facial muscles. Botox is injected into targeted muscle with a fine needle. Botox simply inactivates those muscles that produce wrinkles. Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical which transmits nerve signals to contract the muscles.

So, it is a mechanism of muscle inactivation. This process weakens the muscles that produce frown lines. With botox these lines are smoothed out and become almost invisible within a week. Botox is mainly used to counteract crow's feet, frown lines, laugh lines, and forehead lines and is injected in small doses. Botox injection can also be used for migraine headaches. It also decreases sweating on palms, under arms, and at hairlines. If too much toxin is injected or if it is injected at the wrong place in the body, side effects such as a droopy eyelid muscle can originate that lasts for a week or more.

Although both of these treatments are wrinkle banishing and both of them are FDA approved, Restylane is a natural substance and contains no animal ingredients. Therefore, pre-testing is not required for allergic reactions. Soothing effects of restylane can last up to one year whereas Botox effects last for 3 to 6 months. Although Botox treatment causes minimal pain it may cause a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. It also cannot improve wrinkles of sun-damaged skin. Botox cannot be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or used on neurology patients.

Both products are equally good but their applications vary with the patient's condition, requirements, and circumstances under which the product has been used.

So if you too want a wrinkle free, smooth and soft look then consult your Doctor and go for the recommended treatment.