Walking into a med spa can feel a little overwhelming if you’re not sure what it does? Botox, fillers, and biostimulators are all amazing treatments, but how do you know if they are right for you?
Whether you’re brand new to injectables or simply refining your aesthetic plan, this guide breaks down the three most requested treatments med spas offer and the beautiful benefits of each. Think of it as your glow-up cheat sheet, designed to help you walk into your next appointment feeling informed, confident, and ready.
Wrinkle Relaxers
Smoothing expression lines and softening movement
Wrinkle relaxers are used to reduce muscle movement in targeted areas of the face temporarily. By gently relaxing those overactive muscles, fine lines and wrinkles soften that are caused by repeated facial expressions. The result is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that still looks like you, just softer and more rested.
The 4 Most Common Wrinkle Relaxers:
- Botox®: The most well-known brand, great for precise, classic results
- Dysport®: Spreads slightly more than Botox, often ideal for larger areas like the forehead
- Xeomin®: A “clean” formula without accessory proteins, often chosen for those prone to resistance or buildup
- Daxxify®: A newer option with peptides that may offer longer-lasting results for some clients
“When we relax those muscles strategically, we’re not just treating the lines you see now, we’re helping prevent deeper ones from forming later. It’s subtle, preventative, and all about keeping your presentation polished.”— Diane Howard, RN, Botox Scottsdale Injector
Common Treatment Areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (11s)
- Crow’s feet
- Brow lift
- Lip flip
- Masseter slimming (for jaw tension or facial contouring)
Results:
Most clients begin seeing results within 3 to 7 days, with full effect at 10 to 14 days. Depending on the product used, results typically last 3 to 4 months. Daxxify may last up to 6 months in some individuals!
Dermal Fillers
Restoring volume, enhancing shape, and creating balance
Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid or similar biocompatible materials that restore volume where it has been lost due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. Facial fillers can also be used to enhance specific features like the lips or chin, helping to create balance and harmony throughout the face.
Common Treatment Areas:
- Cheeks and midface
- Lips
- Under-eyes (tear troughs)
- Chin and jawline
- Nasolabial folds
- Temple hollows
- Marionette lines
Results:
Results from hyaluronic acid-based fillers are seen immediately, depending on the area and product used, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years!
Biostimulators
Stimulating collagen and rebuilding skin structure from within
Biostimulators are a category of injectable treatments that don’t just fill; they stimulate your body’s own collagen production over time. These treatments are ideal for clients looking for gradual, natural-looking results that improve skin texture, structure, and firmness. Rather than adding volume directly, biostimulators work behind the scenes to rebuild what time has depleted.
We often recommend biostimulators for clients in their 30s and beyond who are ready to invest in long-term skin health and structural support.
Most Common Types:
Sculptra®: Made from poly-L-lactic acid, great for midface, jawline, and overall skin rejuvenation
Radiesse®: Made from calcium hydroxylapatite, provides immediate volume with long-term collagen stimulation
Common Treatment Areas:
- Cheeks and midface
- Jawline
- Temples
- Chin
- Décolleté
- Body areas such as upper arms or glutes
Results:
Biostimulators offer gradual improvement, with visible results typically beginning around 4 to 6 weeks after treatment and continuing over several months. A series of treatments is often recommended. Results can last up to 2 years or more with proper maintenance.
