While Botox does not treat acne scarring dermal fillers are sometimes useful. Botulinum toxin works by weakening muscle contraction whereas acne scarring results from the skin being scarred down to deeper structures. In some cases, combined subcision and treatment with dermal fillers can temporarily fill in the "divot" resulting from acne scarring.Stephen Weber MD, FACS
Just today I had a patient ask if Botox and Restylane were the same thing. I know these are very confusing to understand, since the brand names don't clarify much. Botox (and Dysport) are not fillers. They work by allowing a microscopic neuromuscular toxin to weaken the muscles in the area injected. It doesn't really "wear off" technically. What happens is that over about 3 months your body regenerates the damaged muscle receptors so they work normally again. Botox has no physical substance that can lift a depressed scar. On the other hand, Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid gels don't do anything to your nerves or muscles. They are clear gels made of the same molecule that already lives between your own collagen bundles under the skin's surface. They work by being physically injected under the skin to take up space, lift lines, and fill volume. They get absorbed back into the body over 6 to 18 months. There is no long term harm with either of these treatments, nor does stopping using them make you look older than you would have normally. See only a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for best results and safest use.
