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Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: What Is the Difference?
Botox and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments, but they do different jobs. One relaxes muscles and the other restores volume, and choosing between them depends on what is causing the change you want to treat.
Two different treatments for two different problems
What Botox does
Botox is a neuromodulator. It relaxes the muscles that crease the skin when you frown, squint or raise your eyebrows. It works best on lines caused by movement, such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. The effect develops over about two weeks and usually lasts three to four months.
What dermal fillers do
Dermal fillers are gels, most often made of hyaluronic acid, that are placed under the skin to restore volume and support. They are used for areas that have lost fullness or structure, such as the cheeks, lips, chin and the folds around the mouth. The result is visible right away, and how long it lasts depends on the product and the area treated.
Which one do I need?
- Lines that appear when you move your face: usually treated with Botox.
- Hollowing, flattening or folds that are there at rest: usually treated with filler.
- A combination of both: common, and often treated with both at the same or separate visits.
Sometimes neither is the best answer. Skin texture, pigmentation and laxity are often better treated with biostimulators, lasers or skincare.
Why the assessment matters
The most common reason for an unnatural result is treating the wrong cause, for example adding filler to an area that really needs muscle relaxation or skin tightening. Dr. Guo personally performs every injectable treatment and starts with an assessment of your facial anatomy, so the plan matches the problem. Learn more about Botox and dermal fillers, or book a consultation.
Related reading: How Long Does Botox Last? · Sculptra vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You? · How hyaluronic dermal fillers reduce wrinkles · Facial balancing in Calgary
Two different treatments for two different problems
What Botox does
Botox is a neuromodulator. It relaxes the muscles that crease the skin when you frown, squint or raise your eyebrows. It works best on lines caused by movement, such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. The effect develops over about two weeks and usually lasts three to four months.
What dermal fillers do
Dermal fillers are gels, most often made of hyaluronic acid, that are placed under the skin to restore volume and support. They are used for areas that have lost fullness or structure, such as the cheeks, lips, chin and the folds around the mouth. The result is visible right away, and how long it lasts depends on the product and the area treated.
Which one do I need?
- Lines that appear when you move your face: usually treated with Botox.
- Hollowing, flattening or folds that are there at rest: usually treated with filler.
- A combination of both: common, and often treated with both at the same or separate visits.
Sometimes neither is the best answer. Skin texture, pigmentation and laxity are often better treated with biostimulators, lasers or skincare.
Why the assessment matters
The most common reason for an unnatural result is treating the wrong cause, for example adding filler to an area that really needs muscle relaxation or skin tightening. Dr. Guo personally performs every injectable treatment and starts with an assessment of your facial anatomy, so the plan matches the problem. Learn more about Botox and dermal fillers, or book a consultation.
Related reading: How Long Does Botox Last? · Sculptra vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You? · How hyaluronic dermal fillers reduce wrinkles · Facial balancing in Calgary