What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

Botox relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles (lines caused by movement like frowning). Fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness, such as cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds.

How long does Botox last compared to fillers?

Botox typically lasts 3–4 months. Dermal fillers last between 6 months and 2 years depending on the type and area treated.

Does Botox or fillers hurt more?

Both involve injections and can cause mild discomfort. Most practitioners apply numbing cream beforehand. Lip fillers are often considered the most sensitive area.

Can Botox and fillers be done at the same time?

Yes, combining Botox and fillers in one appointment is common and safe when performed by a qualified aesthetic practitioner. This is sometimes called a "liquid facelift".

Botox vs Fillers — Key Differences Every First-Timer Should Know

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Botox vs Fillers — Key Differences Every First-Timer Should Know

Botox and dermal fillers are often mentioned in the same breath — and many people assume they’re similar treatments or even the same thing. They’re not. They work differently, treat different concerns, and are appropriate for different people. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Botox (Anti-Wrinkle Injections)

Botulinum toxin (branded as Botox, Bocouture, Azzalure, and others) works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to specific muscles, causing them to relax. This reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles — lines caused by facial movement like frowning, squinting, and raising the eyebrows.

Best for: Frown lines (between brows), forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes
Results: Visible in 3–14 days, full effect at 2 weeks
Duration: 3–4 months (first time), up to 6 months with repeat treatment
What it does NOT do: Add volume or lift. It relaxes muscles — it doesn’t fill.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable gels — usually made from hyaluronic acid (HA) — that add volume, definition, or lift to specific areas of the face. Unlike botox, fillers work by physically filling space, not by affecting muscles.

Best for: Lip augmentation, cheek enhancement, nasolabial folds (smile lines), jawline definition, under-eye hollows
Results: Immediate, refining over 2 weeks as swelling settles
Duration: 6–18 months depending on the product used and treatment area
HA fillers are reversible: Hyaluronidase can dissolve HA filler if needed — always check your practitioner has this available

Can You Have Both?

Yes — many clients have both treatments as part of a comprehensive facial aesthetic plan. Botox handles dynamic lines in the upper face; fillers address volume loss and static lines in the lower and mid face. A good practitioner will recommend only what’s clinically appropriate for you.

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