Not all injectables are created equal. Here are the key differences between Botox and fillers that you should know before heading to the dermatologist’s office.

What’s the Difference Between Botox and Fillers?

Fillers include a broad array of different injectable procedures in cosmetic dermatology, while Botox is only one type of injectable. Fillers come in many different formulations, treating a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections on the face and body. Our office offers over 10 different types of injectables, and Botox is one of them.

However, the biggest difference between Botox® and fillers is that Botox is able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles, while fillers are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by physically filling in the wrinkles and recovering that loss of volume that naturally occurs with age. The classic stereotype of an immovable, expressionless, and tight face after injectables is an exclusive feature of Botox, not to all injectables and fillers.

Botox and fillers achieve similar goals through dissimilar means, but they do have some things in common:

• Minimally invasive procedures, both of which have nearly no downtime
• Alternatives to surgical procedures, so that patients don’t need to get facelifts, rhinoplasty, etc.
• Both can produce natural-looking results

What is Botox?

As we mentioned before, Botox® (botulinum toxin) is an injectable, one of the most well-known and popular types. When you go in for a Botox injection, the substance is injected with a fine needle into your desired area of the face, such as the forehead or smile lines area. The substance paralyzes the muscles in the area, smoothing out existing wrinkles and fine lines while preventing new ones from forming.

Botox® is most commonly a cosmetic treatment for things like frown lines, forehead lines, gummy smiles, marionette lines, bunny lines, and crow’s feet. In addition, Botox can treat other non-cosmetic problems, such as excessive sweating, headaches, and even teeth grinding (bruxism).

What are Fillers?

On the other hand, fillers are made of another substance entirely—hyaluronic acid. Your body naturally produces this ingredient, lowering the risk of an allergic reaction occurring upon receiving one of these injectables. Fillers utilize hyaluronic acid to fill in wrinkles, reshape the volume of the lips, increase the volume of your cheeks, fill hollow temples, and improve the shape of the jawline.

Hyaluronic acid is what keeps your skin supple and resilient, but as you age, your body will produce less and less of this substance. This is part of the reason why sagging skin and wrinkles are completely normal as you age.

Fillers often last about 8 to 12 months, but some fillers last several years. The great thing about fillers is that they are temporary. If you’re unsure about a specific surgical procedure, like a facelift or nose job, fillers can mimic the results of those procedures in a temporary, non-invasive way. Over time, your body will dissipate the hyaluronic acid filler and you can decide if you want to go back in for more or let your face return to its natural state.

Although fillers are injected with a fine needle, these injections don’t have to be painful. Your dermatologist can provide topical anesthetic creams to numb the area before treatment. You won’t feel a thing! Immediately after your doctor injects the filler into your desired area, you’ll see results. You’ll likely experience swelling in the area for a couple of days, but it will calm down.

How to Prepare for Botox and Fillers

Our expert team of dermatologists and staff will have an in-depth consultation with you before they recommend any injectables. They’ll analyze your face, discuss your desired results, your specific health needs, and how to prepare for your Botox or fillers appointment. Book your consultation today right here on our website!