Botox® & Fillers: What’s the Difference?

As plastic surgery gets more popular, more people are asking questions around various procedures, treatments, methods, and more. Here at Midsota Plastic Surgery, we have found that men and women are especially interested in non-surgical and injectable treatments. For example, a lot of our patients ask the question, “What’s the difference between Botox and a filler?”

This is a good question to ask because it isn’t initially clear what the difference are between Botox and dermal fillers. “Are they the same thing?” you ask. No, while both are injectables, Botox and fillers are not the same.

What Is Botox? What Are Fillers?

Surely, if they both treated the same exact problems there would be no need to differentiate between them? That’s true, and that’s why there is a clear difference in what these treatments target. Botox (for cosmetic injections) was designed to combat active wrinkles. In other words, wrinkles that are caused by muscle fibers in the face that are constantly in action. On the other hand, fillers were designed to combat static wrinkles—wrinkles that don’t occur because of movement or tension—as well as volume loss.

Whereas Botox is primarily used on the upper face, including forehead furrows, crow’s feet, and frown lines, fillers are used more prominently used to restore volume to the lower face, including under eye hollows, gaunt cheeks, laugh and smile lines. Fillers are also the go-to choice for plumping the lips and restoring the area around the mouth (such as smoker’s lines).

How Does Botox Work? How Do Fillers Work?

Botox takes advantage of botulinum toxins to relax muscles from contracting and thus creating wrinkles. Dermal fillers are a bit more varied but work to achieve the same goal: restore youthful features by adding volume.

The most popular fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule. Juvéderm®, Juvéderm® Voluma, Belotero® are examples of hyaluronic acid fillers. Other fillers, like Radiesse®, actually restore facial volume while stimulating the production of your own collagen.

How Long Does Botox Last? And fillers?

Botox typically lasts between three and four months. While most fillers last around six months to one year—some, like Radiesse longer than others (which tends to last one year and more) (*).

Is Botox right for you? Or, are fillers what you need? It is important to consult with an experienced injector before you make your decision. You may even be surprised to find that you can benefit from a combination of the two!

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