Botox vs. filler: which one do you actually need?

Here’s the short version: Botox softens lines caused by movement. Filler restores volume and smooths lines that are there even when your face is relaxed. Most of the confusion comes from the fact that both are quick, injectable and done in the same chair.

The easiest way to tell which one your concern needs is to look in the mirror with a relaxed face, then make the expression. If the line mostly shows up when you frown, squint or raise your brows, that’s movement. If it’s there at rest, or an area looks hollow or flat, that’s usually volume.

What Botox does

Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators. Tiny doses relax the specific muscles that crease your skin when you make expressions, so the skin above them stays smoother.

• Best for: forehead lines, the “11s” between your brows, crow’s feet, a lip flip, and jaw clenching.
• Results: start in a few days, peak around two weeks, and typically last 3 to 4 months.
• Downtime: none. Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes.

What filler does

Dermal fillers are usually made of hyaluronic acid, a sugar your skin already makes that holds onto water. Placed carefully, it restores volume, supports structure, and smooths deeper creases.

• Best for: lips, cheeks, under-eye hollows, smile lines, chin, and jawline.
• Results: visible right away, settling over about two weeks, and typically lasting 6 to 18 months depending on the area.
• Downtime: possible swelling or bruising for a few days.

Side by side

When you need both

Lots of faces benefit from a little of each. A deep line between the brows, for example, can come from both movement and lost volume. Botox quiets the muscle and a small amount of filler softens the crease that’s left. We’ll always explain why before recommending more than one treatment.

Where to start

Book a consult. We’ll look at your face at rest and in motion, talk about the result you want, and give you an honest plan. If the answer is “neither yet,” we’ll tell you that too.