Published on February 21, 2023
Botox and fillers are both used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Both also involve injections. So it’s perfectly understandable why many people mistake one for the other.
But aside from using different types of substances, botox and fillers also works in different ways. Some people may benefit more from getting fillers, while others may find botox more to their liking.
So, which is better: fillers or botox?
It depends on your needs and preferences. Fillers and botox are both effective anti-aging treatments in their own ways. But they address different types of aging-related issues and have different side effects.
To help you gauge what type of treatment is best for you, we made this quick comparison of fillers vs. botox.
What are Fillers?
Fillers or dermal fillers are substances injected under the skin to “fill it in” and restore its lost volume. This plumps up your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.
You see, as we age, our body produces less collagen. This protein provides our skin with structure and elasticity. With less collagen, our skin becomes less elastic, leading to creases and wrinkles. It slowly loses its structure too, causing it to sag.
Most injectable fillers are designed to boost your body’s collagen production. As your body produces more of it, your skin will also slowly regain its lost volume and structure.
Aside from restoring your skin’s volume, fillers also offer the following benefits:
- reduce vertical lip lines
- plumps the lips
- smooths out chin creases
- improve facial contours
- lifts up sagging skin
- restores volume to sunken cheeks
- improves facial symmetry
There are different types of facial fillers, but the most common ones are:
- hyaluronic acid (HA)
- poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
- calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
- polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Your medical provider can help you determine which of these best suits your needs.
What is Botox?
Botox uses a purified version of botulinum toxin, a type of neurotoxin that relaxes the muscles. When injected into your skin, it blocks the nerve signals that cause your muscles to contract. This prevents them from moving, which in turn, prevents your skin from wrinkling.
Because they’re so effective at preventing creases and wrinkles, botox is typically used to get rid of:
- forehead lines
- crow’s feet
- smile lines
- frown lines
Aside from preventing age lines, botox is also used to treat:
- lazy eye
- hyperhidrosis
- cervical dystonia
- eye twitching
- chronic migraine
What’s the Difference Between Botox and Fillers?
Aside from being injected into the skin, botox and fillers have nothing more in common. They’re as different as night and day.
That said, there are two main differences between botox and fillers:
1. How they work
As I said, dermal fillers work by restoring the skin’s volume and plumpness. While botox relaxes the muscles to prevent the skin from creasing and wrinkling.
2. The aging problem they’re targeting
While both procedures make you look younger, they target different aging-related problems.
Botox is typically used to improve the appearance of dramatic facial lines such as crow’s feet, frown lines, smile lines, and forehead lines.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, restore volume and elasticity to your skin. It makes your cheeks, chin, and lips look fuller, giving you more defined facial features.
Do Fillers Hurt More Than Botox?
In general, yes, fillers do hurt more than botox. But it’s still relatively painless compared to invasive surgical procedures.
You see, botox relaxes the muscles. Plus, it’s injected into the muscles rather than under the skin. So unless you’re not fond of needles, you won’t feel anything more than slight discomfort.
Meanwhile, dermal fillers are injected under the skin. That’s where most nerve endings are located. Plus, it fills your skin and stretches it out. Some parts of your face, like your lips and your eyes, tend to be really sensitive. So when stretched out, it can be painful.
Some types of injectable fillers also contain lidocaine, a type of anesthetic. This reduces whatever pain the injectables may bring.
Fillers vs. Botox: Side Effects
Like most cosmetic procedures, both fillers and botox also have their side effects.
Fillers
Though side effects from injectable fillers are relatively rare, some patients have reported:
- bruises
- swelling
- itching
- tenderness
- rashing
- pain
- redness
Botox
Some of the most common side effects of botox are:
- bruising and swelling at the injection site
- tingling pain
- droopy eyelids
- drooling
- eye irritation
- crooked smile
- headache
- flu-like symptoms
In very rare cases where the toxin spreads throughout the body, you may also feel more severe side effects like:
- loss of bladder control
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- muscle weakness
- breathing problems
Which Lasts Longer?
When it comes to results, fillers last longer than botox. In general, you can enjoy the benefits of dermal fillers from nine months to two years. While botox effects can only last anywhere from three to four months.
So, Which is Better?
Comparing botox and dermal fillers will be like comparing apples and oranges. They may make you look younger but in different ways. So instead of choosing which is better, why don’t you use them together? They not only complement each other but using both together also prolong their effects.
Experience Boca’s Favorite Med Spa
Aesthet House Med Spa is Boca Raton’s favorite source for advanced beauty treatments like microneedling, facials, dermal fillers, and more. Our services help you achieve a youthful and natural look. Treat wrinkles and dark spots with the latest advancements in beauty treatments. Our licensed staff are vetted and trained for your guaranteed satisfaction. Contact us to request a free in-person consultation today.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio has been writing about health and beauty topics for years. As an experienced writer, she makes sure to only use information from reputable sources and peer-reviewed studies. Her writing has also appeared on various US-based sites.
