Botox vs. Fillers: What’s the Difference & Which Is Right for You?
If you're considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments to enhance your appearance, you’ve likely come across Botox and dermal fillers. While both are injectable treatments designed to reduce the signs of aging, they serve different purposes. At Elevate + Co. we educate our patients on these varying treatments. We believe that understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your aesthetic goals.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes muscles. It’s primarily used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles—lines that form due to repetitive facial movements like frowning, smiling, or squinting. While static wrinkles are wrinkles that stay etched into the skin even at rest.
Commonly Asked Questions About Botox:
What areas can Botox treat? Botox is most commonly used for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). However, botox can be strategically used to target other muscles of the lower face and neck.
How long does Botox last? Results typically last between 3 to 4 months, after which retreatment is needed to maintain the effects. The duration is directly related to the dosing of units used in each other.
Does Botox hurt? Most patients report minimal discomfort, often describing the sensation as a small pinch. The needles used at our practice are tiny ones that diabetics use everyday for their insulin injections.
How long does it take to see results? You’ll start noticing results within 3 to 5 days, with full effects visible in about two weeks.
Is Botox safe? When administered by a trained professional, Botox is FDA-approved and considered safe.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances (mostly made from hyaluronic acid) injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Botox, fillers do not relax muscles but instead add plumpness and structure to specific areas.
Commonly Asked Questions About Fillers:
Where can fillers be used? Fillers are commonly used for plumping lips, enhancing cheeks, smoothing nasolabial folds (smile lines), and defining the jawline.
How long do fillers last? Depending on the type of filler and treatment area, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Do fillers look natural? When administered by a skilled injector, fillers can provide a subtle and natural-looking enhancement. At Elevate + Co., our priority is to respect patients’ anatomy and deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. (NO DUCK LIPS HERE!!)
Are fillers painful? Most fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort, and providers often use numbing cream to enhance patient comfort. Depending on the treatment area, a topical numbing or a dental block will be applied.
Are fillers reversible? Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. This is something we carry in our office 24/7 for patient safety.
Botox vs. Fillers: Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your aesthetic concerns:
For wrinkles caused by facial expressions (forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines) → Botox is the best option.
For loss of volume and contouring (cheeks, lips, under eyes, jawline) → Dermal fillers are more suitable.
For a full-face rejuvenation → Many patients opt for a combination of both Botox and fillers for optimal results. Full-facial balancing yields the most youthful and natural looking results.
Final Thoughts
Both Botox and dermal fillers are excellent treatments for achieving a youthful, refreshed appearance without surgery. Consulting with an experienced provider is essential to ensure the best results tailored to your unique needs. If you're ready to enhance your natural beauty, schedule a consultation with our wonderful providers at Elevate + Co. today!
Interested in learning more about Botox and fillers? Contact us or book an appointment today! elevateandcomke.myaestheticrecord.com/online-booking
