Botox vs. Fillers: What’s the Difference?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSimilarities & DifferencesBotox UsesDermal Filler UsesSafety ConsiderationsWhich Is for You?Can You Get Both?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Similarities & Differences

Botox Uses

Dermal Filler Uses

Safety Considerations

Which Is for You?

Can You Get Both?

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and dermal fillers are nonsurgical procedures commonly used for cosmetic purposes, but they are not the same.

Botoxis a neurotoxin made fromClostridium botulinumbacteria. Its cosmetic use includes treating wrinkles and fine lines on the face. However, it is also used medically for overactive bladder,migraines, and certain types of neurological conditions. Different neurotoxin brands, such as Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify, are available on the market.

Dermal fillers have become popular in recent years. They reduce wrinkles and deep lines, fill out the facial features, and help treat acne scars. Different types of dermal fillers are available.

Main Similarities and Differences

Botox and dermal fillers are similar in their method of administration. They are injected directly under the skin at the target area. Both are temporary procedures and need routine visits to maintain the outcomes.

Botox and dermal fillers are different in several ways, including:

What Is Botox Used For?

Botox is made from botulinum toxin and is used for various medical andcosmetic procedures. It blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle movements as a way to improve fine lines.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox to treat the following in people over 18:

The results may be noticed within three to seven days and last three to four months.

What Are Dermal Fillers Used For?

Types of temporary dermal fillers include the following:

They are FDA-approved for use in people over 21 to:

The FDA does not approve using dermal fillers for body feature enhancements such as:

Risks and Safety Considerations

Botox

A major risk factor associated with Botox is the spread of injected toxin from the injection site to other areas. Immediately seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:

Avoid undergoing the procedure if you have bruising or inflammation at the injection site.

Dermal Fillers

Some common side effects areinjection site reactionscausing bruising, pain, and swelling. Other risk factors may include the following:

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms during or shortly after the procedure, such as:

Which Is Right for You?

Multiple factors matter when choosing between Botox and dermal fillers. Discuss with your healthcare provider what is better suited for you. The choice of procedure usually depends on:

A healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, can assess your cosmetic needs and budget to determine a personalized treatment plan.

Can You Get Them Together?

Combining Botox and dermal fillers such as collagen and hyaluronic acid can restore facial appearance through their dual mechanisms of action. In addition, the combined use can increase the duration of the procedure’s effects.

As per FDA guidelines, the safe use of dermal fillers in combination with Botox has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical study.

Summary

Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments to improve skin appearance. Botox improves wrinkles on the face and lasts for three to four months. Botox is also used for medical conditions such as migraine, bladder conditions, and certain neurological disorders.

Dermal fillers enhance the fullness and plumpness of aging skin. They last longer than Botox and require fewer revisits.

11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.OnabotulinumtoxinA injection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Botulinum toxin therapy: overviewDailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lypholized, for solution.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What types of dermal fillers are available?Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers).American Academy of Dermatology:Fillers: overview.Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers do’s and don’ts for wrinkles lips and more.David M, Braccini F, Garcia P, et al.Long-term efficacy and tolerability of a medium G' HA filler with tri-hyal technology on the rejuvenation of the mobile facial zone.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:1795-1805. doi:10.2147/CCID.S395353Kalmanson OA, Misch ES, Terella A.Hyaluronic acid fillers may be longer-lasting than previously described: a case report of delayed filler-associated facial cellulitis.JPRAS Open. 2022;33:37-41. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2022.05.011Master M, Azizeddin A, Master V.Hyaluronic acid filler longevity in the mid-face: a review of 33 magnetic resonance imaging studies.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open.2024;12(7):e5934. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005934Moon H, Fundaro SP, Goh CL, et al.A review on the combined use of soft tissue filler, suspension threads, and botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation.Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(2):147. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_119_20

11 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.OnabotulinumtoxinA injection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Botulinum toxin therapy: overviewDailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lypholized, for solution.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What types of dermal fillers are available?Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers).American Academy of Dermatology:Fillers: overview.Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers do’s and don’ts for wrinkles lips and more.David M, Braccini F, Garcia P, et al.Long-term efficacy and tolerability of a medium G' HA filler with tri-hyal technology on the rejuvenation of the mobile facial zone.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:1795-1805. doi:10.2147/CCID.S395353Kalmanson OA, Misch ES, Terella A.Hyaluronic acid fillers may be longer-lasting than previously described: a case report of delayed filler-associated facial cellulitis.JPRAS Open. 2022;33:37-41. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2022.05.011Master M, Azizeddin A, Master V.Hyaluronic acid filler longevity in the mid-face: a review of 33 magnetic resonance imaging studies.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open.2024;12(7):e5934. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005934Moon H, Fundaro SP, Goh CL, et al.A review on the combined use of soft tissue filler, suspension threads, and botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation.Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(2):147. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_119_20

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

MedlinePlus.OnabotulinumtoxinA injection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Botulinum toxin therapy: overviewDailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lypholized, for solution.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What types of dermal fillers are available?Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers).American Academy of Dermatology:Fillers: overview.Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers do’s and don’ts for wrinkles lips and more.David M, Braccini F, Garcia P, et al.Long-term efficacy and tolerability of a medium G' HA filler with tri-hyal technology on the rejuvenation of the mobile facial zone.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:1795-1805. doi:10.2147/CCID.S395353Kalmanson OA, Misch ES, Terella A.Hyaluronic acid fillers may be longer-lasting than previously described: a case report of delayed filler-associated facial cellulitis.JPRAS Open. 2022;33:37-41. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2022.05.011Master M, Azizeddin A, Master V.Hyaluronic acid filler longevity in the mid-face: a review of 33 magnetic resonance imaging studies.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open.2024;12(7):e5934. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005934Moon H, Fundaro SP, Goh CL, et al.A review on the combined use of soft tissue filler, suspension threads, and botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation.Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(2):147. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_119_20

MedlinePlus.OnabotulinumtoxinA injection.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Botulinum toxin therapy: overview

DailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lypholized, for solution.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What types of dermal fillers are available?

Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers).

American Academy of Dermatology:Fillers: overview.

Food and Drug Administration.Dermal fillers do’s and don’ts for wrinkles lips and more.

David M, Braccini F, Garcia P, et al.Long-term efficacy and tolerability of a medium G' HA filler with tri-hyal technology on the rejuvenation of the mobile facial zone.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:1795-1805. doi:10.2147/CCID.S395353

Kalmanson OA, Misch ES, Terella A.Hyaluronic acid fillers may be longer-lasting than previously described: a case report of delayed filler-associated facial cellulitis.JPRAS Open. 2022;33:37-41. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2022.05.011

Master M, Azizeddin A, Master V.Hyaluronic acid filler longevity in the mid-face: a review of 33 magnetic resonance imaging studies.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open.2024;12(7):e5934. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005934

Moon H, Fundaro SP, Goh CL, et al.A review on the combined use of soft tissue filler, suspension threads, and botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation.Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(2):147. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_119_20

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