Facial Filler or Botox? 20 Things to Know to Help You Decide

It seems like almost everyone is getting Botox or fillers these days. With celebrities and reality stars being more open about their cosmetic treatments, it’s no surprise that injectables are on the rise. Our bodies and faces naturally change with age, and these treatments can help us maintain our youth. While Botox fixes fine lines and wrinkles, facial fillers can be used to help lift and support areas in the face that have lost volume. They’re both effective for different purposes, but before electing to have any type of cosmetic treatment, it’s important to understand what the process entails and if there are any risks. Wondering whether to get facial filler or Botox? Here’s what you need to know.

Facial Filler or Botox: What’s the Difference?

Botox and facial fillers are both types of injectables, which means they’re both injected with a needle. The first thing you should know is that Botox is a brand, not a treatment. The actual treatment is called a neuromodulator and may be done with different brands, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau.

Botox temporarily relaxes muscle movement by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter responsible for smoothing fine lines or contracting certain muscles). When strategically injected in the face, Botox helps smooth out existing lines and inhibits movement that can leave deeper wrinkles over time. Botox works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement (dynamic wrinkles), often called “expression lines”. The most common dynamic wrinkles Botox treats are lines on the upper face, including forehead lines, “11” lines between the brows, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are caused by frowning, smiling, squinting, and other facial expressions.

Facial fillers, also called dermal and volumizing fillers, are cosmetic gels commonly made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that binds to water to restore volume. The volume helps plump the face and fill out any lines or improve the appearance of sagging skin. As we get older, our body produces less collagen and elastin. These are responsible for turning over our skin cells and building the structures that keep our skin tight and lifted. The depletion of collagen and elastin means our skin starts to sag, so dermal fillers are used to help restore and sculpt areas on the face.

As a side by side comparison, Botox is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles, while facial fillers will fill in wrinkles.

10 Pros & Cons of Facial Filler

Pros

1. 1. Address volume loss and folds on the face

1. Help restore structure and volume to cheeks, mid-face, or lips
2. Define certain features, such as the nose, jawline, or chin
3. Fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
4. Appointments are quick and relatively painless
5. Doesn’t require surgery or downtime
6. HA-based fillers are easy to reverse- they can be dissolved if you want to change the look
7. Can help restore collagen- may stimulate your body’s natural ability to produce more collagen

Cons

1. Potential side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and a rash.
2. They’re not permanent. Eventually your body processes and gets rid of the fillers, meaning you need touch-up treatments to maintain the effect. Fillers typically last anywhere from six months to two years.

10 Pros & Cons of Botox

Pros

1. Less worried or tired appearance
2. Smoother looking skin
3. Increased confidence
4. Little pain and no downtime
5. Results are quick (you’ll see them within two to seven days, although it takes about two weeks to see the full result)
6. Makes your skin care routine more effective- smooths your fine lines and helps products go on more easily
7. Can also treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, underarm sweating, neck spasms, overactive bladders, and lazy eyes

Cons

1. 1. There are some risks involved including swelling, bruising, redness, and headache, as well as temporary ptosis (drooping of the eye)

1. Temporary results- generally only lasts about three to six months
2. It’s costly- paying for Botox several times a year doesn’t come cheap!

So, Which One Is Right For Me?

Botox and filler both come with their own set of risks and advantages, but they’re not really used for the same thing. If you’re considering getting facial filler or Botox, ask yourself what your main goal is. They’re both very effective injectables so it all depends on the look you want to achieve. If you want to smooth fine lines and prevent deep-set wrinkles from forming, Botox is the way to go. Fillers, on the other hand, are amazing for restoring lost volume, such as smile lines. Another way of thinking of it? Lines of expression need botox, lines at rest need facial filler.

Working with a board-certified injector is key as they will help you choose the best route for your needs and facial features. We highly recommend going for a consultation before you book a treatment to get all of your questions answered and see whether the injector has any advice for you.

Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses. They can be combined in one treatment for more enhanced results. For example, someone may use Botox to correct their forehead lines and a filler to plump up their lips. To restore a youthful appearance, injectors will pair Botox with fillers. Remember- the easiest way to avoid any negative side effects is by finding a qualified, board-certified physician to do your injectables.

Facial filler and Botox are both effective injectables that can help you achieve a more youthful look. We hope this post helped you decide which one is best for you!

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