Experts Explain The Difference Between Filler VS Botulinum Toxin 

Filler and Botulinum Toxin are both popular cosmetic treatments used to address signs of aging, but they work in different ways and target different concerns.

Both treatments can help reduce signs of aging by smoothing facial lines. Dermal fillers can also add fullness to the face or hands and help with scarring. Plus, other versions of Botulinum Toxin have many other medical uses beyond wrinkles.

What is Botulinum Toxin ?

Botulinum Toxin may help to correct dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet around the eyes and horizontal lines on the forehead.

Botulinum Toxin is a purified form of the botulinum toxin that is obtained from bacteria. Though it is deadly in larger amounts, the tiny, regulated amount of Botulinum Toxin given to correct wrinkles has been used safely for decades.

Botulinum Toxin works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

Botulinum Toxin  and other treatments made with botulinum toxin are sometimes called neuromodulators or neurotoxins.

What Is Filler?

Dermal and volumizing fillers are cosmetic gels commonly made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which binds to water to restore volume, says Dr. Hibler. The volume essentially plumps the face and therefore helps fills out any lines or improve the appearance of sagging in the skin.

Fillers are best for addressing volume loss and folds on the face. They help with lines present at rest — like nasolabial folds or marionette lines — and help restore structure and volume to the cheeks, mid-face, or lips. They are also used to define certain features, like the nose, jawline, or chin, or to soften shadowing under the eyes.

Here's an explanation of the key differences between the two treatments:

Composition and Mechanism of Action:

Filler: Filler injections typically contain hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or other substances. They work by adding volume to areas of the face that have lost elasticity and volume due to aging or other factors. Fillers "fill in" wrinkles, lines, and hollow areas, restoring a more youthful appearance.

Botulinum Toxin : Botulinum Toxin , on the other hand, is a brand name for a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A. It works by temporarily paralyzing or relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines. By preventing muscle contractions, Botulinum Toxin smooths out wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming.

Targeted Areas:

Filler: Dermal fillers are most commonly used to correct sagging or loss of plumpness in the face, neck, and jowl area. They can be used for a variety of cosmetic reasons, ranging from enhancing the lips to reducing the appearance of recessed scarring to filling in shallow areas on the face.

If you’d like to improve the look of sleep wrinkles, laugh lines, lip lines, or any deep folds from the undereye down, then dermal filler treatments are the way to go.

Botulinum Toxin : Over time, we all get wrinkles created by repeated muscle movements in the face area — also known as “expression lines.” These dynamic wrinkles are caused by expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting over time.

Botulinum Toxin injections are used to temporarily lessen the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes, forehead creases, and lines between your eyebrows. For best results, you’ll need to come back for a touch-up around every three to four months.

Duration of Results:

Filler: The duration of results with fillers varies depending on the type of filler used and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, results can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Botulinum Toxin : Botulinum Toxin injections typically provide results that last for about three to four months. Over time, the effects gradually wear off as the muscle activity returns.

Treatment Experience:

Filler: Filler injections may involve some discomfort, but numbing agents are often applied beforehand to minimize pain. Results are usually immediate, although there may be some swelling or bruising initially.

Botulinum Toxin : Botulinum Toxin injections are relatively quick and minimally invasive. Discomfort is usually mild, and there's no downtime required after the procedure. It may take a few days to see the full effects of Botulinum Toxin .

Cost:

Filler: The cost of filler treatments varies depending on the type and amount of filler used, as well as the provider's expertise and location. Generally, filler injections are priced per syringe.

Botulinum Toxin : Similarly, the cost of Botulinum Toxin injections depends on factors such as the number of units required and the provider's fees. Botulinum Toxin is typically priced per unit.

Which is better – Botulinum Toxin or Fillers?

When it comes to dermal fillers vs. Botulinum Toxin , the best option for you depends on the areas you’re looking to treat, aesthetic goals, budget, and risk factors. As with all cosmetic treatments, no product is likely to be a one-size-fits-all solution. 

You may need both of these injections to get the results you’re looking for, or you might choose to have a surgical procedure for longer-lasting results instead.

Generally, dermal fillers are better fitted to treat static, or non-muscular, wrinkles. They can also be used to improve textured skin, depressions, and deep-set wrinkles. Fillers can also tackle issues that Botulinum Toxin simply can’t. 

For example, Botulinum Toxin can’t be injected into the lips. Limiting the movement of your lips with a neuromodulator wouldn’t lead to a positive functional outcome.

Botulinum Toxin is better for dynamic wrinkles because they’re caused by movement. By limiting this movement, future wrinkles and fine lines aren’t allowed to develop. 

Preventative injections work to stop wrinkle formation before it begins; Botulinum Toxin also works effectively on wrinkles and fine lines that have already formed.

Final:

Botulinum Toxin and dermal fillers are both nonsurgical cosmetic procedures that help reduce signs of aging, but the similarities stop there.

Botulinum Toxin is one of a range of neuromodulators on the market. These neurotoxins are injected into the facial muscle, relaxing it in a way that reduces dynamic wrinkles from facial movement.

Fillers are injected into the skin to plump and smooth static wrinkles.

But it’s common to get fillers and neuromodulators at the same time, as the two procedures target different areas of concern and work well together to reduce overall signs of aging. Both procedures are generally considered safe, but — as with all procedures — come with some risks and potential side effects. A qualified professional should always inject Botulinum Toxin and fillers.