“Botox” is the brand name most people use for a class of injectable treatments called neuromodulators. These products contain a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily relaxes specific muscles. When those muscles contract less strongly, the dynamic wrinkles they create — think frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet — soften and become much less noticeable.

The injector places very small amounts of Botox into carefully chosen facial muscles with a fine needle. Over a few days, the Botox blocks signals between nerves and muscles, so the muscle can’t contract as strongly. You still move and express, but the skin doesn’t crease as deeply with each expression.

Typical Botox treatment areas

• Horizontal forehead lines
• Frown lines between the brows (the “11s”)
• Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
• Bunny lines on the nose
• Downturned mouth corners, “gummy” smile, dimpled chin
• Masseter muscles (for jawline slimming and teeth grinding, in some cases)

Results usually appear gradually over 3–14 days and often last around 3–4 months before muscle movement fully returns, although this can vary by person and area.

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth folds, and contour the face. Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) — a sugar that naturally exists in your skin and draws in water — but there are also longer-lasting options made from calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and other materials.

Instead of affecting muscle movement, fillers act like a subtle internal support. They can lift sagging areas, fill deep creases (like nasolabial folds), and sculpt features such as cheeks, jawline, or lips. Many people use filler to address the hollow, “deflated” changes that come with age or weight loss.

Common filler treatment areas

• Cheeks and midface for lift and contour
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines
• Lips (volume, shape, or definition)
• Chin and jawline
• Under-eye hollows (tear troughs), in suitable candidates
• Temples and other areas of volume loss

Depending on the filler type and where it’s placed, results can last roughly 6–24 months, sometimes longer with certain formulations and areas.

Botox pricing

Usually priced per unit or area

Many clinics charge per “unit” of Botox, or a flat rate per area (like forehead or crow’s feet). Broadly, in markets like North America, a single treatment session for multiple areas often lands in the hundreds of dollars. Smaller treatments (for a very specific area) may cost less; larger, multi-area sessions may cost more.

Filler pricing

Usually priced per syringe

Dermal fillers are typically priced per syringe (1 mL). A full, natural-looking result often requires more than one syringe, especially for cheeks or jawline. Depending on the product and region, one session can range from the low hundreds to well over a thousand in local currency, particularly for premium or longer-lasting fillers.

Value vs longevity

Thinking beyond the sticker price

Botox is often cheaper per appointment but needs repeating every few months. Fillers have a higher up-front cost but can last 6–18+ months, so the cost per month of visible effect can sometimes be similar or even lower, depending on the plan your injector designs with you.

You mainly see lines when you move

If your biggest complaint is “my forehead wrinkles when I raise my brows” or “I hate my frown lines when I squint,” then your issue is primarily dynamic wrinkles.

In that case, Botox or another neuromodulator is usually the first choice to soften the movement that’s etching those lines into the skin.

You see folds, shadows, or “deflation” at rest

If you notice deep smile lines even when you’re not smiling, hollow under-eyes, a flatter midface, or jowls starting to form, that is often about volume loss and sagging.

Here, dermal fillers are usually more effective than Botox. They can lift and fill the area so light bounces more evenly across your face.

You want full-face rejuvenation

Many people have a mix of movement lines and volume loss. In this case, the most natural results usually come from a combination of Botox and filler — relaxing key muscles and restoring strategic volume rather than overfilling one area.

An experienced injector will map out your face, prioritize your concerns, and suggest a staged approach instead of doing everything at once.

1. Consultation and facial assessment
   Your provider reviews your medical history, listens to your concerns, and examines your facial structure at rest and in motion. Together, you agree on priorities, budget, and an initial plan.
2. Photos and consent
   Many clinics take “before” photos and review consent forms outlining benefits, risks, and aftercare instructions.
3. Preparation
   The area is cleaned. A numbing cream may be applied, especially for filler or sensitive areas like the lips. Botox injections are usually quick and often need only ice or gentle distraction.
4. Injection
   Using a fine needle or cannula, the injector places Botox into specific muscles or gently layers filler into the targeted areas. You may feel brief pinches, pressure, or a stinging sensation.
5. Immediate aftercare
   You might see small bumps, mild redness, or bruising. Most people go back to normal daily activities right away, with guidelines such as “no heavy exercise or lying flat for a few hours” after Botox and “avoid pressure or massage” after filler unless instructed.
6. Follow-up
   Some clinics schedule a follow-up visit (especially for Botox) to check results and make small adjustments if needed once everything has settled.

Common, usually mild effects

• Redness, swelling, or small bumps at injection sites
• Bruising or tenderness for a few days
• Temporary asymmetry or slight unevenness while things settle
• Headache after Botox in some people

Less common but more serious

• Excessive muscle relaxation or “frozen” look from too much Botox
• Drooping eyelid or brow if Botox diffuses into nearby muscles
• Nodules, lumps, or visible filler if placed too superficially
• Allergic reactions or infection at injection sites

Rare but urgent (especially with filler)

Very rarely, filler can block a blood vessel. This is an emergency and can threaten skin or vision. Early warning signs can include:

• Severe, sudden pain in the treated area
• Sudden blanching (whitening) or dusky discoloration of the skin
• Visual changes or vision loss

If you experience these, you should seek urgent medical help immediately according to local emergency guidance.

Which lasts longer: Botox or filler?

In general, filler lasts longer. Botox typically needs repeating every 3–4 months to maintain full effect, while many hyaluronic acid fillers last around 6–18 months depending on the product, area, and your metabolism. Some specialty fillers can last even longer under the right conditions.

Is Botox a filler?

No. Botox is not a filler. Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles; fillers are gels that add volume. They’re both injectables, but they act on completely different parts of the face — muscles vs space under the skin.

Can you have Botox and filler at the same time?

Yes, many treatment plans combine Botox and fillers in a single visit or in stages. This can address both dynamic wrinkles and volume loss for a more balanced, natural look. Your provider will decide the best order and timing for your specific case.

Will filler stretch my skin or make me look worse later?

When used conservatively by an experienced injector, filler is designed to support soft tissue, not stretch it. Problems typically arise from overfilling or poor technique, not from filler itself. Choosing a provider who prioritizes natural proportions is more important than choosing a specific brand.

How do I know I’m ready for injectables?

There’s no “right age” for Botox or filler. Some start in their late 20s or 30s to prevent or soften early lines; others wait until volume loss becomes more obvious. A good test: if a specific feature genuinely bothers you in photos or daily life, and skincare alone can’t address it, a consultation can help you understand your options — including non-injectable ones.