What Is the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?

Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments.

Both are administered as injections and offer women and men a way to combat wrinkles and other signs of aging, without surgery.

Despite these similarities, Botox and dermal fillers should not be confused with one another and cannot be used interchangeably. That’s because these two treatments have distinct mechanisms of actions and indications.

So, what’s the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A. It is a purified neurotoxin that is injected into muscles and glands for cosmetic and medical uses.

Botox, along with Dysport and Xeomin, is commonly referred to as a neuromodulator, as it blocks nerve signals and temporarily paralyzes selected facial muscles.

This activity results in a softening, reduction, or elimination of lines and wrinkles.

Which Cosmetic Concerns Can Botox Address?

Botox is FDA-approved for the correction of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines (11’s between the eyes). Leading injectors like those at Cultura are often able to treat other expression lines off-label.

That being said, Botox is indicated for dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated facial movements like squinting or frowning. However, Botox and other neuromodulators are not able to act on lines that are due to skin laxity or loss of collagen, elastin, and fat.

What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers, are cosmetic injectables that are administered beneath the skin to restore volume and enhance facial contours.

They are comprised of a variety of substances including hyaluronic acid (Restylane and Juvederm), poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), and PMMA microspheres (Bellafill).

Depending on the ingredient, fillers may plump skin by attracting and holding moisture, stimulating collagen, or other volumizing effects. Results can last from 6 -24 months.

Which Cosmetic Concerns Can Fillers Correct?

Unlike Botox, dermal fillers are able to correct static wrinkles that are related to volume loss and thinning skin, which commonly occur around the cheeks, lips, and mouth.

More specifically, fillers offer non-surgical facial rejuvenation by augmenting thinning lips, combatting hollowness under the eyes and temples, decreasing dark circles, lifting and plumping deflated cheeks, and filling-in acne scars, and softening folds and lines on the lower face.

If you are still wondering what is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers, contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly-skilled and talented injectors.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.