Botox Vs. Filler: How They Work And What You Can Use Them For

If we had a dollar for every time we heard someone mix up Botox and fillers, we’d have…enough dollars for a shopping spree at Harry Winston. 

Ok, we’re exaggerating. But you know something? We get why people mix up Botox and filler, or talk about them interchangeably. The treatment formats are similar–they’re both injectables that wear off after a period of several months. If you don’t know very much about advanced beauty treatments, you might think they’re the same thing. But Botox and filler are really different. In this blog, we’re comparing two of the most popular advanced beauty treatments out there so you can choose between them–and talk about them–with confidence. 

‍

What is Botox?

‍

Botox–also available under other brand names like Dysport–is a substance that causes localized temporary muscle paralysis. Keeping the muscle temporarily frozen relaxes the look of wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming when used consistently.

‍

What concerns and areas does Botox treat?

Botox is used to treat wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. But it can also: 

• Lift the eyes/eyebrows
• Relax the top lip
• Treat TMJ and slim the look of the masseter muscle in the jaw
• Treat tension headaches and migraines

‍

What is dermal filler?

Dermal filler is available under several brand names (Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse) and in different textures. Hyaluronic acid fillers are softer, while calcium fillers are firmer and mimic the look of bone. Fillers do what their name suggests–they fill an area and add volume.

‍

What concerns and areas does dermal filler treat?

Dermal filler treats volume loss and can be used to amplify the following features:

• Lips
• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• Temples

‍

So to sum up, Botox treats wrinkles and can be used to relax muscles, slimming down the jaw and lifting the eye area. Filler treats volume loss and is used to plump up or define features like lips, jaw, cheeks, and temples. 

‍

Which one is right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to injectables. How we age is determined by several factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking. Just because your friends are getting Botox as soon as they turn 27 doesn’t mean you should, too. Some people sag before they wrinkle, and other people wrinkle before they sag. And you may also be bothered more by one problem than the other. You might want filler in your temple instead of getting forehead Botox. Or you may want to use both treatments at once!

Plus, these treatments don’t just fix problem areas. They can also be used to amplify or change a feature just because you want to try something new. You may not have forehead wrinkles yet, but you want to get a fox eye lift for a different look. You may like your lips how they are, but you want to play around with a fuller silhouette for a little while and see how it changes your overall face. You can use Botox and filler like makeup: to temporarily and safely amplify a feature and express yourself!

‍

So now you now the difference between the two most popular injectable beauty treatments. If you’re interested in getting one or both of them, consider a consultation with a nurse injector or other qualified provider. In the Upkeep app, you can schedule a free consultation with an expert, so that you can make your treatment choice with confidence. We have a comprehensive vetting process, so all the providers in our network are the real deal. Once you’re ready to book your appointment, Upkeep has same day and next day appointments available–right there in the app, at the tap of a finger! 

‍

Ready for a more beautiful you? Download Upkeep today!

‍