Dermal Fillers vs Botox: Which Treatment Fits You?

Introduction

At Bayswater Dental Clinic, we offer both dermal fillers and Botox (anti-wrinkle injections) to help you look refreshed and elegant. Though both are injectables used in aesthetic facial treatments, they operate differently and suit different types of wrinkles or volume loss. Understanding the distinctions will help you and our clinician choose the most appropriate plan.

Benefits of Each Treatment

Dermal Fillers

Restore lost volume in cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas.
Smooth static (resting) folds and deep lines.
Immediate visible effect.
Many formulations are reversible (via enzyme).
Long durability in many regions.

Botox (Anti-wrinkle Injections)

Reduces dynamic (movement) lines by relaxing facial muscles.
Effective for forehead creases, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
Prevents lines from worsening with repetitive motion.
Minimal intrusion, quick procedure.

Sometimes the optimal solution is a combination of both — using Botox to relax movement lines and filler to replace lost volume.

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How Each Treatment Works (Treatment Process)

Consultation & assessment

We begin by reviewing your facial anatomy, photo records, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. We determine which lines are dynamic (caused by muscle action) and which are static (present at rest), then recommend Botox, filler, or a mix.

Preparation

After cleansing and marking treatment zones, we may apply a topical numbing agent to enhance comfort.

Botox injections

Botox is injected into specific facial muscles to limit their contraction. Over the next few days, those muscles relax, softening expression lines.

Filler injections

Using very fine needles or cannulas, we place filler under targeted skin areas—like nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks, or marionette lines—to lift and smooth.

Adjustment & review

We check symmetry immediately and may make small refinements. You’ll see early outcomes right away and final results as swelling subsides.

Typical duration

Botox sessions usually take 10–20 minutes for the treated areas, while combining with fillers typically extends the appointment to 30–60 minutes in total.

Aftercare

Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying heavy pressure over treated areas for at least 12 hours.
Refrain from strenuous exercise, sauna use, or prolonged heat exposure for 24–48 hours.
Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications for one day.
Sleep with your head elevated the first night if possible.
Avoid intense sun exposure and tanning beds for several days.
Use gentle skincare; delay chemical peels, harsh facials or exfoliants for one week.
Mild swelling, redness or bruising is normal and should subside in a few days.

If you observe unusual pain, lumps, or changes in colour, contact us immediately.

Suitability

Good candidates include those who:

Are in good general health.
Want to soften dynamic lines (Botox) or restore facial volume (filler).
Have realistic expectations.

Reasons you might be unsuitable:

Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area.
Allergies to product components.
Certain bleeding disorders or use of high-risk medications.

We always screen your health history before recommending any treatment.

Alternatives & Complementary Options

Chemical peels or laser resurfacing: These improve skin tone and texture but don’t restore volume.
Thread lifts: Provide mild lifting without filler.
Fat grafting: Uses your own tissue to replace lost volume (more invasive and longer recovery).
Skincare and medical-grade topical treatments: Can help maintain and support aesthetic results.

In many cases, a combination of treatments yields the most natural and balanced result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lasts longer — Botox or fillers?

Botox typically lasts 3 to 6 months, while many fillers can endure 6 to 18 months or more depending on the product and area.
Can they be used together?

Yes — many patients benefit from both. Botox controls movement lines; fillers restore structure. They’re often complementary, not competing.
Do the injections hurt?

Discomfort is generally mild. We use numbing agents and gentle techniques to ensure your comfort.
Are results visible immediately?

Filler effects are largely visible right away, though some swelling may obscure the final look. Botox takes a few days to fully manifest.
Can fillers be reversed?

Yes — many hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if needed.
What common side effects exist?

Mild swelling, bruising, redness or tenderness may occur. Rare complications are very unlikely when treatment is performed by a trained clinician.