While dermal fillers and neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic often share the same goal (facial rejuvenation), their approach is fundamentally different. BOTOX and other neuromodulators temporarily reduce targeted muscle activity to soften expression lines, while dermal fillers add or restore volume to temporarily enhance facial contours and improve certain lines and folds.
At Jade MediSpa, we offer several neuromodulators, including BOTOX, Dysport®, DAXXIFY®, and Jeuveau®, along with a range of dermal fillers. The right choice depends on what you want to treat. In some cases, combining the two approaches can provide complementary results.
BOTOX vs. Fillers at a Glance
| BOTOX & Other Neuromodulators | Dermal Fillers | |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Temporarily reduce targeted muscle activity | Temporarily add or restore volume beneath the skin; some products also stimulate collagen |
| Best suited for | Expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement | Volume loss, facial contouring, and certain static lines and folds |
| Common treatment areas | Forehead, between the brows, around the eyes, and other areas based on the treatment plan | Cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, under-eyes, temples, and lines around the mouth, depending on the product |
| When results appear | Usually within several days, with full effects developing over time | Often visible immediately, although results continue to settle |
| How long results last | Typically several months, depending on the product, treatment area, and individual response | Several months to 2 years or longer, depending on the filler and treatment area |
| Can they be combined? | Yes. Neuromodulators and fillers can address different concerns during the same overall treatment plan. | Yes. Neuromodulators and fillers can address different concerns during the same overall treatment plan. |
What Is the Difference Between BOTOX and Fillers?
BOTOX and similar treatments, including Dysport, DAXXIFY, and Jeuveau, are neuromodulators. They temporarily reduce the nerve signals that cause targeted muscles to contract. As the muscles relax, expression lines caused by repeated facial movements can soften and become less noticeable.
Dermal fillers work differently by adding or restoring volume beneath the skin, often to physically “fill” in the lines and folds. Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, but a few others, such as Sculptra® and RADIESSE®, fall into a class of biostimulators that prompt the skin to produce more collagen and elastin for smoother, plumper skin over time. Depending on the product, fillers can smooth certain lines and folds, restore age-related volume loss, or enhance areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin, and jawline.
The two types of injectables also differ in how long their effects last. BOTOX results typically last about 3 to 4 months, while dermal filler results may last several months to 2 years or longer, depending on the product, treatment area, and individual response.
Can You Get BOTOX and Fillers at the Same Time?
Yes, BOTOX and dermal fillers are complementary facial rejuvenation treatments, and you can often combine them at the same appointment. They are so effective together that they’ve even earned their own nickname: the liquid facelift.
Combining neuromodulators with fillers can address multiple signs of facial aging in a single treatment plan. Neuromodulators can soften expression lines and, when strategically placed, create a subtle lifting effect in areas such as the brows. Fillers can restore age-related volume loss and enhance facial contours in areas such as the temples, under-eyes, and cheeks.
Another popular combination is a BOTOX masseter reduction to soften a square jaw and fillers to enhance the lips and make the chin more distinct. Depending on your aesthetic goals and unique facial anatomy, our highly trained MediSpa team will guide you on the most flattering and effective combination of treatments.
Our Menu of Injectables
Our Jade MediSpa is proud to offer a comprehensive menu of cosmetic injectable treatments. Each has been rigorously vetted by our medical spa director, Dr. Simeon Wall Jr., for safety and efficacy. His philosophy of “If it doesn’t work, we don’t have it” gives patients the peace of mind that any treatment they receive puts medical soundness over marketing trendiness.
Neuromodulators
- BOTOX: BOTOX is FDA approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and platysma bands in adults and may also be used off-label for other aesthetic concerns. Treatments for upper facial lines are typically repeated every 3 to 4 months.
- Dysport: This neuromodulator is specifically formulated to target frown lines (or “11” lines) between the eyebrows. Like other neuromodulators, it may also be used off-label in other areas based on your treatment goals and your injector’s recommendations. Results usually require a maintenance treatment every 3 to 4 months.
- DAXXIFY: DAXXIFY uses a novel peptide to stabilize its wrinkle-reducing formula. This injectable also targets the “11 lines” for long-lasting results—often up to twice as long as BOTOX and Dysport.
- Jeuveau: The last in our neuromodulator lineup, Jeuveau is unique because it is specifically formulated for cosmetic wrinkle reduction. It is manufactured using Hi-Pure™ technology and soothes frown lines on the forehead. It may also be used off-label for other facial areas. Learn more about how Jeuveau compares to BOTOX.
Dermal Fillers
- RHA® Collection: The RHA Collection includes hyaluronic acid fillers formulated to adapt to facial movement. Different products in the collection can address concerns such as dynamic facial lines and folds, lip volume, and age-related facial volume loss, depending on the specific product selected.
- RADIESSE: RADIESSE is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler/biostimulator that provides immediate volume while stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can be used to improve moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, and RADIESSE (+) is also FDA approved to improve moderate to severe loss of jawline contour.
- BELOTERO BALANCE®: This hyaluronic acid-based filler is designed to integrate with the facial tissue while allowing for natural movement. It can soften facial lines and folds and may also be used in delicate areas, including certain lines around the mouth and under the eyes.
- Restylane: The Restylane family includes a range of hyaluronic acid fillers designed for different aesthetic concerns. Depending on the product, Restylane fillers can enhance the lips, restore or add volume to the cheeks and chin, improve under-eye hollows, and soften facial lines and folds.
- JUVÉDERM: The JUVÉDERM collection includes hyaluronic acid fillers designed for different areas and concerns. Depending on the product, JUVÉDERM can add or restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, and temples and improve certain facial lines, folds, and under-eye hollows.
- Sculptra®: Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable that stimulates collagen production to gradually restore facial volume and improve skin structure. Treatment typically involves a series of sessions, with results developing progressively as new collagen forms.
Which Injectable Is Right for You?
The right injectable depends on your concerns and goals. If expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement are your primary concern, a neuromodulator such as BOTOX, Dysport, DAXXIFY, or Jeuveau may be appropriate. If you want to restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, or improve certain lines and folds, a dermal filler may be a better fit. Some patients benefit from combining both approaches.
The experienced injectors at Jade MediSpa can evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. To learn more about BOTOX, dermal fillers, or other injectable treatments at The Wall Center, request a consultation or call (318) 795-0801.