If you’ve been thinking about trying injectables to smooth wrinkles or restore volume to your face, you’ve probably wondered which treatment is right for you. Is a neurotoxin like Botox the best way to smooth wrinkles? Or would a dermal filler be a better choice to refresh your appearance? Maybe you need both?
It’s common to get confused if you are new to injectables and are trying to figure out the difference between neurotoxins and dermal fillers. Even if you’ve been getting Botox or filler for years, it can sometimes be overwhelming because there are constantly new formulas entering the medical aesthetics market.
While both are injectable treatments that can help you look more refreshed and youthful, they work in different ways and target different concerns.
Whether you’re looking for a solution to get rid of lines around your eyes, want to restore youthful volume, or need to address the aesthetic effects of rapid weight loss (like “Ozempic Face”), understanding how these two treatments are different is key to picking the best service that will lead to the beautiful, natural-looking results you want.
As an authority in medical aesthetics, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about Botox-type neurotoxins and dermal fillers so you can make an informed decision about which injectable treatment is best for your unique goals.
Once you understand how each treatment works and what it’s designed to do, choosing the right option becomes much easier.
A Quick Comparison: Neurotoxins vs Fillers
Before we dive deeper, here’s a basic overview of neurotoxins and dermal fillers. This chart provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of how each treatment works, including the areas of the face or body where it is typically injected, common concerns addressed, the onset of results, and its duration.
| Inectable | Neurotoxins (e.g., Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) | Dermal Fillers (e.g., Juvéderm, Restylane) |
| How It Works | Muscle Relaxation (Modulation): Blocks the nerve signal that causes muscle contraction. | Volume Restoration (Filling): Physically adds volume beneath the skin to add fullness. |
| Primary Target | Dynamic Wrinkles (lines that appear when the face is moving (expression lines). | Volume Loss and Static Wrinkles (creases that are visible even when the face is at rest). |
| Common Areas | Forehead lines, frown lines (“11s”), crow’s feet. | Lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows, jawline. |
| Result Onset | Gradual, with full effects visible in 2 to 14 days. | Immediate volume correction is visible instantly, though swelling may occur for a day or two. |
| Duration | Typically lasts 3 to 6 months. | Ranges from 6 months up to 2 years, depending on the material and area treated. |
| Reversibility | Not immediately reversible (must wear off naturally). | It depends on the filler. Only HA fillers are immediately reversible with an enzyme (hyaluronidase). |
Understanding Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers
Neurotoxins (e.g., Botox®, Xeomin® & Dysport®) and dermal fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse) are both fast, easy, relatively painless, and temporary medical aesthetic treatments to reduce the visible signs of aging.
While both are injectable prescription-only medications that must be administered by a licensed professional trained in this type of medical aesthetics, they are fundamentally different in how they work, the problems they solve, and how long they last.
Everything You Need to Know About Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S. They temporarily interfere with the nerve signals of the muscles they are injected into, smoothing dynamic wrinkles that form from facial expressions. They are now available in five brand names with the same active ingredient, with Botox being the most well-known.
What are Neurotoxins and the Brands Available
Neurotoxins are injectable medical aesthetic treatments that work by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles. The most well-known neurotoxin is Botox, but several similar brands of injectables are also available, all of which are FDA-approved and work in a similar manner, including Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify, and the newest addition, Letybo.
All neurotoxin treatment brands contain the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that has been used safely in medicine for decades. They are all designed to address the same types of wrinkles and cosmetic concerns, take about the same amount of time to improve skin appearance, and last roughly the same before muscle movement returns.
The difference between brands lies in their formulas. For example, Botox has an added protein. Dysport, Jeuveau, and Letybo also contain a similar protein. Dexxify contains a peptide, and Xeomin is considered a “naked injectable, meaning it doesn’t contain added proteins or a peptide.
In terms of the cost of neurotoxin injections, they are not the same price, but the difference is typically minimal. The price varies based on the provider’s location and expertise, but Botox units typically cost $10–$20, while Dysport units are often priced between $4 and $8.
How Neurotoxins Work to Relax Muscles and Smooth Expression Lines
When you smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, the muscles beneath your skin contract. Over time, these repetitive movements create creases in the skin above the muscles, known as dynamic wrinkles. Neurotoxins (Botox and similar brands) work by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter that signals your muscles to contract.
When the active ingredient is injected into the targeted muscle, this signal is blocked, and the muscle relaxes. As a result, the skin above the muscle smooths out, and wrinkles caused by expression soften or disappear.
Many worry if Botox will make them look frozen or “paralyze” their face. When administered correctly by a skilled injector, you will be able to maintain natural facial movement. Of course, the amount of movement can be customized. If you prefer a more frozen appearance, more units can typically be injected to achieve it. You must communicate with your injector on your desired level of movement and aesthetic preference so they can adjust the dose accordingly.
After the product naturally breaks down within the muscle, the body metabolizes it, and muscle function gradually returns. This means that while results from Botox-type injectables last a long time, they are not permanent. The effects of Botox-type injectables typically last between three and six months, with some clinical studies suggesting that Xeomin may last slightly longer on average.
Regardless of the brand your injector uses, the exact duration of neurotoxin treatment can vary depending on factors like metabolism, muscle strength, the area treated, the number of units used, and even the skill of your injector.
If you want to sustain the results from neurotoxin injectables, regular, periodic maintenance treatments are needed. Some people prefer to come in every few months before the treatment fully wears off, while others wait until movement and fine lines start to reappear before scheduling their next session.
Common Uses for Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins are FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe wrinkles in the upper face, where we tend to see the most pronounced expression lines. This includes frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
- Forehead lines are the horizontal lines that appear across your forehead when you raise your eyebrows. These lines can make you look tired or worried, even when you’re feeling great. Neurotoxin injections can smooth these lines while still allowing you to make natural expressions.
- Frown lines, also called glabellar lines or “the 11s,” are the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you furrow your brow. These lines can give off an angry or stressed appearance, even when you’re perfectly calm. Relaxing the muscles in this area can create a more relaxed and approachable look.
- Crow’s feet are the fine lines that radiate from the outer corners of your eyes when you smile or squint. While some people love their smile lines, others prefer to soften them for a smoother appearance around the eyes.
The versatility of neurotoxins extends beyond these FDA-approved areas of the upper face. Neurotoxins are also used “off-label” for other concerns, such as:
- Slimming the jawline (Masseter Reduction): Injections into the large masseter muscles reduce muscle bulk, resulting in a slimmer facial contour. This technique is also used to treat jaw tension and teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Gummy smile correction: Precisely relaxing the upper lip muscle to reduce excessive gum exposure when smiling.
- Subtle brow lifting: The strategic placement of small amounts of neurotoxin can gently elevate the brows, creating a more open and refreshed appearance without the need for surgery.
- Smoothing neck bands (Platysmal Bands): Targeted injections relax the vertical bands in the neck to create a smoother, more youthful contour and enhance jawline definition.
- Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of underarm sweating. It is widely used off-label for treating excessive sweating in the palms and soles of the feet.
Off-label doesn’t mean unsafe; it simply means the FDA hasn’t specifically evaluated the treatment for that particular use, but it’s commonly practiced by experienced injectors based on clinical experience.
To learn more about neurotoxins, check out these other helpful articles:
Neurotoxin Treatments 101: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin Explained
Common Neurotoxin Treatment Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
How to Make Your Neurotoxin Injections Last Longer
What Age Should You Start Neurotoxin Treatments?
Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are the second most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. after neurotoxins like Botox. These injectables are classified as volumizers and structural supports. When placed strategically, they restore fullness, smooth deep lines, and create balance and symmetry while maintaining a natural look.
Unlike neurotoxins, which all share the same active ingredient regardless of brand, filler brands such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra are formulated with different active ingredients that make them better suited for specific applications and influence how long they last.
What are Fillers and the Types Available
Dermal fillers are FDA-approved injectable gels that instantly add volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness, resulting in sagging skin, hollow areas, and visible wrinkles, even when your face is at rest. These deeper lines are called static wrinkles because they appear even when you’re not making an expression.
Static wrinkles are common with age because we naturally lose collagen, elastin, and fat in our face. Volume loss can also occur from prolonged sun exposure, smoking, genetics, and with rapid or extreme weight loss, which we are seeing more of with the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, nicknamed “Ozempic Face”.
Whatever the cause, dermal fillers can address loss of fullness (such as sunken cheeks) and deeper, more permanently etched wrinkles (static wrinkles) in the skin by restoring lost volume. Dermal fillers can also be used in areas you’d like to enhance your natural features, such as the lips, cheeks, nose, chin, and jawline.
While they all share the goal of restoring lost volume, there isn’t one ingredient that fillers universally use. There are four categories of dermal fillers that are FDA-approved in the U.S.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA)
*Brand names include: Juvéderm and Restylane - Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA
*Brand names include Radiesse - Polylactic acid
*Brand names include Sculptra - Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA)
*Brand names include Bellafill
Each filler type works to achieve volume restoration or facial contouring differently, with varying degrees of longevity and specific areas of the face they’re best suited to treat. We’ll discuss their differences in more detail next.
However, your options don’t end there. Within each filler type (brand), there are multiple products. For example, Restylane has products such as Refyne, Defyne, and Contour. Similarly, Juvederm offers a family of fillers like Volbella, Voluma, and Volux.
This is why many find deciding on the right filler to be even more confusing than choosing a neurotoxin.
To put it simply, the main ingredient of each brand remains the same. For example, all Radiesse fillers are based on the same active ingredient, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). All Juvederm and Restylane fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) based.
From there, each formula includes unique components that adjust the gel’s thickness, smoothness, and flexibility. One formula might be best for lips because it’s softer and moves naturally with expression, while another is better suited for cheeks or jawline definition because it’s firmer and provides more structural lift. This allows your injector to choose the version best suited for different areas.
While it’s helpful to understand that each brand family has different variations, don’t get too caught up in the technical details. Your injector will determine the specific brand formulation that matches your anatomy, treatment area, and aesthetic goals.
How Dermal Fillers Work to Add Volume and Smooth Wrinkles
The mechanism by which dermal fillers work to restore fullness and fill in deep static wrinkles varies depending on the active ingredient (brand).
There are four categories of dermal fillers that are FDA-approved in the U.S., which are either considered temporary or semi-permanent. While all share the goal of adding volume and smoothing static wrinkles, they differ in their base materials, their interaction with surrounding tissue, and the duration of their results.
Temporary Filler
The two most common dermal fillers are temporary fillers, meaning they last several months but typically not more than 12 to 18 months. These fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA) or calcium hydroxylapatite.
- Hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvéderm and Restylane): Hyaluronic acid (HA)- based fillers have become one of the most popular types of injectable fillers. HA is a molecule that naturally occurs in connective tissue that has the unique ability to attract and retain water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and plump.
HA filler can be used for almost any static wrinkle on the face, including the corners of your eyes or smoker’s lines around the mouth. HA-based fillers are also commonly used to reduce depressions in the skin caused by scars, burns, and acne, as well as to enhance facial features, such as plumping the lips and refining the lip border.
Results are long-lasting, averaging 6-18 months, and unlike other filler types, HA fillers are reversible. If you’re not happy with the results for any reason, your injector can dissolve the filler using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Another advantage of HA-based filler is that the results are instant. Unlike other fillers that primarily work by stimulating collagen production, which takes time to develop visible results, HA fillers act as a sponge, instantly filling and adding fullness. The body eventually breaks down this gel over several months.
HA filler has a long-standing safety record. Because hyaluronic acid is found in your skin, it is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of allergic reaction. - Calcium hydroxylapatite (eg, Radiesse): Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones. Common treatment areas are nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines. It is also commonly used to enhance fullness in the cheeks and other facial contours.
CaHA is popular because of its duration. Some actually categorize CaHA filler as semi-permanent, but a more accurate description is that it is longer-lasting. CaHA results last an average of 12-18 months, compared to HA filler, which generally lasts 6–18 months.
While some immediate plumping or lifting occurs instantly, the primary way CaHa filler works is to stimulate collagen production. Therefore, full effects take time. For this reason, some people prefer HA-based fillers, which work differently and provide immediate volume before being gradually absorbed over time.
CaHA-based filler has a long safety record, is believed not to migrate, and is known to produce very natural results. It is also biosynthetically produced, meaning no animals or animal products are used, which lowers your risk of an allergic reaction.
Semi-Permanent Filler
The other two types of filler available are considered semi-permanent. While widely used and longer-lasting, they aren’t as popular as HA and CaHa fillers, primarily due to their higher cost and delayed onset.
Another factor that makes them less popular is that these fillers cannot be easily reversed once injected. Because they last longer than HA or CaHA-based fillers, if you got too much filler or are unsatisfied with the results, it may take a considerable amount of time for them to fade on their own. Correcting unwanted results may require additional procedures rather than simple dissolution.
Additionally, while any licensed medical provider (such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) can legally administer them, these fillers are more commonly used by plastic surgeons due to their complexity and the precision required for optimal results.
- Polylactic acid (eg, Sculptra): A synthetic semi-permanent filler that, once injected into the face, slowly stimulates natural collagen production. This type of filler has been used for more than 40 years as a suture material.
In medical aesthetics, it can be used to fill in deep lines, but is particularly praised for its effectiveness in the lower face. It is also used to enhance facial features, such as adding subtle volume to the cheeks or temples and improving overall facial contour.
Sculptra can last up to 2 years, but requires multiple treatment sessions over several months to achieve gradual results. Results develop gradually, typically becoming noticeable after a few weeks and continuing to improve over several months as new collagen forms.
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) (eg, Bellafill): Originally developed to support surgical implants, this type of dermal filler is considered semi-permanent to permanent and known to last 5 years or longer, with some sources citing up to 10 years.
PMMA filler contains biocompatible microspheres that are not broken down by the body. This means that they stimulate natural collagen production and remain under the skin even after the carrier gel is absorbed.
However, these perks don’t come with downsides. It can take up to three months to see effects and may also be visible under the skin.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons website also lists Polyalkylimide (Aquamid) as a type of semi-permanent dermal filler, with some considering it permanent, as results are reported to last 10 years or more. However, while approved in other countries for facial augmentation and body contouring, polyalkylimide has been associated with serious complications and is not FDA-approved in the U.S. for any use.
Top Uses for Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are used to restore volume and fill in lines on the face and hands, making your skin look smoother, fuller, or both. They are FDA-approved for specific cosmetic uses in people aged 22 and older. There are also off-label uses for dermal fillers.
- Lips: One of the most popular uses for dermal fillers is to plump the lips. Lip enhancement can add subtle volume, define the lip border, or create a fuller pout.
- Cheeks: Cheek augmentation using dermal filler restores youthful fullness to the midface. As we age, the fat pads in our cheeks descend, creating a flatter appearance and sometimes making the lower face look heavier. Adding volume to the cheeks can help lift and recontour the face, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
- Nasolabial folds: These are the lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. As we lose midface volume, these folds deepen. Fillers can soften them by restoring volume directly within the fold or lifting the surrounding tissue.
- Marionette lines: These are the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. They can create a sad or tired appearance. Fillers smooth the area and restore a more uplifted look to the lower face.
- Under-eye hollows (tear troughs): If you have hollowness under your eyes, it can make you look tired even when you’re well-rested. Carefully placed filler smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, reducing shadowing and the appearance of dark circles.
- Jawline and chin: Filler in the jaw and chin areas enhances balance and definition, creating a more refined appearance. It can sharpen the jawline, add projection to a weak chin, or create a more sculpted profile without the need for surgery.
- Nose: Dermal filler is sometimes used to temporarily reshape the nose. This might be to correct small bumps, asymmetry, or a drooping tip. Often referred to as a “liquid nose job”, using filler in the nose is considered off-label and should only be done by a highly skilled injector.
- Temples: Volume loss in the temples can make the upper face appear hollow and the brows seem lower. Filler can be used off-label to restore fullness, support the outer brow, and create a smoother contour between the eyes and hairline.
- Hands: Certain FDA-approved fillers can be used on the backs of the hands to restore lost volume from aging. This helps reduce the prominence of veins and tendons, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Depending on the type of filler used and the area treated, results can last anywhere from six months to two years. HA fillers typically last between six months to 18 months. CaHA filler is known to last a little longer, averaging 12-18 months. Biostimulatory fillers, such as Sculptra, can provide results that last up to two years as your body continues to produce new collagen.
To learn more about dermal fillers, check out these other helpful articles:
Dermal Fillers Demystified: Choosing the Best Filler for Your Needs
Too Much Filler? How to Know and What to Do
How to Decide Between Botox or Filler: Matching the Treatment to Your Concern
Deciding between neurotoxin injections like Botox or dermal filler injections fundamentally centers around the type of aging concern you wish to address.
When it comes to signs of aging, the primary question to answer is, “Is your concern caused by dynamic lines caused by movement or static lines and folds that are visible at rest?”If the answer is dynamic, a Botox-like injection is likely the best option for you. If you see lines without making a facial expression, or want ot address aging on your hands, filler is probably your best bet.
The good news is that you don’t have to make this decision. An experienced injector will always match the correct injectable with your concerns.
However, if you are curious what your injector will most likely suggest, here is a mirror test you can try at home to get a general idea of which injectable may be right for you.
Botox vs Filler Mirror Test
- Step One: Look in the mirror and raise your brows. If you haven’t had a neurotoxin treatment, you will see forehead lines that appear. Once you relax, if those lines disappear, your concern is dynamic wrinkles. In this case, a neurotoxin injection is the solution to smooth things out or prevent dynamic wrinkles from forming.
- Step Two: Now, look in the mirror, but do not make a facial expression. Do you see any lines or creases? If so, those are static wrinkles that typically require filler to correct. Also, look for areas that look sunken or hollow. If you see hollow areas under your eyes, in your temples, or around your cheeks, Botox isn’t going to help with that. Dermal fillers restore lost volume and structure to smooth and lift those areas.
When it comes to facial contouring and enhancements, if you look in the mirror and see a specific area of your face that you want to appear fuller, or you feel your face lacks symmetry, dermal filler is the injection that can help you achieve that.
For example, you can’t use Botox to create the illusion of supermodel high cheekbones, enhance a weak chin, sculpt a defined jawline, or create fuller lips. Those effects require filler to physically add shape and volume.
But let’s say you want a lifted appearance. In some cases, like the cheeks, dermal filler can provide lift by restoring structure and supporting the midface. However, if the concern is around your eyes, neurotoxins are needed to relax the muscles that pull the brows downward, creating a more open, lifted appearance.
The neck is another area where Botox is almost always preferred over filler. Because most neck concerns (like vertical bands or horizontal lines) are caused by muscle activity or skin laxity, not volume loss, neurotoxins relax those overactive muscles. Filler isn’t typically appropriate for this area due to higher risk and limited benefit.
Can You Combine Botox and Filler?
In many cases, the results someone wants to achieve aren’t possible with only one injectable. Many patients benefit from combining neurotoxins and fillers in the same treatment plan.
While neurotoxins relax the muscles that create fine lines and expression wrinkles, fillers restore lost volume and improve facial contours. When used together, they create a smoother, more balanced, and more youthful result than either treatment alone.
Also, it’s not uncommon to need more than one type of the same injectable. This isn’t the case with Botox-type injections, but it is common with fillers. Often, more than one filler type is needed. For example, let’s say you want fuller lips but are also noticing that your cheeks are starting to appear flat or sagging. You might need a softer filler in your lips and a firmer one in your cheeks for added structure and lift.
Getting Neurotoxin and Filler Injections at the Same Time
Many people wonder if you get Botox and filler at the same time, and the answer is a resounding yes. Not only can you receive neurotoxins and dermal fillers during the same appointment, but it’s often necessary to achieve your desired outcome.
That’s because neurotoxins and fillers address different types of aging concerns. Neurotoxins target dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while fillers address static wrinkles and volume loss. When you combine both treatments, you can tackle multiple signs of aging simultaneously for more comprehensive results.
Additionally, there are times when combining injections may not be necessary, but they complement each other in a way that enhances both the shape and movement of a treated area.
A perfect example is pairing a dermal filler in the lips with a lip flip using a neurotoxin. Because while filler physically adds volume and defines the lip border, a neurotoxin lip flip relaxes the muscles around the upper lip so more of the lip’s surface shows when you smile, creating a subtle lift without additional filler.
Many patients find that using both treatments together creates a more balanced and natural-looking result than using either treatment alone. Your injector can assess your unique facial structure and concerns to determine the best combination of treatments to help you achieve your goals.
The Benefits of Combining Botox and Filler: How Combining Cosmetic Injection Treatments Creates a More Balanced, Youthful Look
There are instances when you may only need Botox or only need filler. However, the most effective modern strategy typically involves the use of custom combination treatments.
By addressing both the underlying movement causing expression lines and the age-related volume loss, your injector can achieve facial harmony and create results that look more refreshed and cohesive than either treatment alone.
Another benefit of combining treatments is that neurotoxins can actually help prolong the results of your filler in certain areas. When you relax the muscles that contribute to wrinkle formation, there’s less movement pulling on the filler, which can help it last longer.
When to Combine Neurotoxins and Fillers for a “Liquid Facelift”
Combining neurotoxin and filler treatments allows you to address multiple signs of aging or other aesthetic concerns at once for more comprehensive and balanced results.
For example, let’s say you have deep nasolabial folds, hollow cheeks, and forehead lines. Your injector might recommend using filler to restore volume to your cheeks and soften the nasolabial folds, while also utilizing a neurotoxin to smooth your forehead lines. By addressing both volume loss and muscle movement, you get more comprehensive rejuvenation.
The integrated approach of using Botox (or a similar neurotoxin) with a dermal filler is often referred to as a “liquid facelift”, which refers to a combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers strategically placed throughout the face to achieve a lifted, more youthful appearance without the need for surgery.
Aside from simply wanting to address multiple concerns that require different injectables to achieve, there are other reasons why you might get Botox and filler together, including:
- To achieve full facial correction without surgery: When chronic muscle contraction leads to a deep, permanent crease, the most effective strategy is to use the neurotoxin to relax the causative muscle movement and simultaneously use a dermal filler to fill the residual static line that has formed over time.
- Dramatic weight loss: When you lose weight, especially if the weight loss is substantial and rapid, it can lead to noticeable facial deflation and skin laxity, especially in the midface and lower face, where natural fat pads diminish.
This can happen to anyone who loses a significant amount of weight or maintains a very low body fat percentage, but it is particularly common among bodybuilders. Weight loss drugs have also created a new aesthetic demand for dermal fillers.
The often drastic and rapid weight loss achieved using GLP-1 weight loss medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), can sometimes result in an aesthetic side effect known as the “Ozempic Face,” characterized by pronounced volume loss and sagging skin. This has fueled even more demand for volume restoration treatments (fillers). Med spa clinics often use filler first, and then convert these patients to baseline maintenance services with neurotoxins.
It’s worth noting that while you can get both treatments in the same session, your injector may recommend spacing them out depending on your specific treatment plan. This is a decision that should be made based on your individual needs and goals.
Important Safety Tips and Aftercare for Injectables
The safety and success of your cosmetic injection treatment depend on two key factors: selecting a qualified professional and adhering to proper aftercare.
Choosing a Qualified Injector: What to Look For
There are times when it’s fine to search for “the most affordable”, but when it comes to choosing who will administer your neurotoxin or filler, searching for the cheapest option isn’t a good idea.
Prioritize the skill and experience of your injector over discount offers. Choosing a reputable clinic and experienced injector may cost more upfront, but it’s worth it for safe, natural-looking results.
A few things to look for when choosing an injector include:
- Medical credentials: Only trust injectables to licensed medical professionals (MD, DO, NP, or PA) who are trained and experienced in aesthetic injections.
- Experience and technique: Your injector should have advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and extensive experience with both neurotoxins and fillers.
- Reputation and reviews: Look for established medical practices with consistently positive patient feedback and transparent results.
- Consultation process: A qualified injector will assess your facial structure, explain all available options, and set realistic expectations before treatment.
- Portfolio: Ask to see before-and-after photos of real patients. This helps you gauge their skill and artistry.
- Comfort and communication: You should feel heard, informed, and confident that your injector understands your goals.
Essential Aftercare Steps for Optimal Results from Injectables
It’s normal to experience some mild bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites. These side effects typically resolve within a few days to a week. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
To achieve the best possible results and minimize common side effects like bruising and swelling, here are some aftercare steps that your injector will likely recommend:
- Avoid Pressure and Manipulation: For at least 24 hours, avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas to prevent the product from migrating. For filler, this often extends longer. After dermal filler injections you should avoid anything that puts a lot of pressure on your face, like getting a facial or even bookings massage where ___ for at least two weeks.
- Stay Upright: Avoid lying down, bending over, or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least four hours after injections. This precaution helps ensure the product stays in the intended treatment area.
- Limit High Heat, Strenuous Activity, and Alcohol: Avoid intense exercise, saunas, and hot yoga for 24 to 48 hours, as well as alcohol, as these activities can increase blood flow and exacerbate bruising or swelling.
- Hydrate Well: This primarily applies to post-filler care, especially those that are hyaluronic acid-based. Staying well-hydrated post-treatment can help optimize your HA filler results, as the product attracts water.
Whether you are getting a neurotoxin like Botox, a dermal filler, or both, these safety tips for picking the right injector and post-injection care can help ensure optimal results and minimize side effects.
Cosmetic Injectable Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is better for forehead wrinkles, Botox or filler?
For horizontal forehead lines and frown lines that appear with expression, neurotoxins like Botox are the better choice. These are dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, and neurotoxins work by relaxing those muscles to smooth the lines. Fillers are generally not recommended for the forehead because the skin is thin and can create an unnatural appearance.
How much do neurotoxins and dermal fillers cost?
It is hard to provide an exact price for cosmetic injectables. The cost will vary depending on the product used, your geographic location, and the provider’s expertise.
That said, the average cost of neurotoxins per unit is between $10 and $15, although prices can range from $8 to $25 or more, depending on the product used and the treatment area.
Dermal fillers are priced per syringe, typically ranging from $500 to $1.500 per syringe. Semi-permanent fillers, such as Sculptra, can be more expensive since a complete treatment plan typically involves multiple sessions over several months.
Which treatment lasts longer, Botox or fillers?
Dermal fillers generally last longer than neurotoxins. Neurotoxins typically last three to six months. Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler and the area being treated.
Is getting Botox or fillers painful?
Most people find both treatments to be relatively comfortable. Neurotoxin injections feel like small pinpricks. Many dermal fillers contain a numbing agent like lidocaine to minimize discomfort. A topical numbing cream can also be applied for both treatments.
What’s the difference between a “lip flip” and lip filler?
A lip flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin to relax the upper lip muscle, causing the lip to gently “flip” outward for a subtle enhancement without adding volume. Lip filler uses dermal filler (HA) to physically add volume to the lips, creating a more noticeable increase in size and fullness.
Find The Right Injectable Treatment for Your Concerns at Relive Health
Choosing the right injectable is not always about choosing one over the other; it’s about choosing the right solution for your specific, unique aesthetic concerns.
This could mean only getting Botox, experimenting with a newer neurotoxin like Dysport or Xeomin, or it might require a dermal filler, or even multiple types of dermal fillers. Often, the best approach is combining both neurotoxins and fillers to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
Whether you’re looking to smooth expression lines, restore lost volume, or achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, the right injectable solution is out there for you, and the good news is that you don’t have to figure it out yourself.
At Relive Health, our experienced injectors specialize in creating natural-looking results that help you look like the best version of yourself. We take the time to understand your unique goals and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Ready to explore your options? Find a Relive Health location near you and schedule a consultation to discover which injectable treatments are right for you.
