About this procedure
Botox and fillers are both injectable treatments, but they work very differently.
What they are
Botox (botulinum toxin) temporarily relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles caused by repeated facial movement (expression lines).
Fillers (usually hyaluronic acid-based) add volume and structure to areas that have lost fullness, or reshape and enhance features.
About this procedure
Common uses
Forehead lines
Frown lines (glabella, “11 lines” between brows)
Crow’s feet (around eyes)
Bunny lines (nose)
Jawline slimming (masseter muscle reduction)
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) — underarms, palms
Gummy smile correction
Neck bands (platysma)
Cheek volume / contouring
Under-eye hollows
Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Lips (volume / shape)
Jawline and chin contouring
Temple hollowing
Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty in some cases)
Marionette lines (mouth corners to chin)
Step-by-step procedure (general for both)
- 1
Consultation & assessment — The practitioner evaluates your facial muscles (for Botox) or areas of volume loss and contour goals (for fillers) and discusses the desired outcome.
- 2
Cleansing — The treatment area is cleansed to reduce infection risk.
- 3
Numbing (optional) — Topical numbing cream may be applied, especially for sensitive areas like lips, for about 15–20 minutes.
- 4
Injection
- Botox: small amounts injected directly into specific muscles using a very fine needle; multiple injection points depending on the area.
- Fillers: injected into targeted areas using needle or cannula, often layered at different depths depending on the goal (structure vs. surface smoothing).
- 5
Massage / shaping (fillers only) — The practitioner may gently massage or mold the filler to achieve a smooth, natural contour.
- 6
Aftercare guidance — Instructions given, e.g. avoid lying down or rubbing the area for several hours (Botox), avoid extreme heat / pressure on filled areas for a day or two (fillers).
What happens afterward
Immediately: small injection bumps, possible mild redness (resolves quickly).
3–7 days: muscle relaxation effect starts to become visible.
2 weeks: full effect visible.
Duration: typically lasts 3–6 months, depending on area and individual metabolism.
Immediately: visible volume change, some swelling (especially lips).
3–7 days: swelling subsides, revealing a more natural-looking result.
Duration: typically lasts 6 months to 2 years, depending on product and treatment area.
Typical treatment plan
Botox: repeated every 3–6 months to maintain results.
Fillers: repeated every 6–18 months depending on product type and area.
Often combined together (Botox for movement-related lines, fillers for volume) for a more complete refresh.
Benefits
Botox
Smooths expression wrinkles (forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet)
Prevents new wrinkles from deepening with repeated use
Slims the jawline (masseter reduction)
Reduces excessive sweating
Quick procedure with no downtime — back to normal activities immediately
Subtle, natural-looking results when dosed appropriately
Fillers
Restores lost volume (cheeks, temples, under-eyes)
Softens deep lines and folds (nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
Enhances facial contours (jawline, chin, cheekbones)
Adds lip volume / shape without surgery
Immediate, visible results
Reversible — most hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed
Minimal downtime — most people resume normal activities the same day