Botox versus Fillers: what’s the difference and which one do you need?

If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along in a conversation about Botox and fillers, secretly wondering what the difference actually is, you’re not alone.

These two treatments often get lumped together, but they work in completely different ways. In clinic, we hear the same questions all the time:

❓ “Do I need Botox or filler for my forehead lines?”

❓ “Will filler stop my crow’s feet?”

❓ “Is Botox going to make my lips bigger?” (Spoiler: No. That’s filler.)

So, let’s break it down properly; what each treatment does, how they work, and which one might be right for you.

What Is Botox and What Does It Do?

Botox (short for botulinum toxin) is a muscle relaxant. It works by temporarily blocking signals to the muscles that cause wrinkles. This helps to soften lines that form from repeated facial expressions—like frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows when you hear something mildly shocking.

Botox is best for:

✔️ Forehead lines

✔️ Frown lines (between the brows)

✔️ Crow’s feet (around the eyes)

✔️ Preventing new wrinkles from forming

Think of Botox as a way to ‘pause’ movement-related wrinkles—not to add volume or change the shape of your face.

What Are Dermal Fillers and What Do They Do?

Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles, dermal fillers work by adding volume. They’re made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin, and are used to restore lost volume, smooth out deep lines, or subtly enhance certain facial features.

Fillers are best for:

✔️ Nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the mouth)

✔️ Marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin)

✔️ Cheek and jawline enhancement

✔️ Lip enhancement and hydration

Think of fillers as a way to ‘restore’ lost volume or contour the face, not to stop movement.

Can You Have Botox and Fillers Together?

Absolutely! Many of our clients in the clinic combine Botox and fillers for a balanced, natural look.

For example:

✔️ Botox for the forehead to soften lines

✔️ Fillers for the cheeks or nasolabial folds to restore lost volume

✔️ A touch of both to subtly refresh the face without looking ‘done’

My diary opens three months in advance for your convenience – if I haven’t met you already, I very much look forward to meeting you soon.