You’ve heard BOTOX and fillers are the go-to injectables for anti-aging, and now you’re interested in giving them a try. But how do you know which one you might need? As a plastic surgeon serving Westchester, Long Island, and other New York cities, I specialize in creating natural-looking results with these injectables. Each option offers its own benefits and, when used correctly, can take years off your appearance without so much as a single stitch.

In this blog post, I’m answering your questions about the biggest differences between BOTOX and fillers, from what they’re made of to how they can help you look your best.

What Do BOTOX & Fillers Have in Common?

BOTOX and dermal fillers are both popular anti-aging injectables. They offer a minimally invasive treatment experience and require little to no recovery time, making them a favorite of people on the go. Both of these products treat wrinkles and signs of aging, but they do so in slightly different ways.

How Are BOTOX & Fillers Different?

BOTOX is a neurotoxin that treats dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated muscle contractions. The more you smile, squint, or frown over the years, the more deeply wrinkles set into your skin. BOTOX relaxes specific facial muscles to smooth these wrinkles. Results typically last 3 to 4 months before naturally wearing off.

Dermal fillers treat wrinkles by adding volume in specific areas. As our collagen naturally depletes, many of us develop folds or creases in our skin. Fillers fill in these folds and wrinkles to create a smoother skin surface. Adding volume can also plump up flat cheeks, add definition to the jawline, disguise under-eye bags, and much more. Depending on the formulation, results may last 6 months to 2 years.

Should I Get BOTOX or Fillers?

BOTOX may be your best choice if you are bothered by:

• Crow’s feet
• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Bunny lines
• Overdeveloped jaw muscles
• Subtly drooping brows
• A gummy smile

Dermal fillers may be right for you if you are looking to treat:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Hollow tear troughs
• Undereye bags
• Thin lips
• Vertical lip lines
• Flat cheeks

What if you have both types of concerns? That’s very common. In those cases, I typically recommend combining BOTOX and dermal fillers for a “liquid facelift.” This addresses both types of concerns at once, all during the same quick and minimally invasive appointment.

I Think I’ve Decided on Fillers. Which Product Is Right for Me?

There are quite a few different formulations to choose from. Depending on your goals, your injector may recommend:

• JUVÉDERM®: This family of hyaluronic acid fillers contains formulations specially designed for mild wrinkles, deep folds, flat cheeks, and more.
• Restylane®: This is another line of hyaluronic acid-based products designed to add fullness in different areas.
• RADIESSE®: This filler contains calcium hydroxylapatite, which serves as a scaffolding for collagen production.
• Sculptra® Aesthetic: This filler is formulated with poly-L-lactic acid, which encourages ongoing collagen production for longer lasting results.

The best way to decide on the right formulation for you is to consult with a credentialed injector you trust. Get tips for choosing a qualified med spa in this blog post.

Have More Questions?

If you would like to learn more about fillers, BOTOX, and other anti-aging treatments available in Westchester, NY, please contact me online or call (914) 423-9000 (Westchester), (212) 472-6100 (Manhattan), or (516) 882-1020 (Long Island) to get in touch.