Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is an FDA-approved neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the overactive facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles - lines that form from repeated expressions like squinting, frowning, or smiling.
When injected into targeted muscle groups, Botox blocks nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction. The result is smoother, visibly younger-looking skin with no surgery and no recovery time.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels - most commonly made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the skin - that restore lost volume, smooth deep folds, and sculpt facial features.
Unlike Botox, which targets muscle movement, fillers physically add volume and structure beneath the skin’s surface.
You may be a good candidate for Botox or fillers if you:
A full medical history is reviewed at consultation to ensure suitability.
Tap a question to view the answer
Botox and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments, but they work in completely different ways. Botox (Botulinum Toxin) temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet by blocking nerve signals to those muscles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, use volumising gels (most commonly Hyaluronic Acid) to physically restore lost volume, soften deep static lines, and sculpt or contour facial features. Your dermatologist will assess which treatment, or combination of both, is best suited to your concerns and anatomy.
Results from Botox typically begin to appear within 3 to 7 days after treatment, with full effects visible at around the 2-week mark. Most patients enjoy results for 3 to 6 months, after which muscle activity gradually returns and the treatment can be repeated. Over time, with regular sessions, many patients find that results tend to last longer, as repeated muscle relaxation can reduce the strength of habitual expressions. Longevity varies depending on the area treated, the individual’s metabolism, and their lifestyle.
The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. In general, Hyaluronic Acid fillers last between 6 to 18 months. Lip fillers typically last 6-9 months, cheek and mid-face fillers can last 12-18 months, and under-eye (tear trough) fillers tend to be on the longer end. Factors like sun exposure, smoking, and high levels of physical activity can break down filler faster. Your dermatologist will advise you on the expected duration during your consultation.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) dermal fillers - the most commonly used type - are reversible. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve HA filler quickly and effectively if a patient is unhappy with their results, or in the rare event of a complication. This is one of the reasons HA fillers are considered the gold standard in aesthetic medicine. Non-HA fillers (such as calcium hydroxylapatite or PMMA-based fillers) are not reversible, which is why product selection and choosing a medically qualified provider are critical decisions.
One of the major advantages of both Botox and dermal fillers is that they involve little to no downtime. After Botox, most patients return to work or daily activities immediately. Mild redness or small needle marks may be visible for a few hours. After filler treatment, minor swelling or bruising is possible - particularly with lip fillers - and typically resolves within 3 to 7 days. We advise patients to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat (saunas, steam rooms), alcohol, and blood-thinning medications for 24 hours after treatment to minimise swelling and bruising.
