South of England
BOTOX VS FILLERS: WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Trying to decide between Botox and fillers? You're not alone. These are the two most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in the UK, but they work in completely different ways. This guide breaks down exactly what each treatment does, which concerns they address, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
8 min read
MARBL Editorial
THE QUICK ANSWER
Botox relaxes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles (the lines that appear when you move your face). Fillers add volume to restore fullness or enhance features. Many people benefit from both, but understanding the difference helps you have a more informed conversation with your practitioner.
WHAT IS BOTOX (ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS)?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles. When these muscles can't contract as strongly, the overlying skin smooths out, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
You might also hear it called anti-wrinkle injections — this is the umbrella term that includes Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and other neuromodulators that work the same way.
WHAT DOES BOTOX TREAT?
Botox is most effective for dynamic wrinkles — lines caused by repeated facial expressions. Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines — horizontal creases from raising your eyebrows (forehead lines treatment)
- Frown lines — the '11' lines between your eyebrows (frown lines treatment)
- Crow's feet — lines around the outer corners of your eyes (crow's feet treatment)
- Bunny lines — wrinkles on the sides of the nose (bunny lines treatment)
- Smoker's lines — vertical lines around the lips (smoker's lines treatment)
Beyond wrinkles, Botox also treats:
- Gummy smile — reducing how much gum shows when you smile
- Masseter/jaw slimming — relaxing the jaw muscles to slim the face and relieve teeth grinding
- Hyperhidrosis — treating excessive sweating in underarms, palms, or feet
- Neck bands (Nefertiti Lift) — smoothing vertical bands on the neck
- Chin dimpling — relaxing the 'pebbled' appearance on the chin
- Brow lift — subtly lifting drooping eyebrows
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
Results typically last 3–4 months for most people. You'll start seeing effects within 3–7 days, with full results visible at around 2 weeks. Many patients find that with regular treatments, their results last longer over time as the muscles become trained to stay relaxed.
WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth static wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Most fillers used today contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your skin that holds moisture and creates plumpness.
Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles, fillers physically add volume wherever they're placed. Think of Botox as pressing 'pause' on muscle movement, while fillers are more like 'inflating' areas that have lost volume.
WHAT DO FILLERS TREAT?
Fillers address volume loss and static wrinkles (lines visible even when your face is at rest). Popular treatment areas include:
- Lip fillers — adding volume, definition, or symmetry to the lips
- Cheek filler — restoring midface volume and lifting the cheeks
- Jawline filler — creating or enhancing jaw definition
- Chin filler — projecting or reshaping the chin for better facial balance
- Nasolabial folds — softening the lines from nose to mouth ('smile lines')
- Marionette lines — reducing lines that run from the corners of the mouth downward
- Tear troughs — treating hollows under the eyes that cause a tired appearance
- Temple fillers — restoring volume to hollow temples
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty — reshaping the nose without surgery
- Hand rejuvenation — restoring volume to ageing hands
HOW LONG DO FILLERS LAST?
Duration varies by product and treatment area. Lip fillers typically last 6–12 months, while cheek and jawline fillers can last 12–18 months. Results are visible immediately, though you'll see the final result once any swelling settles after 1–2 weeks.
A key advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they're reversible. If you're unhappy with your results, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler.
BOTOX VS FILLERS: KEY DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE
| Botox | Fillers | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles | Adds volume beneath the skin |
| Best for | Dynamic wrinkles (lines from movement) | Volume loss, static wrinkles, enhancement |
| Common areas | Forehead, frown lines, crow's feet, jaw | Lips, cheeks, jawline, chin, under-eyes |
| Results appear | 3–7 days (full effect at 2 weeks) | Immediately (final result in 1–2 weeks) |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 6–18 months (varies by area) |
| Reversible? | Wears off naturally | HA fillers can be dissolved |
HOW TO DECIDE: BOTOX, FILLERS, OR BOTH?
Choose Botox If…
- Your main concern is lines that appear when you move your face (smiling, frowning, squinting)
- You want to prevent wrinkles from becoming permanently etched into your skin
- You're in your 20s or 30s and interested in 'prejuvenation' (preventive treatment)
- You want to address issues like jaw clenching, excessive sweating, or a gummy smile
- You prefer a lower commitment (results wear off in 3–4 months)
Choose Fillers If…
- You've lost volume in your face due to ageing or weight loss
- You want to enhance features like your lips, cheeks, chin, or jawline
- Your lines are visible even when your face is at rest (static wrinkles)
- You want to correct asymmetry or reshape facial features without surgery
- You prefer longer-lasting results (6–18 months depending on area)
Consider Both If…
Many patients get the best results by combining Botox and fillers — an approach sometimes called a 'liquid facelift' or 'treatment stacking'. For example:
- Botox for the upper face (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet) + cheek filler to restore midface volume
- Botox for a lip flip + lip filler for added volume
- Jawline filler for definition + masseter Botox for a slimmer face shape
Your practitioner can create a tailored treatment plan based on your specific concerns and goals.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Which is more painful — Botox or fillers?
Both involve needles, but most people find them tolerable. Botox uses very fine needles and feels like small pinches. Filler injections may feel slightly more uncomfortable due to the thicker product, but practitioners often use numbing cream or fillers that contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) to minimise discomfort.
Will I look 'frozen' or 'overdone'?
Not if you choose a skilled, experienced practitioner. The 'frozen' look comes from over-treatment, not the products themselves. A good injector uses conservative amounts and focuses on natural-looking results that enhance rather than transform your appearance. This is why choosing a vetted, qualified clinic matters.
At what age should I start?
There's no 'right' age. Many people start Botox in their late 20s to early 30s as prevention (called 'prejuvenation' or 'baby Botox'). Fillers are typically considered once you notice volume loss, which often becomes more apparent in your mid-30s and beyond. But everyone ages differently — it's about your individual concerns, not a number.
Can Botox and fillers be done in the same appointment?
Yes, many people have both treatments in a single session. Your practitioner will advise on the best approach based on your treatment plan.
Are there any risks?
When performed by a trained medical professional, both treatments have strong safety records. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at injection sites. Serious complications are rare but can occur with inexperienced injectors or in non-clinical settings — another reason to choose your provider carefully.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLINIC
Your results depend as much on your practitioner as on the treatment itself. When researching clinics, consider:
- Qualifications: Look for medically qualified practitioners — doctors, dentists, nurses, or pharmacist prescribers who have completed additional aesthetic training.
- Experience: Ask how many treatments they've performed and whether they specialise in the areas you're interested in.
- Before-and-after photos: Review their portfolio to ensure their aesthetic style matches what you're looking for.
- Consultation process: A thorough consultation where they assess your face, discuss your goals, and explain options is essential.
- Insurance and premises: Ensure they're properly insured and working in an appropriate clinical environment.
- Products used: They should use licensed, reputable products and be transparent about what they're injecting.
READY TO BOOK?
All clinics on MARBL are vetted for qualifications, insurance, and clinical standards — so you can book with confidence. Browse our anti-wrinkle injection treatments or dermal filler treatments to find a trusted clinic near you.
EXPLORE TREATMENTS
Anti-Wrinkle Injections:
Dermal Fillers:
