Botox and Fillers : what is it?
Botox and fillers are often mentioned in the same breath, but they are two completely different treatments. Botox temporarily reduces excessive contraction of the muscles of expression and softens lines caused by movement. A filler restores lost fullness by placing hyaluronic acid where volume has been lost. In short: botox targets movement, fillers target volume. Neither is surgical and you return to normal life the same day; but neither is permanent, and both must be repeated at intervals.
Who is a suitable candidate?
- Lines from movement on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes
- Volume loss in the cheekbones, lips, chin and under the eyes
- Excessive sweating (underarms, palms)
- Teeth clenching and thickening of the jaw muscle
- Wanting gradual and reversible change without surgery
How is it performed?
Botox is injected into the target muscles with very fine needles. The treatment takes 10 – 15 minutes. The effect begins within 3 – 5 days, settles fully at 2 weeks and generally lasts 4 – 6 months.
Fillers use hyaluronic acid products. Different densities are used depending on the area; a local anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand. The effect is immediate and lasts 9 – 18 months depending on the product.
An important advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they are reversible: an unwanted result can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Permanent filler materials are not recommended for this reason.
Recovery
The timeline below shows an average course. Your personal recovery depends on your age, skin quality, smoking and the extent of the operation.
After botox, do not lie down, do not massage the treated area and avoid strenuous exercise.
After fillers there may be slight swelling and occasionally bruising, resolving within a few days. The effect of botox begins.
The effect of botox settles fully. If needed, a small touch-up is done at this review.
The effect of botox begins to fade and it is time to repeat. Fillers last 9 – 18 months depending on the product.
Possible risks
Every surgical procedure carries risk. Knowing them is not meant to frighten you but to let you decide with full awareness. Each point is discussed individually at your consultation.
- Temporary bruising, swelling and tenderness
- Asymmetry or temporary drooping of the eyelid after botox (rare, resolves on its own)
- Irregularity or nodule formation with fillers
- Serious complications from intravascular injection (very rare; prevented by anatomical knowledge and correct technique)
- Allergic reaction
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. The method that may apply to you, the expected outcome and the risks can only be determined after a medical examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does botox leave the face expressionless?
At the right dose expression is preserved and only excessive contraction is reduced. An expressionless look is associated with high doses and incorrect injection points.
Can botox and fillers be done in the same session?
Yes, they are often planned together. Because they address different problems, they complement each other.
Can a filler be removed?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. That is the most important safety advantage over permanent fillers.
Will it look worse if I stop?
No. When the effect wears off the area returns to how it was before treatment; it does not get worse.
