Botox vs. Fillers: What’s Right for You?

What is Botox?

Botox is a prescription neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.⁵ When small amounts are injected into specific muscles, Botox prevents those muscles from contracting, which smooths the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles.⁶

The FDA approved Botox Cosmetic for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows) in 2002. Later approvals included crow’s feet in 2013 and forehead lines in 2017.⁸

Common Treatment Areas

• Forehead lines: Horizontal wrinkles that appear when you raise your eyebrows
• Frown lines (glabellar lines): The vertical “11” lines between your eyebrows
• Crow’s feet: Fine lines radiating from the outer corners of your eyes
• Off-label uses: Masseter muscles for jaw slimming, neck bands, and gummy smile correction (at provider’s discretion)

Botox is priced by the unit, and the number of units needed varies based on the treatment area and individual muscle strength. Many cosmetic treatments fall in the 20 to 40 unit range overall, though this is individualized by your injector.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances that add structure and restore facial volume. FDA-cleared options include hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).²

Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: The most common type, HA fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, provide immediate volume and can be reversed with hyaluronidase if needed. They work by binding with water to create a plumping effect in the skin.²

Biostimulatory Fillers: Products like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) work gradually by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. These tend to last longer than HA fillers and build results over a series of treatments.⁴

Common Treatment Areas for Face

• Cheeks: Restore volume loss and create lifted contours
• Nasolabial folds: Soften the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Marionette lines: Smooth lines extending from the mouth corners downward
• Lips: Add volume, definition, and correct asymmetry
• Under eyes (tear troughs): Reduce hollowing and dark circle appearance

Fillers address static wrinkles (lines visible even when your face is at rest) by physically adding volume beneath the skin. The best results come from a gradual, conservative approach that builds volume over time rather than dramatic changes all at once.

How Long Do Results Last?

Botox Longevity

Botox results typically last 3 to 4 months.¹ The duration depends on several factors, including your metabolism, the number of units injected, and the treatment area. Some patients may experience results lasting up to 6 months, while others metabolize the product more quickly.

To maintain your results, you’ll need touch-up treatments approximately every 3 to 4 months. Many patients find that with regular treatments, they may need fewer units over time to achieve the same effect.

Filler Longevity

Dermal filler results vary significantly depending on the product type and injection area:

• Lips (HA fillers): Typically 6 to 12 months³
• Cheeks (HA fillers like Juvederm Voluma XC): Up to 24 months with optimal treatment⁴
• Biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse): Often around 2 years, though Sculptra requires a series of treatment sessions⁴

The longevity of fillers depends on the product formulation, injection depth, area treated, and your individual metabolism. Areas with more movement (like lips) break down filler faster than areas with less movement (like cheeks). Learn more about FDA-approved dermal fillers and their indications.

Understanding the Cost

Prices vary significantly by market and provider. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average physician fees are approximately $435 for botulinum toxin treatments, $715 for hyaluronic acid fillers, or $901 for non-HA fillers.¹⁰ Your total cost will depend on the amount of product needed and your specific treatment goals.

Botox Pricing Details

Botox is priced per unit, with costs typically ranging from $10 to $20 per unit depending on your location and provider. Common treatment areas require:

• Forehead: 10 to 20 units
• Frown lines: 15 to 25 units
• Crow’s feet: 10 to 24 units total (both sides)

Coastal metropolitan areas typically charge higher rates than smaller cities due to increased demand and higher operating costs.

Filler Pricing Details

Dermal fillers are priced per syringe, with costs ranging from $600 to $1,500 per syringe depending on the product type and provider. Each syringe typically contains 1 mL of product. Most treatments require 1 to 2 syringes, though more extensive volume restoration may need additional product.

While fillers have a higher upfront cost per treatment compared to Botox, they also last significantly longer, which can make them more cost-effective over time. If you’re considering these treatments, explore our complete medspa services to see how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Safety and Side Effects

Botox Side Effects

Common (temporary):

• Mild pain, redness, or bruising at injection sites¹¹
• Temporary swelling¹¹
• Headache (typically resolves within a few days)¹²

Rare complications:

• Eyelid ptosis (drooping), which occurs in approximately 1 to 5% of patients when treating the forehead area¹³
• Eyebrow drooping or asymmetry¹⁴
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (extremely rare)¹

Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few days to weeks. Choosing an experienced, board-certified injector significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Filler Side Effects

Common (temporary):

• Swelling and bruising at injection sites¹⁵
• Redness and tenderness¹⁵
• Temporary lumpiness or firmness that typically resolves

Serious but rare complication:

Vascular occlusion: This is a serious complication where filler accidentally enters or compresses a blood vessel. While rare (estimated at approximately 0.01 to 0.05% of treatments),¹⁶ vascular occlusions require immediate medical intervention.

Warning signs include:

• Severe pain during or after injection
• Skin blanching (whitening)
• Discoloration or livedo pattern extending beyond the injection site
• Visual disturbances or vision changes

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical evaluation immediately. The risk of serious complications is significantly reduced when treatments are performed by highly trained, experienced providers who understand facial anatomy and can recognize and manage complications promptly. Understanding how to choose a qualified cosmetic injector is essential for your safety.

When to Choose Botox vs. Fillers

Choose Botox If You Want To:

• Soften lines that appear when you make facial expressions (forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines)
• Prevent wrinkles from becoming deeper over time
• Achieve a more relaxed, refreshed appearance
• Address medical conditions like chronic migraines or excessive sweating (per provider evaluation)

Choose Dermal Fillers If You Want To:

• Restore volume loss in your mid-face, cheeks, or under eyes
• Enhance or add volume to your lips
• Smooth static lines that are visible even when your face is relaxed (nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
• Improve facial contours and symmetry

The Power of Combination Treatments

Many patients achieve optimal results by combining both Botox and fillers in what’s often called a “liquid facelift.” This comprehensive approach addresses both dynamic wrinkles (with Botox) and volume loss (with fillers) for complete facial rejuvenation.

Your provider can create a customized treatment plan that may include both modalities staged appropriately for safety and synergy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Finding a Qualified Provider

The most important factor in achieving beautiful, natural-looking results while minimizing risks is choosing the right injector. Here’s what to look for:

Credentials and Experience Matter

Seek treatment from board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or medical professionals with extensive training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques. These providers have the knowledge to place injections safely and handle any complications that may arise. Don’t hesitate to ask about their training, experience, and emergency protocols.

Aesthetic Alignment

Look for a provider whose aesthetic vision aligns with yours. Review before-and-after photos of their actual work to ensure their style matches what you’re hoping to achieve. The best providers will also be willing to tell you “no” if a treatment isn’t appropriate for your goals or anatomy.

Always Schedule a Consultation

A thorough consultation allows your provider to assess your unique facial structure, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. This is also your opportunity to ask questions about their experience, credentials, approach to safety, and how they handle complications. When searching for fillers or Botox in Littleton or Denver, contact Silver Palm Salon & Spa to schedule a consultation and discuss your aesthetic goals with our experienced team.