Botox vs. Filler: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
When it comes to non-surgical facial treatments, Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular options available. But even though they're often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes. If you're curious about how they work, and wondering which one might be right for you, you’re not alone.
At MedLife Aesthetics in North Vancouver, we’re here to help you understand the differences so you can make an informed decision about your next treatment. Let’s break it down.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes muscles. It’s most commonly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements like frowning, smiling, and squinting.
When Botox is injected into specific muscles, it blocks the nerve signals that cause them to contract. As a result, the overlying skin looks smoother and the wrinkles soften.
Common areas treated with Botox:
Forehead lines
Frown lines (between the eyebrows, also known as “11s”)
Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
Bunny lines (on the nose)
Lip flip or gummy smile
Results from Botox usually appear within 3 to 7 days and can last about 3 to 4 months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are used to add volume, restore lost fullness, and sculpt facial features. Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in your skin that keeps it plump and hydrated.
As we age, we lose collagen, fat, and bone support, which can lead to a hollowed or sagging appearance. Fillers can restore that lost volume and enhance your natural features in a subtle, beautiful way.
Common areas treated with fillers:
Lips (for volume or definition)
Cheeks (to lift and contour)
Jawline and chin (to sculpt)
Under-eyes (to reduce dark circles or hollows)
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)
Filler results are immediate and typically last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and the treatment area.
Botox or Filler: Which One Do You Need?
The answer depends on your goals.
Choose Botox if you want to soften lines caused by facial movement. Think crow’s feet, forehead lines, or a frown that makes you look tired or angry.
Choose filler if you want to restore volume, enhance features, or smooth deeper folds. Fillers are great for plumping lips, lifting cheeks, and creating a more youthful contour.
Many clients actually benefit from a combination of both! For example, Botox can relax forehead wrinkles while filler adds volume to cheeks or lips. When used together strategically, they can create a refreshed, balanced, and natural-looking result.
What About Safety?
At MedLife Aesthetics, your safety and results are our top priorities. Both Botox and dermal filler treatments are performed by our highly trained aesthetic professionals. We take the time to understand your facial anatomy and personal goals to recommend what’s best for you and never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Book a Personalized Consultation
Still not sure which treatment you need? That’s totally normal and exactly why we recommend booking a consultation.
During your visit to MedLife Aesthetics in North Vancouver, we’ll:
Discuss your concerns and goals
Assess your facial anatomy
Recommend a custom treatment plan just for you
Whether you’re looking to smooth out lines, plump your lips, or get a refreshed, youthful look without surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.