Dermal fillers and botox are often used interchangeably as terms, as they are both a type of injectable treatment administered with a needle.

Contrary to popular belief, the short answer to this question is no, dermal fillers and botox are not the same.

This comes down to the fact that they’re not only different treatments that require different products, but they also require different techniques in spite of them both being administered by a needle.

The primary difference between these two treatments is that while dermal fillers simply fill in the wrinkles, botox is used to reduce fine lines as well as wrinkles through the process of paralysing the muscles that lie underneath.

Another key difference between the two is that the results from dermal fillers typically last longer than the results of botox. That said, this can vary depending on the type of filler that is administered during the treatment. 

Dermal fillers being injected

Contrary to popular belief, dermal fillers and botox are not the same.

Dermal fillers are used for a variety of different treatments. These treatments include, but are not limited to:

  1. Facial filler 
  2. Lip filler
  3. Non-surgical face-lift
  4. Non-surgical rhinoplasty 

1. Facial Filler 

One of the most common treatments is facial filler for fine lines and wrinkles. 

When it comes to filling in lines, such as smile lines, the dermal filler is designed to add volume and plumpness to the creases around the mouth, thus reducing their appearance. 

Facial fillers are not permanent, typically only lasting 6 to 18 months.

That said, despite being temporary they not only help to rejuvenate the skin, but can also provide you with a more youthful appearance and complexion. 

2. Lip Filler 

Arguably the most common injectable treatment in the aesthetic industry is currently lip filler.

The fact that established aesthetic clinics have experienced a ‘30% increase in requests for lip fillers’ is a testament to how popular lip fillers have become over the years.

The treatment involves injecting dermal fillers into the lip in order to both plump and alter the shape, helping to accentuate the patient’s natural beauty.

Generally speaking, lip fillers tend to last between 6 and 18 months and tend to be administered over the course of a few treatments.

Doing this helps to prevent the lips from becoming over-plumped, promoting a more natural-looking result. 

Dermal filler

The fact that established aesthetic clinics have experienced a ‘30% increase in requests for lip fillers’ is a testament to how popular lip fillers have become over the years.

3. Non-Surgical Face-Lift 

Another aesthetic treatment is a non-surgical face-lift, which is achieved through a combination of filler treatments with the goal to lift your face.

As we age, it’s natural for our face to begin to sag and lose definition as our skin naturally begins to lose volume, resulting in an older appearance. 

A non-surgical face-lift involves expertly injecting dermal filler in a variety of places, such as the cheeks, lower face, and under the eyes to restore volume. 

As such, this combination of dermal filler treatments helps to transform the face and provide the patient with a more refreshed and youthful look. 

The results of a non-surgical face-lift tend to last from anywhere between 12 to 18 months and up to as long as 2 years.

4. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Last, but not least, a popular aesthetic treatment is a non-surgical rhinoplasty, which is a non-invasive nose job carried out with dermal filler. 

Also known as a liquid rhinoplasty, the aim of a non-surgical rhinoplasty is to immediately yet temporarily change the shape of the patient’s nose by injecting it with dermal filler. 

When compared to a traditional rhinoplasty, the procedure entails significantly less swelling and recovery, meaning that there is virtually no downtime required afterwards.

That said, in most cases, the ‘results [from a non-surgical rhinoplasty] last for 6 months or less’.

As such, this is a great yet short-term solution for those who don’t wish to go under the knife for a traditional rhinoplasty.

Dermal filler treatment

A non-surgical face-lift involves expertly injecting dermal filler in a variety of places, such as the cheeks, lower face, and under the eyes to restore volume. 

Regardless of which treatment you opt for, it’s essential that you research both dermal fillers and botox and find a reputable and established aesthetic clinic before going ahead with any procedure. 

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the difference between dermal fillers and botox, as well as some of the treatments carried out with dermal filler. 

You Can Clinic is one of the UK's leading providers of aesthetic training courses and pharmaceutical supplies. Over 1000 individuals have progressed through our affordable programmes, which provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant aesthetic procedures. Available from beginner to advanced courses.

Do you see yourself in the industry? Check out our articles on Botulinum Toxin, Weight Management and Dermaplaning Training Courses. 

Written by Jemima, for You Can Clinic.
April 13, 2023 — Jemima Thomas