One of the most common questions we get at Velvet Skin & Laser is: “Should I choose dermal fillers or Botox for my concerns?”
Both are incredibly popular non-surgical treatments — and both can dramatically improve the way you look — but they work in completely different ways and target different signs of ageing.
Botox relaxes overactive muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles (lines caused by facial expressions), while dermal fillers restore lost volume, sculpt contours and fill static lines (creases that are present even at rest).
In this detailed 2026 comparison guide, we’ll break down:
- How each treatment works
- Best uses & results for common concerns
- Realistic before & after differences
- Typical costs in the UK
- Side effects & downtime
- When to choose one over the other (or combine them)
If you’re trying to decide which treatment is right for you, this article will help.
How Botox Works – The Wrinkle Relaxer
Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a purified protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific facial muscles. When the muscle can’t contract fully, the overlying skin stays smooth and relaxed.
Best for dynamic lines — wrinkles that appear when you smile, frown, raise your eyebrows or squint:
- Forehead lines (horizontal lines across the forehead)
- Frown lines / glabellar lines (the “11s” between the eyebrows)
- Crows feet (lines at the outer corners of the eyes)
- Bunny lines (nose scrunching)
- Lipstick lines / perioral lines (around the mouth)
Results timeline
- Starts working in 3–5 days
- Full effect at 10–14 days
- Lasts 3–5 months (average 4 months)
- Maintenance every 3–6 months
Typical dose & cost (UK 2026 averages)
- 1 area (forehead OR frown OR crows feet): £199–£299
- 2–3 areas: £299–£450
- Full upper face: £400–£600
Botox is quick (10–15 minutes), virtually painless, and has no downtime — most clients go straight back to work or social plans.
How Dermal Fillers Work – The Volume & Structure Restorer
Dermal fillers are injectable gels (almost always hyaluronic acid-based in the UK) used to add volume, sculpt contours, fill static lines and enhance features. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin and attracts water, so fillers give immediate plumping and hydration.
Best for volume loss & static lines — concerns that are present even when your face is relaxed:
- Tear troughs / under-eye hollows
- Cheek enhancement & mid-face volume
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines (mouth to chin)
- Lip augmentation & definition
- Jawline contouring & chin projection
- Temple hollows
- Nose reshaping (non-surgical rhinoplasty)
Results timeline
- Immediate improvement (some swelling settles in 1–2 weeks)
- Full result visible at 2–4 weeks
- Lasts 6–18 months (lips 6–9 months, cheeks/tear troughs 12–18 months)
Typical cost (UK 2026 averages)
- 1 ml syringe: £300–£450
- Common treatments:
- Lips: 0.5–1 ml → £300–£600
- Tear troughs: 1–2 ml → £500–£900
- Cheeks: 2–4 ml → £600–£1,200
- Jawline/chin: 2–6 ml → £800–£2,000
Fillers take 20–45 minutes, mild discomfort (numbing cream used), minimal downtime (possible swelling/bruising 2–7 days).
Dermal Fillers vs Botox – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Concern | Best Treatment | Why? | Typical Longevity | Downtime |
| Forehead lines | Botox | Relaxes frontalis muscle that causes horizontal lines | 3–5 months | None |
| Frown lines (11s) | Botox | Relaxes corrugator & procerus muscles | 3–5 months | None |
| Crows feet | Botox | Relaxes orbicularis oculi muscle | 3–5 months | None |
| Bunny lines (nose scrunch) | Botox | Relaxes nasalis muscle | 3–5 months | None |
| Tear trough hollows | Dermal Filler | Restores lost volume & smooths lid-cheek junction | 12–18 months | 2–7 days swelling |
| Cheek volume loss | Dermal Filler | Rebuilds mid-face support & lifts jowls | 12–18 months | 2–7 days swelling |
| Nasolabial folds | Dermal Filler | Fills static crease from nose to mouth corner | 9–15 months | 2–5 days swelling |
| Lip enhancement | Dermal Filler | Adds volume, definition & hydration | 6–12 months | 2–7 days swelling |
| Jawline contouring | Dermal Filler | Sharpens jaw & creates better profile | 12–18 months | 2–7 days swelling |
| Overall skin quality | Both + others | Botox prevents lines forming; fillers restore volume | Varies | Minimal |
Key takeaway — Botox and dermal fillers are complementary, not competitors. Many clients get the best results by combining both (e.g. Botox for upper face lines + fillers for mid/lower face volume).
Realistic Results – What to Expect
Botox
- Smooths expression lines without freezing your face (when done naturally)
- Prevents lines from becoming deeper over time
- Takes 3–14 days to fully appear
- Looks most natural when movement is softened, not eliminated
Dermal Fillers
- Instant volume & structure improvement
- Natural-looking when placed in the correct layer & amount
- Can look slightly swollen for 3–7 days (especially lips/tear troughs)
- Best when subtle — overfilled looks obvious
Combination example
A typical 40–50-year-old client might have:
- Botox to forehead, frown & crows feet (£300–£450)
- 2–3 ml filler to cheeks & tear troughs (£600–£1,200)
- Total: £900–£1,650 Result: refreshed, rested, natural appearance that lasts 9–18 months.
Recovery & Aftercare
Botox
- No downtime — back to normal activities immediately
- Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol, lying down for 4 hours
- Full effect in 10–14 days
Dermal Fillers
- Mild swelling/bruising 2–7 days (lips & tear troughs most noticeable)
- Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, saunas for 48 hours
- Sleep elevated first night
- Full settling in 2–4 weeks
Both are walk-in, walk-out treatments.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate?
Good candidates
- Healthy adults with realistic expectations
- Dynamic lines (Botox) or volume loss/static lines (fillers)
- No active skin infections or certain medical conditions
Not ideal candidates
- Pregnant/breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
- Allergy to lidocaine or filler ingredients
- Unrealistic expectations (e.g. wanting surgical facelift results)
We always conduct a full medical consultation and may refer you if Botox/fillers aren’t suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Botox results last?
3–5 months (average 4 months). Regular treatments often extend duration.
How long do dermal filler results last?
6–18 months depending on area & filler type (lips shorter, cheeks/tear troughs longer).
Will I look frozen or over-filled?
Not at our clinic. We aim for natural results — subtle muscle softening (Botox) and balanced volume (fillers).
Can I combine Botox & fillers?
Yes — most clients do. Botox handles dynamic lines; fillers restore volume & structure.
Is it safe?
Yes — when performed by qualified medical professionals using MHRA-approved products. Risks (bruising, swelling, rare vascular complications) are discussed in consultation.
Ready to Smooth Wrinkles & Restore Volume?
Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers can take years off your appearance — naturally and safely — but only when tailored to your face by an experienced injector.
The first step is a thorough consultation so we can assess your skin, muscle movement, volume loss and goals.
