Ever found yourself staring into the mirror, noticing fine lines that weren’t there before? Or maybe your cheeks don’t have the same fullness they once did? You’re not alone. Many people looking for non-surgical facial rejuvenation often ask: Should I get Botox or dermal fillers?

It’s easy to get confused—both are injectable treatments designed to keep you looking fresh. But before jumping to conclusions, the real question isn’t which one to get, but what concern you want to address. Are you trying to soften wrinkles caused by facial expressions, or do you want to restore volume and enhance contours? Once you identify your goal, the right treatment becomes clear.

Let’s break it down.

Botox: Relax and Refresh

If wrinkles appear when you raise your eyebrows, squint, or smile, Botox is your go-to solution. Botox is a neuromodulator—it relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles (the ones that come from repetitive expressions).

How it works

Botox is derived from botulinum toxin, a purified protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to targeted muscles. When these muscles relax, the overlying skin smooths out, softening the appearance of lines and preventing them from deepening over time.

During the procedure, a licensed injector administers a series of tiny, precise injections into the muscle. The process takes about 10-20 minutes and requires minimal to no downtime—making it a popular “lunchtime treatment.”

When will I see results?

You may start noticing changes within 3 to 5 days, with full effects appearing after 10-14 days.

Results typically last 3 to 4 months, after which muscle activity gradually returns, and touch-ups are needed to maintain smooth, youthful skin.

Botox is best for:

✔️ Forehead lines (those pesky horizontal creases)
✔️ Crow’s feet (the tiny lines around your eyes)
✔️ Frown lines (the “11” lines between your brows)
✔️ Lip flip (for a subtle upper lip lift)

Did you know? Botox isn’t just for wrinkles! It’s FDA-approved to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and even jawline slimming by relaxing the masseter muscles. 

Curious if Botox is right for you? See how it works and discover if it’s the perfect fit for your beauty goals. Learn more about the treatment and what to expect—because confidence starts with the right choice.

Dermal Fillers: Restore and Enhance

If your concern isn’t wrinkles but rather lost volume, deep lines, or contouring, dermal fillers are your best bet.

Unlike Botox, fillers don’t affect muscle movement. Instead, they plump, lift, and smooth by adding volume where it’s needed. The most common type is hyaluronic acid-based, a substance naturally found in your skin that keeps it hydrated and youthful.

How it works

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, fill wrinkles, and sculpt facial contours. The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar molecule that attracts water and keeps skin plump and hydrated.

Other types of fillers include:

• Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) – A thicker filler used for deeper folds and restoring volume in areas like the cheeks and jawline.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) – A collagen stimulator that helps build natural volume over time.
• PMMA (Bellafill) – A semi-permanent filler used for deep wrinkles and acne scars.

During the procedure, the filler is injected with either a fine needle or micro-cannula for precision and comfort. The treatment takes about 30-45 minutes with little to no downtime.

When will I see results?

Unlike Botox, dermal fillers work immediately, with final results appearing once any mild swelling subsides (usually within a week).

The duration depends on the type of filler used:

• Lips: 6-12 months
• Cheeks & Jawline: 12-18 months
• Nasolabial Folds: 9-12 months
• Under-eye hollows: Up to 1 year

Dermal Fillers are best for:

✔️ Plumping lips (if you want that soft, pillowy effect)
✔️ Cheek augmentation (for youthful contour and lift)
✔️ Nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth)
✔️ Under-eye hollows (to reduce a tired look)

Did you know? Dermal fillers can also boost collagen production over time, improving your skin’s elasticity! 

Wondering if dermal fillers are the right choice for you? Discover how they work, what they can enhance, and whether they align with your beauty goals. From restoring lost volume to defining your features, the right filler can make all the difference.

Key Differences: Botox vs. Fillers

Feature	Botox	Dermal Fillers
What it does	Relaxes muscle movement	Adds volume and definition
Best for	Expression lines & wrinkles	Facial contouring & deep lines
Results appear	Within a few days	Instantly
How long it lasts	3-4 months	6 months – 2 years
Ingredient	Botulinum toxin	Hyaluronic acid (or other substances)

Why a Personal Assessment Matters

Not every treatment is right for everyone. That’s why getting an expert consultation with a licensed dermatologist or aesthetic specialist is key.

At Li Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Li personally assesses each client before recommending a treatment. This ensures you get the best results tailored to your unique facial anatomy and concerns. No cookie-cutter injections here—just bespoke, natural enhancements.

The best injectable treatment isn’t about Botox vs. fillers—it’s about what will make YOU feel your most confident, radiant self.

Still unsure? Book a personalized consultation with Li Medical Aesthetics and let us help you find the perfect treatment for your beauty goals. After all, your skin deserves nothing less than the best.