What Is the Difference Between Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers?
If you’re new to aesthetic treatments, it can be confusing to understand what each injectable actually does — especially when Botox and dermal fillers are often talked about together. While both are popular, non-surgical ways to rejuvenate the face, they work in very different ways.
Here’s your simple, beginner-friendly breakdown.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a well-known brand name for botulinum toxin type A, the injectable treatment used to relax wrinkles.
You may also see other licensed brands, such as Bocouture and Azzalure, which work in a similar way to soften expression lines.
Wrinkle-relaxing injections work by temporarily relaxing the tiny facial muscles that cause expression lines.
Best For:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
- Bunny lines (nose scrunch lines)
- Softening a gummy smile
- Jawline slimming / treating bruxism (teeth grinding)
How It Works:
Botulinum toxin type A works by gently reducing dynamic muscle activity, which helps soften existing expression lines and prevents new wrinkles from developing.
Results:
- Start to appear in 3–5 days
- Fully visible by 2 weeks
- Typically last 3–4 months
Good For People Who Want:
- A natural, more relaxed look
- Prevention of deeper wrinkles
- Subtle smoothing without changing facial volume
More information about anti-wrinkle injections.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances (most commonly hyaluronic acid) injected beneath the skin to restore volume, shape, and structure.
Best For:
- Enhancing lips
- Lifting cheeks
- Smoothing nose-to-mouth lines
- Restoring under-eye hollows
- Defining the chin or jawline
- Non-surgical nose reshaping
How They Work:
Fillers add volume where it has been lost due to ageing, or they enhance features for natural contour and balance.
Results:
- Visible immediately after treatment
- Can last anywhere from 6–18 months depending on the area and product used
Good For People Who Want:
- Natural volume restoration
- Facial contouring
- A refreshed, lifted appearance
More information about dermal fillers.
Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers: Quick Comparison
| Concern | Anti-Wrinkle Injections | Dermal Filler |
|---|---|---|
| Lines caused by expression (frown, forehead, eyes) | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Loss of volume (cheeks, lips, jaw, chin) | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Prevention of future wrinkles | ✔️ | ✔️ (indirectly) |
| Immediate results | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Alters muscle movement | ✔️ | ✖️ |
Do You Need Anti-Wrinkle Injections, Filler – or Both?
Most people benefit from a combination of both treatments to give the most natural and holistic result.
For example:
- Anti-wrinkle injections to smooth upper-face lines
- Fillers to lift cheeks or soften nose-to-mouth lines
A personalised consultation is essential to understand your facial anatomy and decide what will give you the most natural, balanced results.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 20 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
