Botox & Dermal Fillers
Botulinum toxin ("botox") and dermal fillers are injectable treatments that address different concerns. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles that create expression lines such as frown lines and crow's feet, softening them. Dermal fillers add volume to restore contour, smooth deeper folds or refine features. Both are temporary and repeatable, so effects fade gradually and can be maintained.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are often mentioned together but do different things. Botulinum toxin, commonly called "botox," is injected in tiny amounts into specific muscles to relax them, which softens dynamic expression lines such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers, usually based on hyaluronic acid, are gels injected to restore volume that has been lost, smooth deeper static folds, or subtly refine contours such as the cheeks or lips. In some plans the two are combined to address both movement and volume.
Our dermatology team assesses your face at rest and in movement, discusses what is realistically achievable and injects conservatively to keep results natural. Botulinum toxin effects appear gradually over several days and typically last a few months; filler results are visible immediately, may settle over a week or two, and last from several months to longer depending on the product and area. Both are temporary by design, which allows results to be adjusted over time but also means repeat treatments are needed to maintain them.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges your consultation, an individual plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel. Our specialists can review clear photographs and your history remotely beforehand to indicate what may be suitable, though the final plan is always confirmed with an in-person assessment because injecting safely depends on examining your anatomy directly.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults bothered by expression lines such as frown lines, forehead lines or crow's feet
- People wanting to restore lost volume or soften deeper folds with filler
- Those seeking subtle refinement of contour, such as cheeks or lips
- Patients who prefer a temporary, adjustable, non-surgical approach
- People in good health who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and have no relevant neuromuscular condition or infection at the site
- Those with realistic expectations who understand results are temporary and need maintenance
What happens
- 1
Consultation & skin assessment
A dermatologist examines your face at rest and in movement, reviews your medical history, medications and any allergies, and discusses your goals. They explain whether botulinum toxin, filler or a combination suits you, what is realistic, and how long results tend to last.
- 2
Preparation
The area is cleaned and mapped, and topical numbing cream may be applied; many fillers also contain a local anesthetic. You are advised to avoid blood-thinning supplements and alcohol beforehand where appropriate to reduce the chance of bruising.
- 3
The treatment
Precise, small injections are placed at the planned points. Botulinum toxin injections are quick and use a very fine needle; filler is injected with a needle or blunt cannula and gently shaped. You may feel brief pinpricks or pressure. The session is short.
- 4
Aftercare
You are asked to stay upright for a while, avoid rubbing the area, and skip heavy exercise, heat and alcohol for a day or so. You are told what to expect as results settle and when to return for review or maintenance.
Benefits
- Softens expression lines and can restore a refreshed, natural look
- Fillers can restore lost volume, smooth deeper folds or refine contour
- Non-surgical, quick and usually with little downtime
- Temporary and adjustable, so the plan can evolve over time
- Filler results are visible immediately, while botulinum toxin develops over a few days
Risks & considerations
- Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, small bumps or bruising at injection sites
- Headache or a temporary heavy feeling after botulinum toxin; rarely, uneven or drooping expression that resolves as it wears off
- With filler, lumps or asymmetry that may need adjustment; rarely, more serious problems such as a vascular complication affecting the skin or, very rarely, vision
- Uncommon allergic or inflammatory reactions to the product
- Results are temporary and need repeat treatments to maintain; over-treatment can look unnatural, which is why conservative dosing matters
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Dermatology.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Botox & Dermal Fillers — frequently asked questions
They solve different problems. Botulinum toxin ("botox") relaxes specific muscles to soften lines caused by movement, such as frown lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers are gels that add volume to restore contour, smooth deeper folds or refine features. Sometimes both are used together, and your dermatologist advises what suits your goals.
Filler results are visible straight away and may settle over a week or two. Botulinum toxin develops gradually over several days. Both are temporary: botulinum toxin typically lasts a few months, and fillers from several months to longer depending on the product and area, so maintenance treatments are needed to keep the effect.
That is not the goal. Our team injects conservatively to keep movement and expression looking natural, softening lines rather than erasing all animation. Because both treatments are temporary, the plan can be adjusted at future visits to match your preference.
These are common, well-established treatments, but they are medical procedures with real risks. Most side effects are minor and temporary, such as redness, swelling or bruising. Rare but more serious problems, particularly with filler, are minimized when an experienced dermatologist injects using proper technique, which is why an in-person assessment is essential.
Yes. Our dermatology team can review clear photographs and your history remotely before you arrive to indicate what may be suitable. The final plan is always confirmed with an in-person assessment, because safe injecting depends on examining your facial anatomy directly.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online, because the products, amounts and areas are individual to you. As both treatments are temporary, we also explain the likely interval for maintenance so you can plan. Your coordinator confirms the details before you commit.
Related treatments
Considering botox & dermal fillers?
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