Filler vs. Botox: The Complete Beginner's Guide (No Jargon)
Published 2026-02-27 • Summer House Editorial Team
Filler and Botox are the two most common injectable treatments at any medspa, and they get lumped together constantly — but they're completely different things that do completely different jobs. If you're new to injectables and trying to figure out what you actually need, this guide will get you oriented without drowning you in clinical terminology.
What Botox Actually Does
Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles. When you inject it into a specific facial muscle, that muscle can't contract as strongly for the next three to four months. The practical result: the skin above that muscle stops creasing as much, and existing lines from repeated movement start to soften. It doesn't add anything to your face — it reduces movement.
The areas Botox is most commonly used for are the forehead, the space between your eyebrows (called the '11s'), and the outer corners of your eyes (crow's feet). It can also be used to lift the brow slightly, relax the jaw muscles for a slimmer appearance, and treat a gummy smile. Results typically appear within 7 to 14 days and last three to four months.
What Filler Actually Does
Dermal filler adds volume. The most common type is hyaluronic acid filler — a gel substance that's injected under the skin to restore lost volume, define structure, or add fullness to specific areas. Unlike Botox, filler isn't about movement — it's about shape and volume. It physically fills a space.
Common filler areas include the lips, cheeks, under-eye hollows (tear troughs), nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), and the jawline. Results are immediate and typically last 9 to 18 months depending on the product and placement. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you want them reversed.
How to Know Which One You Need
The easiest way to think about it: if the issue appears or worsens when you make expressions, Botox is likely the primary tool. If the issue is visible at rest — sunken areas, lost volume, undefined structure — filler is more likely the answer. Many people need both, but understanding the distinction helps you have a smarter conversation with your injector.
The most important thing is not to self-prescribe before your consultation. You might walk in thinking you need filler for your under-eyes and discover your injector recommends cheek filler instead — because restoring midface volume often lifts the under-eye area naturally. Trust the consultation process. An experienced injector will explain their reasoning and let you decide.
FAQ
Can you get Botox and filler at the same appointment?
Yes, many people do both in the same session. The treatments don't interfere with each other. Your injector will typically do Botox first since it involves more precise muscle placement, then filler. Plan for slightly more downtime if you're doing both — bruising and swelling from multiple injection sites can add up.
Which one is more expensive?
Botox is typically priced per unit and tends to cost less per session than filler, which is priced per syringe. A full syringe of hyaluronic acid filler usually runs $600 to $900 or more. Botox for a single area might run $200 to $400. Many people start with Botox first because the entry cost is lower.
Need help now?
Call Summer House Medspa at 214-307-1877 to talk through which treatment makes sense for your specific concerns.