BOTOX Vs FILLERS: Which one should you choose? Aging is a natural process that brings changes to your skin and facial features over time. It appears with fine lines, wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and thinner-looking lips and some other changes you may notice on your skin. If you want to address these concerns, Botox and dermal fillers are two treatment options to undergo with.
Although both are injectable treatments, they work in different ways. Both of the treatments are safe, and should be done following medical procedure properly.
- Choose Botox when lines appear as you move your face: frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting.
- Choose fillers when an area looks flat, hollow, thin or creased even when your face is completely still: lips, cheeks, smile lines, chin or jawline.
- Many people need both, but only a dermatologist can confirm this after examining your face.
Let’s explore which one is better and right for you? How much does botox and filler cost? what concerns do botox and filler are considered?
Which one should you choose? The honest answer is- it totally depends on your skin concern. Talk your doctor before undergo Botox and filler.
Botox Vs Filler: At a Glance
| Botox (botulinum toxin type A) | Dermal fillers | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Softens lines caused by muscle movement | Restores volume, shape and support |
| How it works | Temporarily reduces the signal from nerve to muscle | Adds a gel-like or collagen-stimulating material under the skin |
| Best for | Frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet | Thin lips, flat cheeks, smile lines, chin and jawline shape |
| When you see results | First change in 3 to 5 days; full effect near 2 weeks | Most results are visible straight away; final look after swelling settles |
| How long it lasts | About 3 to 4 months for most people (sometimes up to 6) | About 6 to 18 months, depending on product and area |
| Can it be reversed? | No antidote is used routinely; it wears off with time | Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase; other types cannot |
| Downtime | Usually none; small bumps or redness fade within hours | Usually none; swelling, tenderness or bruising can last a few days |
| Price at SUO XI Hospital (Skin Care) | 50 units from BDT 15,000 (Approximate Cost) | Approximately- BDT 35,000 per ml (lips, cheeks, jawline) |
| Main risks | Eyebrow or eyelid heaviness, uneven result, headache | Lumps, asymmetry, infection; rarely blocked blood vessels |
What Is Botox?
Botox is a certified medical-grade protein generated from Botulinum toxin type A, commonly used to reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines on the face. In tiny, controlled doses, a doctor injects it into chosen facial muscles to make them temporarily weaker, so the skin above them creases less.. It’s an FDA-approved treatment trusted by dermatologists and aesthetic specialists worldwide.
It targets the underlying muscle activity that causes visible aging signs. When used correctly, it gives the face a smoother, fresher, and more youthful appearance without surgery or major downtime. Here is a full guide on Botox.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works temporarily by relaxing targeted facial muscles, softening lines caused by repeated expressions, such as frowning or raising your eyebrows. It works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger that normally signals the muscles to contract. With less muscle movement, the skin above folds less, making expression lines appear smoother.
The muscle relaxes for a few months until the nerve slowly recovers. Because the muscle moves less, lines caused by repeated movement look softer.As muscle activity gradually returns over the following months, the lines may become visible again. However, results vary depending on the treatment area and the individual.
What Can Botox Treat?
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny Lines, Neck Bands, Brow Lift, Masseter Muscles, Improves pebbly chin
- In selected cases, clenching or a bulky jaw muscle, which is an off-label use in many countries. Other uses depend on the product, local approvals and the doctor’s assessment.
What Botox Cannot Do
- It cannot add volume to hollow areas.
- It cannot lift or tighten loose, sagging skin.
- It cannot fix sun damage, dark spots or rough texture.
- It cannot fully erase deep lines that are present even when your face is still.
Those often need filler or another treatment alongside it.
Will Botox Make My Face Look Frozen?
No, Botox does not automatically make your face look frozen. A “frozen” look usually comes from too much product or poor planning. A careful doctor aims to soften wrinkles, fine lines while keeping your natural expressions. Tell the doctor that you want to look like yourself, only more rested.
What Makes Botox Look Frozen?
- Too many units injected.
- Excessive treatment of the forehead.
- Incorrect injection placement.
- Treating multiple facial areas without considering how the muscles work together.
How Long Does the Frozen Feeling Last?
If Botox causes excessive muscle weakness, it generally improves gradually as the Botox wears off, typically over 3–4 months, although individual results vary.
Can Botox prevent wrinkles?
Yes, Botox can prevent wrinkles from getting worse over time. It works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles in your face that repeatedly fold the skin and cause dynamic lines. This is why younger adults sometimes love to undergo Botox treatment as an anticipatory precautionary treatment, commonly referred to as ‘Baby Botox’ or ‘Preventative Botox’. However, it works well for dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. It is less effective for static wrinkles caused by collagen loss, sun damage, skin laxity or volume loss. Depending on their underlying cause, these concerns may require alternative treatments, including dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation procedures or medical-grade skincare.
Although regular Botox treatments may help soften the appearance of some established expression lines, Botox cannot stop natural aging, prevent collagen loss or replace the need for proper skincare and sun protection. Read our guide to buying Botox for Anti-Aging for more information on this subject.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth deep folds and shape areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin and jawline.
As we age, our skin gradually loses collagen, fat, and elasticity, leading to sagging and hollow areas. Fillers act as structural support, replacing that lost volume to give the face a more youthful and lifted appearance. Let’s explore the types of fillers, how they work. The most common types of fillers are made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a natural substance that retains moisture and keeps the skin plump, and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA), which provides longer-lasting firmness and stimulates collagen production.
Types of Dermal Fillers
| Type | What it is | How it works | Usual duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid (HA) | A sugar-based gel; your skin makes a similar substance naturally | Adds volume and holds water | About 6 to 18 months |
| Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) | A mineral also found in bones, in a gel | Adds firmness and encourages some collagen | About 12 months or longer |
| Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) | A biodegradable material | Stimulates your body to build collagen slowly over weeks | Up to 2 years or more |
| PMMA | Tiny beads in a collagen gel | Beads stay under the skin to give lasting support | Long-lasting |
| Your own fat | Fat taken from your body and re-injected | Adds natural volume | Varies |
Where Are Dermal Fillers Used?
Dermal fillers are primarily used to restore lost facial volume, smooth wrinkles and enhance facial contours. Common treatment areas include the cheeks enhancement, lips Lip augmentation, Chin and jawline contouring, the hollows under the eyes, nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines (creases extending from the corners of the mouth towards the chin). Some products are approved for improving certain cheek acne scars. Not every scar suits filler, so a doctor must check the scar type first.
The FDA has officially approved hand filler treatments to help restore volume to the backs of the hands and reduce the prominence of underlying structures. However, FDA approval varies by product, injection site and intended use, so not every filler is approved for every treatment area. That is why they should come from a registered source and be injected by a trained doctor. Never buy filler online or inject it yourself.
Looking for filler treatment in a specific area? See our lip filler treatment, under-eye hollowness treatment or face shaping pages.
How Long Do Botox and Fillers Last?
Botox: about 3 to 4 months for most people, and sometimes up to 6. Fillers: about 6 to 18 months. These are general ranges, and your own result can be shorter or longer.
- Botox lasts longer when the muscle is smaller or when you have had regular treatments. Strong muscles, high doses of movement and a fast metabolism can shorten it. As the effect fades, the lines slowly return.
- Lip filler often lasts toward the shorter end (around 6 to 12 months) because the lips move constantly.
- Cheek and jawline filler often lasts longer (around 12 to 18 months) because these areas move less.
- Biostimulating fillers such as PLLA build results gradually and can last about two years or more.
A good doctor will tell you the expected duration of the exact product being used, not a general promise.
Botox and Filler Cost in Dhaka (Approximate Cost)
At SUO XI Hospital (Skin Care), Botox (50 units) starts between BDT 15,000- 30,000, and dermal fillers for the lips, cheeks and jawline are BDT 35,000 -38,000 per ml.
| Treatment | Starting price at SUO XI |
|---|---|
| Botox (50 units) | Starts Between BDT 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Filler (lips, cheeks, jawline) | BDT 35,000 – 38,000 |
What Changes the Final Price?
- The number of areas you treat
- The amount of Botox units or filler ml your face needs
- The product and type of filler chosen
- Whether a follow-up touch-up is needed
Your dermatologist will give you the treatment plan and the price before any injection. See the full SUO XI price list for other treatments. Be careful with offers that are far cheaper than usual: very low prices can mean diluted, unregistered or counterfeit products.
Can You Have Botox and Fillers Together?
Yes, botox and fillers can be combined together (even on the same day depending on the treatment goal) as they can address both muscle-related wrinkles and volume-related changes ultimately resulting in facial rejuvenation. For example, someone with frown lines and flat cheeks may have Botox between the eyebrows and filler in the cheeks.
Botox
Temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.
Dermal Fillers
Restore volume, soften selected facial folds and enhance features such as the cheeks, lips and chin.
They can often be done in the same visit, and some doctors prefer to stage them over two visits. The right plan depends on your face, your goals and your health history. It should never be sold as a standard package for everyone. Also note that treating one area can change how a neighbouring area looks, so a balanced plan looks more natural than treating each line on its own.
Botox Vs Fillers: Side Effects and Risks
Both are medical procedures and they are generally safe in trained hands, but no injection is risk-free. Here are the breakdown below:
Botox: common and uncommon effects
- Common and short-lived: small bumps, redness, mild pain, bruising, headache
- Less common: a heavy or drooping eyebrow or eyelid, an uneven look, dry or watery eyes, a changed smile when injected near the mouth
- Rare but serious: trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, double vision or widespread muscle weakness, which can appear hours to weeks after treatment
Fillers: common and uncommon effects
- Common and short-lived: swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, itching
- Less common: lumps, uneven results, a filler that shifts or looks too full, infection, allergic reaction
- Rare but serious: filler blocking a blood vessel (vascular occlusion), which can lead to skin damage and, very rarely, vision loss or stroke
Botox Vs Fillers: Which Suits for You? Match Your Skin Concern
| Your concern | Usually suits | Why |
| Forehead lines | Botox | They deepen when the forehead muscle lifts the brows |
| Frown lines between the eyebrows (“11” lines) | Botox | They come from the muscles that pull the brows together |
| Crow’s feet | Botox | Smiling and squinting fold the skin at the eye corners |
| Bulky jaw muscles or teeth clenching | Botox (off-label use) | Relaxes the chewing muscle |
| Thin or flat lips | Filler | Adds shape and volume |
| Flat or hollow cheeks | Filler | Cheeks need support, not muscle relaxation |
| Smile lines (nasolabial folds) | Often filler | Usually caused by lost volume and skin sagging |
| Weak chin or undefined jawline | Filler | Adds structure and contour |
| Dark hollows under the eyes | Filler, but only by an experienced doctor (consult first) | A delicate area with higher risk |
| Rough texture, dull skin, small scars | Neither is the first choice | See microneedling or PRP facial |
| Loose, sagging skin | Neither alone | See face lifting or skin tightening |
(Before proceeding with any treatment, consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs, facial concerns, and desired results.)
Who Should Avoid Botox and Fillers Treatment?
Tell your doctor everything about your health before treatment. In particular, you may need to wait or choose another option if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding (Botox is not recommended, and filler safety in pregnancy is not established)
- have an infection, rash, cold sore or active skin problem in the area to be treated
- have a known allergy to an ingredient in the product, including lidocaine, which some fillers contain
- have a muscle or nerve condition (such as myasthenia gravis), because Botox can worsen weakness
- take blood thinners or have a bleeding problem, because bruising risk rises
- take certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides) or muscle relaxants, which can increase Botox’s effect
- often get cold sores (lip filler can trigger them) or tend to form thick scars
Talk to your doctor to know what is the safest treatment for you.
Common Myths Between Botox vs Fillers
- “Botox and filler are the same thing.” They are not. One relaxes muscles; the other adds volume.
- “Botox always makes you look frozen.” A careful dose keeps natural movement.
- “Fillers are permanent.” Most commonly used fillers are slowly absorbed by the body.
- “More product gives a better result.” Too much looks unnatural. Good results are balanced.
- “Cheap injections are the same.” Product source, injector skill and safety steps all affect your result and your safety.
Botox and Fillers Treatment In Dhaka – SUO XI Hospital (Skin Care)
Every treatment at SUO XI Hospital (Skin Care) starts with a primary consultation with a dermatologist to understand individuals facial concern, muscle movement, volume loss, skin type and condition, your previous treatment, and your desired goal. Rather than suggesting taking botox and fillers at the first meet, we explain, which concern is driving the change in your face and which option, if any, fits you. Then you can then decide with the full plan and price in front of you. To know more about each treatment, fill up some of your information into the table:
Frequently Asked Question About Botox Vs Fillers
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What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox relaxes facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by expressions, while fillers add volume to the skin to smooth static wrinkles and restore facial contours. -
Can Botox and fillers be combined?
Yes! Many patients achieve optimal, natural-looking results by combining Botox for wrinkles and fillers for volume restoration. Whether you will be able to combine botox and fillers together or not, consult your doctor first. Because, a professional dermatologist can design a perfect and proper personalized treatment plan for your skin needs. -
Are Botox and fillers safe?
Yes, When performed by certified dermatologists or trained aesthetic doctors, both treatments are safe. Common side effects are temporary redness, swelling, or minor bruising. Avoid unlicensed salons or cheap products. -
Is Botox better than filler?
Neither is better overall. Botox is better for lines caused by muscle movement, and filler is better for lost volume, folds and shape. The right choice depends on what is causing your concern.
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Does Botox add volume, or do fillers relax muscles?
No to both. Botox only relaxes muscles and does not add volume. Fillers only add volume or support and do not relax muscles.
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Which is better for lips?
Filler. It adds volume and improves shape and borders. Botox is not used to add fullness to lips.
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Can I have Botox and filler on the same day?
Most often yes, when you have different concerns that need different treatments. Your doctor decides if it is suitable for you or whether to space them out.
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How much do Botox and filler cost in Dhaka?
Botox (50 units) starts from between 15,000 – 30.000 BDT. Filler for lips, cheeks and jawline is BDT 35,000 – 38,000 BDT (per ml). The final cost depends on the units or ml your plan needs and is confirmed at consultation.