What’s the Difference Between Botox and Filler?
- andylabnz
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you're considering cosmetic injectables for the first time, you’re not alone — Botox® and dermal fillers are now two of the most popular aesthetic treatments in New Zealand.
But one question always comes up:“What’s the difference between Botox and filler?”
Whether you're searching for Botox Christchurch, Botox Hamilton, lip filler Christchurch or lip filler Hamilton, understanding how each treatment works will help you choose the best option for your goals.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Botox vs Filler: The Short Answer
Botox = relaxes muscles
Used to soften lines caused by movement (frowning, squinting, raising eyebrows).
Filler = adds volume
Used to enhance lips, cheeks, chin, jawline and improve facial structure.
Both treatments are injectable, both are safe when performed by qualified providers, but they work very differently.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox (and similar anti-wrinkle products) temporarily relax the facial muscles that create expression lines, also known as dynamic wrinkles.
These include:
Frown lines
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet
Bunny lines
Chin dimpling
Brow lift
Lip flip
Jaw clenching (masseter Botox)
By relaxing specific muscles, Botox softens movement and creates a fresher, smoother appearance without changing your facial structure.
How long does Botox last?
Around 3–4 months for most clients.
Best for people who want:
✔ Softer fine lines
✔ A fresher, less tired appearance
✔ Preventative ageing support
✔ Slimmer jawline (masseters)
✔ Natural-looking results
What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers are gel-like hyaluronic acid products that add structure, shape and volume.
They are ideal for clients who want to:
Enhance lip volume or shape
Add cheek contour
Strengthen a weak chin
Define the jawline
Brighten hollow under-eyes (tear troughs)
Restore volume lost with ageing
Balance facial proportions
Fillers don’t relax muscles — they physically enhance features.
How long does filler last?
Most areas last 9–18 months, depending on the product and placement.
Best for people who want:
✔ More defined features
✔ Better facial symmetry
✔ Natural, subtle volume
✔ Profile balancing
✔ A youthful, lifted look
Botox vs Filler: Which One Do You Need?
Here’s a quick guide:
Choose Botox if you want to:
Smooth frown/forehead lines
Soften crow’s feet
Refresh your expression
Reduce jaw clenching
Lift brows
Improve chin texture
Achieve a subtle lip flip
Choose filler if you want to:
Add lip volume
Restore youthful plumpness
Contour cheeks, chin or jawline
Improve symmetry
Brighten under-eyes
Lift sagging areas
Strengthen facial structure
Many clients benefit from both.
Botox treats wrinkles from movement.Filler treats volume and structure.
When combined thoughtfully, the results can look incredibly natural and balanced.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to explore Botox or filler?
Book a personalised consultation with our Christchurch or Hamilton team.
Botox® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for Botox® and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botox® treatment lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. (contains botulinum toxin A 50,100 & 200 units) Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.
Dysport® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s fee round the eyes. Dysport has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor is Dysport is right for you. If you have side effects see your doctor. You will need to pay for Dysport, and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe.govt.nz Dysport lasts about 4-6 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. Contains 500 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin. Galderma (NZ) Limited, Auckland.
Juvederm Ultra™ & Juvederm Ultra Plus™ are medical devices Class III for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. Contains 24mg/mL. cross-linked hyaluronic acid Juvederm has risks and benefits. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler, people with autoimmune disease, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. People on blood thinning medicines. Possible side effects: injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling, itching/pain on pressure) induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Product and treatment costs will apply. Note: Juvederm treatment lasts about 12-24 months. For product information check with your doctor or product information at Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.
Restylane® is a gel containing hyaluronic acid and lidocaine that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane is a Class III medical device and has risks and benefits. Restylane® treatment may result in some redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, itching and/or bruising which may last a few days. Inflammatory reactions can begin up to two to four weeks after treatment in rare cases. See your healthcare professional if any side effects concern you. Exposure to excessive sunlight or extreme cold should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved. Restylane® should not be used in an area where there is a nonresorbable implant or in irritated or infected skin, Restylane® should not be used in people taking blood thinning medicines or who have an allergy to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine or other local anaesthetics. Caution if you take medicines that prolong bleeding time. Treatment lasts 12-24 months. Restylane has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma, Auckland. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland
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