Botox and dermal fillers are often mentioned together, but they do very different things. Choosing the right one — or the right combination — starts with understanding what is actually causing the concern you want to address.
Botox relaxes muscles; fillers restore volume
Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators. They temporarily relax the muscles that create movement-related wrinkles — forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm, Restylane, and Revanesse) do the opposite kind of work: they add volume back to areas that have lost it, smoothing folds and restoring contour.
What each one treats
Choose Botox/Dysport for: horizontal forehead lines, the vertical “11s” between the brows, and crow’s feet — the lines driven by expression.
Choose dermal fillers for: hollow cheeks, under-eye shadows, thinning lips, deepening smile lines (nasolabial folds), and jawline definition — concerns driven by volume loss.
When combining the two makes sense
Many natural-looking rejuvenation plans use both: Botox to soften dynamic lines and filler to restore lost structure. A deep frown line, for example, may need Botox to relax the muscle and a small amount of filler to smooth the etched crease. Dr. Lin assesses your face as a whole rather than treating one line in isolation.
A physician-led plan
At MD Laser & Cosmetics in San Mateo, Dr. Susan Lin personally performs both treatments. Botox starts at $300 and dermal fillers from $650 per syringe, with a conservative plan and clear estimate provided before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Botox and fillers at the same visit?
In many cases yes. Dr. Lin will assess whether treating both at once is appropriate for you and sequence them safely.
Which lasts longer, Botox or fillers?
Botox typically lasts 3–4 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers often last 6–18 months depending on the product and area treated.
How do I know which one I need?
It depends on whether your concern is movement-related (Botox) or volume-related (filler). A consultation with Dr. Lin clarifies the right approach for your face.
Not sure whether you need Botox, fillers, or both? Every treatment at MD Laser & Cosmetics is performed personally by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. Learn more or book a consultation.
