Fillers and Botulinum Toxin
The two core treatments for expression lines and volume loss.
Botulinum toxin, widely known as Botox, temporarily reduces the contraction of the muscles of facial expression, which softens the lines movement creates. Filler uses hyaluronic acid gels to support areas that have lost volume. They answer different problems: one targets a line caused by movement, the other targets loss of volume. That is why they are often planned together.
- Duration
- 15 – 30 minutes
- Sessions
- Single session; repeated as the effect fades
- Comfort
- Topical numbing cream
- Downtime
- Back to normal the same day
Who is it for?
Suitable candidates
- People whose expression lines are becoming set on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes
- People with volume loss in the cheekbones, lips or jawline
- People with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- People with jaw muscle enlargement caused by clenching
When it is not appropriate
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- An active skin infection in the treatment area
- Neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis (for botulinum toxin)
- A known allergy to the products used
Suitability is confirmed only after a physician examination and, where needed, tests. The information on this page is general and does not replace individual medical advice.
How it is done
- 01
Assessment
Facial movement and proportions are examined; which problem is solved by which method is decided.
- 02
Planning
The areas are marked; dose and product are chosen by the physician.
- 03
Application
Point injections are made with very fine needles; the procedure is short.
- 04
Review
For botulinum toxin a review is planned at day 10–14 and fine adjustments made if needed.
Afterwards
- Do not lie down or massage the area for the first 4 hours.
- Sauna, steam room and strenuous exercise are not advised for the first 24 hours.
- Mild swelling and bruising can occur in the first days after filler; it is temporary.
- If you take blood thinners, always say so beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it last?
Botulinum toxin generally lasts 4–6 months depending on the person and the area. With hyaluronic acid fillers the range is 6–18 months depending on the product and the site.
Will my face look frozen?
At the correct dose, expression is preserved; the aim is not to remove movement but to reduce the excessive contraction that creates a line. That is why dosing is planned individually.
Is it painful?
The needles are very fine and a topical numbing cream is applied first. Most people describe it as a mild stinging.
Is the result immediate?
With filler the volume effect is visible immediately and becomes clearer as swelling settles. Botulinum toxin begins to act in 3–7 days and settles fully in the second week.