Dermal Fillers vs BOTOX® and Dysport® Benefits, Results, and Uses

Aging is a natural part of life, but how we feel about it doesn’t have to be. If you’re considering injectables to refresh your appearance, understanding the difference between dermal fillers and Botox or Dysport is essential. These two treatments are among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures available today, and for good reason. At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic, we help clients in Powell choose the right option for their goals with expert care and personalized plans.

In this guide, we’ll break down the science, benefits, results, uses, differences, and what to expect so you can make the right decision.

What Are Dermal Fillers, Botox, and Dysport?

Although dermal fillers and neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport are both injectable treatments, they work in completely different ways:

Botox and Dysport 

Botox and Dysport are purified forms of botulinum toxin that temporarily relax the underlying facial muscles responsible for expression lines caused by repeated movements such as smiling, frowning, or squinting.

When these muscles relax, the overlying skin smooths out and the wrinkles appear softer. Botox and Dysport don’t “fill” wrinkles; instead, they prevent them from deepening further by limiting muscle movement.

Because of this, Botox and Dysport are classified as neuromodulators or neurotoxins, not fillers.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable gels, often containing hyaluronic acid (HA), that add volume beneath the skin.

As we age, the loss of facial fat and collagen can lead to hollowed cheeks, deep creases (like smile lines), and thin lips. Fillers restore this lost volume, smooth static wrinkles (those visible even at rest), and can enhance contours such as cheeks, jawline, and lips.

Unlike Botox and Dysport, fillers treat static wrinkles and volume loss rather than muscle movement-related lines.

Dermal Fillers vs Botox and Dysport Comparison 

Feature	Botox and Dysport	Dermal Fillers
Main Function	Relax muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles	Add volume to smooth static wrinkles and contours
Typical Ingredients	Botulinum toxin type A	Hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible agents
Result Onset	3–7 days	Immediate
Duration	~3–4 months	~6–12 months (varies by product)
Best For	Brow lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles	Cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, volume loss

 

Common Treatment Areas and Uses

Understanding the most common treatment areas for each injectable can help you determine which option best aligns with your aesthetic goals:

Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport are FDA-approved to treat:

• Glabellar lines (the vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows)
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet around the eyes

Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers are versatile and commonly used for:

• Restoring volume in cheeks, temples, and under eyes
• Smoothing deep static wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Enhancing lips for fullness and symmetry
• Jawline contouring or subtle chin augmentation

Each of these results is visible almost immediately after treatment, though a bit of swelling or redness can occur at first.

Dermal Fillers vs Botox and Dysport: What You Can Expect

While both treatments deliver noticeable improvements, they differ in how quickly results appear and how long they last. Here’s what you can expect:

Botox and Dysport

After Botox or Dysport, most patients see:

• Softening of wrinkles within about 3–7 days
• Peak effect around 2 weeks
• Results that gradually fade over ~3–4 months

Maintenance appointments are typically recommended every few months to help sustain results.

Dermal Fillers 

With fillers, you typically notice:

• Immediate improvement right after treatment
• Continued refinement as swelling settles
• Results lasting 6–18+ months, depending on the product used

The variation in longevity depends on the product used. Stronger or collagen-stimulating fillers may last longer.

Dermal Fillers vs Botox or Dysport: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between dermal fillers vs Botox or Dysport is not “one size fits all.” It depends on:

• Your aesthetic goals: Botox and Dysport excel at reducing motion-related lines, while fillers are better for volume and contour.
• Your age and facial structure: Younger adults often begin with Botox or Dysport, while older patients with volume loss may benefit more from fillers.
• Your lifestyle and maintenance preference: Botox or Dysport may require more frequent visits compared to longer-lasting fillers.

At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic in Powell, we always begin with a personalized consultation. 

At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic, all injectable treatments are performed by our board-certified family nurse practitioners, Jacqueline Smith, FNP-C, and Katelyn Heilman, FNP-C. Their advanced medical training ensures safe, precise, and natural-looking results. Every treatment plan is customized to enhance your natural features while maintaining balance and harmony.

Safety and Side Effects You Should Know

Dermal fillers, Botox, and Dysport are considered safe when administered by experienced, board-certified medical providers. However, every procedure carries some risk:

Botox and Dysport Side Effects

Potential temporary effects include:

• Minor redness, swelling, or bruising at injection sites
• Mild headache or flu-like symptoms (rare)

These typically resolve within a couple of days.

Dermal Filler Side Effects

With fillers, you may experience:

• Temporary swelling or bruising
• Redness or tenderness

Serious complications are very rare, especially when treatments are done by our experienced medical professionals. Always follow pre- and post-care instructions provided by your injector. If you want to explore more options to restore skin volume, learn about our injectable treatments.

Preparing for Your Treatment at COAC

Before your appointment, a few simple steps can help:

• Avoid blood thinners or supplements like aspirin or fish oil for a few days to reduce bruising risk
• Stay hydrated and discuss any allergies or medications with your provider prior to treatment
• Plan your session when you can relax afterward, though downtime is minimal

Why Choose Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic?

At COAC, we combine medical expertise with a personalized approach. Our medical professionals are highly trained and focused on delivering safe, natural-looking results tailored to your goals.

Whether you’re new to aesthetics or looking to refine your routine, COAC is your destination in Powell, Ohio for safe and natural-looking results.

Conclusion

Botox, Dysport, and dermal fillers are two of the most effective non-surgical cosmetic options for addressing signs of aging. Botox and Dysport relax muscles to smooth dynamic lines, while dermal fillers restore volume and enhance contours. With proper consultation and skilled application, you can choose the right strategy for your goals, whether that’s wrinkles, volume loss, or a combination.

If you’re considering Botox, Dysport, or dermal fillers in Powell, Ohio, schedule your personalized consultation at Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic today. Our team will create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions