Has your face changed, but you’re not sure what to do about it? One day, you catch your reflection and notice lines that weren’t there before. Or maybe you see hollowing in places that used to be fuller.
These changes happen to everyone — and if they bother you, there are treatment options.
At R. James Koch, MD, in San Mateo, California, we help you understand the differences between Botox® and dermal fillers so you can make choices aligned with your goals.
Botox (and similar products like Dysport® and Xeomin®) temporarily relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles — the ones that appear when you make expressions. Think forehead lines, crow's feet, and those "11s" between your eyebrows.
Botox blocks signals from nerves to muscles, preventing them from contracting. The muscle relaxes, and the wrinkle softens. It doesn’t fill anything in; it simply stops the movement that creates the line.
Fillers do what their name suggests — they fill space. Made primarily from hyaluronic acid (a substance naturally found in your body), fillers add volume beneath the skin’s surface to restore fullness or create contour where it’s diminished.
That persistent crease between your eyebrows visible even when your face is relaxed? Probably Botox territory. The hollowing under your eyes or flattening in your cheeks? That’s where fillers shine.
Botox excels at:
Fillers are ideal for:
Their various uses mean Dr. Koch can design a personalized treatment plan incorporating both treatments to fully refresh your appearance.
When you get Botox, nothing happens immediately. Over the next 3-7 days, you gradually notice the treated muscles relaxing and the related wrinkles softening. The full effect typically shows around two weeks post-treatment.
Fillers provide instant gratification. You see volume restoration immediately, though there’s some initial swelling. What you see when you leave the office isn't your final result — that comes after a few days when the swelling subsides.
The timeline works differently on the back end too. Botox typically lasts 3-4 months before muscle movement gradually returns. Fillers can last 6-18 months, depending on the specific product and treatment area.
The most successful treatments maintain your natural expressions and features. Quality treatment preserves your ability to show emotion while softening the lines that concern you.
Many people benefit from a combined approach — Botox for dynamic wrinkles and fillers for volume loss. They complement each other since they address different aspects of facial aging.
But that doesn't mean you need both treatments in all areas. Your unique facial structure, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals determine the right approach for you.
During your consultation with Dr. Koch, specify what bothers you rather than requesting a particular treatment. Point to areas of concern and describe the changes you notice.
That allows for recommendations based on what actually addresses your concerns. Sometimes, what you perceive as a Botox problem might need a filler solution, or vice versa.
Another factor to consider when receiving Botox or fillers is “who does the actual treatment”? Unlike most MedSpas and some medical practices, Dr. Koch performs all of the injections himself.
Ready to explore your options for facial rejuvenation? Contact us today at 669-279-3663, text us, or schedule online at drkochfacialplasticsurgery.com.
