Botox or filler?

Movement lines or volume loss? That is the decisive question. Lines that appear when you laugh, frown or squint are movement lines – that is where botulinum toxin works. Lines and shadows that stay visible at complete rest usually come from missing volume or reduced tissue tension – that is where hyaluronic acid helps.

Botulinum toxin type A temporarily dampens signal transmission to the treated muscle. Typical areas are the forehead, frown lines and crow's feet; medically also teeth grinding and excessive sweating. The effect begins after a few days and lasts about 3 to 6 months.

Hyaluronic acid is a gel that binds water and replaces volume or defines contours – lips, tear trough, cheeks, jawline and chin. Depending on area and product it lasts about 6 to 18 months and can be dissolved again with hyaluronidase if needed.

The two often complement each other. A tired expression can come from an active frown line and a loss of volume in the cheek at the same time. Only an examination shows what applies in your case – and sometimes the honest answer is that neither is advisable.