When people talk about injectables, they often mean two completely different things. Botox and dermal fillers do not work the same way. They do not address the same concerns. Using one when you need the other will not get you where you want to go.
Here is what each treatment does, what it corrects, how long it lasts, and how the decision gets made in practice.
What Botox does
Botox is a neuromodulator. It temporarily blocks the signal between a motor nerve and the muscle it controls. That muscle stops contracting, or contracts with significantly less force.
Understanding that mechanism matters, because it explains why Botox works on some lines and not others. What are called dynamic wrinkles form from repeated muscle movement: frowning, squinting, raising the eyebrows. Over time, those repeated folds become visible even when the face is at rest. Botox relaxes the muscle responsible, and the skin above it can smooth out.
What Botox commonly treats
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows (the 11s)
- Crow's feet around the eyes
- Certain horizontal neck lines
- Jaw clenching (bruxism, by injecting the masseter muscles)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
What it does not treat: volume loss, hollow cheeks, deep nasolabial folds at rest, thin lips. Those require something different.
How long it lasts
Botox results typically last between 3 and 6 months. Some patients find that results hold a little longer over time, as treated muscles become accustomed to contracting less. But that is not guaranteed, and it varies by person, treatment area, and dose.
You can read more on La Cle's Botox page.
What dermal fillers do
The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance the body produces naturally that helps tissues retain moisture. As we age, production slows, and the face gradually loses volume and structural support.
Fillers restore that volume. Depending on where they are placed and what consistency of product is used, they can restore fullness to the cheeks and temples, soften nasolabial folds, add volume and definition to the lips, improve chin and jawline contour, or correct asymmetries. This is not the same as relaxing a muscle. It is structural restoration.
What fillers commonly treat
- Volume loss in the cheeks and temples
- Nasolabial folds (the lines from nose to mouth corners)
- Lips (volume, definition, symmetry)
- Chin and jawline contour
- Hollow under-eyes, with appropriate products and technique
- Hands (volume loss and prominent veins)
How long fillers last
It depends on the product, the area treated, and the person's metabolism. Hyaluronic acid fillers generally last 9 to 18 months in high-movement areas like the lips, and longer in less mobile areas like the cheeks. Some patients see results that hold beyond two years in those zones.
One practical advantage: hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you are not satisfied with the outcome or change your mind. La Cle's dermal fillers page has more detail.
When both treatments make sense together
Some people need one or the other. But facial aging often combines both problems: dynamic lines in the upper face and volume loss in the mid and lower face.
In those cases, Botox and fillers can be used together, in different areas, for different reasons. That is not about doing more treatments. It is about treating what is actually there. An experienced physician looks at the face as a whole, at the relationship between volume, bone structure, skin quality, and facial movement. That kind of analysis is what produces natural-looking results.
What to expect at La Cle
La Cle is a physician-led clinic founded by Dr. Hadi Krayem, at 204 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Suite 202 in Vieux-Montreal. Every consultation starts with a thorough assessment: what you notice, what bothers you, and what treatment can or cannot realistically do for you. No treatment is recommended before your goals are understood, and the limits are explained as clearly as the possibilities.
All procedures are performed by qualified medical professionals in a clinical setting. You can reach the clinic at 438 226-0160.
This article was reviewed by the La Cle clinical team.
Questions about which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation here.
La Cle clinical team
Frequently asked questions
Can Botox and fillers be done on the same day?
In many cases, yes. It depends on the areas being treated and the physician's assessment. Some protocols space the treatments a few weeks apart to evaluate each result separately. Your physician will advise during the consultation.
Do fillers hurt?
Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which reduces discomfort during injection. Some areas, like the lips, are more sensitive than others. A topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand if needed.
Will Botox freeze my face?
A properly calibrated dose reduces muscle contractions without eliminating them entirely. The goal is to soften lines while preserving natural expression. An overly high dose or poor placement can cause a frozen appearance, which is why it matters who does the treatment.
Are these products approved in Canada?
Yes. The neuromodulators and hyaluronic acid fillers used in medical clinics are approved by Health Canada as medical devices or drugs, depending on the product. La Cle uses only approved products.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
It depends on what you are seeing. If lines appear mainly with movement, Botox is often the right tool. If you have hollows or volume loss at rest, fillers are more appropriate. Many people need both. An in-person consultation is the only way to get a specific answer for your face.