Short answer: not at all.
It’s one of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics. You’ll often hear phrases like “She’s got her lips full of Botox” – when in reality, that’s not quite how it works. Botox and filler are two completely different treatments with very different purposes.
Let’s take a moment to break them down clearly — so you can feel confident knowing exactly what’s what when it comes to your treatment options.
What Is Botox (or Toxin)?
“Botox” is actually a brand name for a product made from botulinum toxin type A, a muscle relaxant used in medical aesthetics.
At Ametrine, we don’t use the Botox brand, we use Azzalure, a clinically proven toxin that provides natural, long-lasting results. That’s why you’ll hear us refer to these treatments as simply “toxin treatments.”
How Toxin Works
Toxin works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for strong facial expressions. It blocks the nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract, meaning the overlying skin can rest, smooth, and soften.
Over time, with regular use, the treated muscles can even appear smaller, helping to maintain a naturally refreshed look.
Common Areas We Treat with Toxin:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (the “elevens”)
- Crow’s feet (smile lines around the eyes)
- Bunny lines (across the nose)
- Dimpled chin or “orange peel” texture
- Downturned mouth corners
- Gummy smile
- Masseter muscles (for teeth grinding or facial slimming)
- Nefertiti lift for neck and jawline definition
Results usually last around 3–6 months, depending on your metabolism and muscle strength.
What Is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are gel-like injectables made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring molecule in the body that binds water and keeps the skin hydrated and plump.
Unlike toxin, which relaxes muscles, filler adds structure, lift, or hydration. It’s about restoring volume or enhancing features, not freezing movement.
Common Areas We Treat with Filler:
- Lips (for shape, balance, or hydration)
- Cheeks (for lift and contour)
- Jawline and chin (for structure and definition)
- Tear troughs (under-eye hollows)
- Nose (non-surgical nose reshaping)
- Nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines)
- Marionette lines (mouth-to-chin lines)
Each filler has its own texture and purpose, some are firmer for lift, others softer for smoothness. During your consultation, we’ll select the most appropriate one for your skin and goals.
Results typically last 6–12 months, depending on the area treated and how your body metabolises HA.
Botox vs Filler: The Key Differences
| Toxin (Botox / Azzalure) | Dermal Filler | |
|---|---|---|
| Main function | Relaxes muscles to soften lines | Adds volume, shape, and structure |
| Material | Botulinum toxin type A | Hyaluronic acid (HA) |
| Effect | Smooths dynamic wrinkles | Restores or enhances volume |
| Longevity | 3–6 months | 6–12 months (varies by area) |
| Common areas | Forehead, eyes, jawline | Lips, cheeks, chin, nose, tear troughs |
Can They Be Used Together?
Absolutely…and often, that’s where the magic happens.
Using toxin and filler together allows us to address both muscle movement and volume loss, creating a result that’s balanced, natural, and harmonised with your facial structure.
Toxin helps the skin relax and smooth; filler restores lift and contour. Together, they work beautifully to refresh your features without changing your expression.
A Final Thought
Understanding the difference between toxin and filler helps you make more empowered decisions about your aesthetic journey. It’s not about trends, it’s about treatments that support your confidence, in ways that feel right for you.
At Ametrine, our approach is always personalised. Every consultation begins with conversation, about your skin, your goals, and what will truly help you feel your best.
✨ Book your consultation or try our free online assessment to discover which treatment might suit you best.
Because great results don’t start with “what’s in the syringe.” They start with you. 🌿