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When comparing Botox to dermal fillers, it’s important to understand their unique roles. Botox relaxes facial muscles to smooth wrinkles, while dermal fillers increase volume and enhance facial contours.
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Both treatments are safe when done by skilled, experienced providers. When used thoughtfully, they can enhance your natural beauty and boost your self-confidence.
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Suzette Miranda, M.D., division chief of plastic surgery at Swedish Medical Center and medical director of Swedish Plastic and Aesthetics explains how both procedures work and answers common questions about their safety and effectiveness.
Botox vs. fillers: Which is right for you?
Feeling like you look your best is a powerful form of self-care. Whether you’re considering Botox, dermal fillers or simply exploring your options, it’s essential to have clear, trustworthy information from a board-certified plastic surgeon to guide your choices.
“Everyone deserves to feel confident in her own skin. Choosing treatments like Botox or fillers isn’t about changing who you are – it’s about feeling your best on your terms,” says Suzette Miranda, M.D., chief of plastic surgery and medical director for Swedish Plastics and Aesthetics.
We talked to Dr. Miranda to learn more about Botox, fillers and empowered beauty. Here’s what she shared.
How does Botox work?
Dr. Miranda: Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes facial muscles by blocking nerve signals. This softens dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive expressions, such as frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. The effects last for about 3 – 4 months.
How do fillers work?
Dr. Miranda: Dermal fillers work differently than Botox. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, usually hyaluronic acid, that add volume beneath the skin. The process smooths static wrinkles, restores fullness in areas that have lost it, such as cheekbones, and enhances facial features like the lips and cheeks.
Are Botox and fillers used to treat the same concerns?
Dr. Miranda: Not exactly. Botox treats wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. Fillers treat volume loss, deeper folds and areas of facial hollowing. The most natural-looking and confident results often come from combining both approaches because we are working towards different goals with each. Together, results can be harmonious.
How do you decide whether to use Botox or fillers?
Dr. Miranda: It’s all about understanding the root cause. For lines from movement, use Botox. For loss of volume or contouring needs, use dermal fillers.
Our goal is always to create a refreshed, authentic look – never overdone. You should not look like you had filler or Botox treatments. Good results are natural results, where either people don’t know what you had or you keep them guessing.
Which is safer, fillers or Botox? Which is more effective?
Dr. Miranda: Both treatments are very safe when performed by skilled, experienced providers. Botox is highly effective for relaxing dynamic wrinkles and smoothing out facial lines. Fillers are best for restoring shape and youthful contour with volume.
The key is matching the right treatment to each person’s goals, respecting their individuality and desires.
Which lasts longer — Botox or fillers?
Dr. Miranda: Botox typically lasts about 3 – 4 months. Fillers can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product used and the area treated.
Can Botox and fillers be used together?
Dr. Miranda: Absolutely. And when used thoughtfully, they can complement each other beautifully to enhance your natural beauty and boost confidence. Confidence looks different for every person. The most important thing is feeling empowered to choose what’s right for you.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Swedish Plastics and Aesthetics offers a full range of aesthetic noninvasive care. All treatments are performed under medical supervision, with a focus on natural-looking, safe results. Our goal is to support people in making informed, confident choices about their care, whether that means choosing a treatment like Botox or fillers or simply learning more about self-care options. With expert guidance and a focus on natural-looking, beautiful results, you can feel empowered to look as vibrant as you feel inside.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
