Botox vs. Dysport vs. Dermal Fillers: Which is Right for You?

If you’re exploring ways to refresh your look and reduce wrinkles, you’ve probably heard about Botox, Dysport, and/or Dermal Fillers. These treatments are some of the most popular, non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation—and for good reason. They’re effective, minimally invasive, and can deliver noticeable results without the downtime of surgery.

But deciding between Botox, Dysport, and fillers can be confusing. Each works differently, and they’re suited to different goals. Botox and Dysport reduce wrinkles caused by muscle movement, like frown lines or crow’s feet. Fillers, on the other hand, restore lost volume and smooth out static wrinkles, like smile lines or hollow cheeks.

In this guide, we’ll break down how each treatment works, highlight their differences, and explain how you can choose the right option—or combination—for your needs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Let’s get started!

What Are Botox, Dysport, and Dermal Fillers?

When it comes to smoothing wrinkles and enhancing your appearance, Botox, Dysport, and fillers are three popular options. They’re all injectables, but they work differently and are used for different goals. Here’s what you need to know about each treatment.

Botox and Dysport Basics

Botox and Dysport are made from Botulinum Toxin Type A, which sounds intimidating but is perfectly safe when administered by a professional. These treatments work by temporarily relaxing muscles in your face that cause wrinkles from repeated expressions. For example, when you frown or squint, you create dynamic wrinkles—lines caused by muscle movement. Botox and Dysport help reduce these lines by calming the muscle activity, leaving your skin smoother and more relaxed.

Common areas for these treatments include the forehead, between the eyebrows (frown lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet). Think about how your forehead wrinkles when you raise your eyebrows—Botox or Dysport can soften those lines, giving you a more youthful look.

Dermal Fillers Overview

Fillers are designed to restore volume to areas where it’s been lost over time. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin that keeps it hydrated and plump. As we age, our skin loses hyaluronic acid and collagen, leading to hollow areas, sagging, and static wrinkles—lines that are visible even when your face is at rest.

Fillers are great for addressing these issues. For instance, they can plump up thinning lips, fill in hollow cheeks, or smooth out smile lines around the mouth. They provide immediate results, and because they add volume, they’re ideal for restoring youthful fullness to your face.

The Difference Between Them

While Botox and Dysport focus on relaxing muscles to prevent and smooth wrinkles, fillers target areas that need volume. For example, if you’re looking to reduce crow’s feet, Botox or Dysport is the way to go. If you’re hoping to lift sagging cheeks, fillers are the better choice. Both options are minimally invasive, with little to no downtime, making them convenient ways to refresh your look.

Comparing Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport are very similar in how they work and the results they offer, but there are key differences that can make one a better option depending on your needs. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

Molecular Structure and Diffusion

The main difference between Botox and Dysport lies in their molecular size. Botox has a larger molecular structure, which means it tends to stay localized at the injection site. This precision is ideal for targeting small areas, like crow’s feet around the eyes or frown lines between your eyebrows.

Dysport, on the other hand, has smaller molecules that allow it to spread more easily once injected. This makes it a better choice for treating larger areas, like the forehead, where a broader, more even coverage is needed with fewer injections. For example, if you’re looking to smooth out forehead wrinkles, Dysport’s ability to spread can create a more natural look across the entire area.

Onset and Duration of Results

Another difference is how quickly you’ll see results. Botox typically takes 5-7 days to start working, with full effects visible around two weeks. Dysport, however, tends to work faster, with results appearing within 2-3 days. If you have an event coming up and need quicker results, Dysport might be a better option.

Both treatments last about the same amount of time—typically 3-4 months—before the effects gradually wear off and wrinkles start to reappear.

Dosage and Units

The number of units required for treatment also differs between Botox and Dysport. Dysport often requires more units than Botox, but this doesn’t mean it’s less effective. It’s just a matter of how the products are formulated. For instance, if a Botox treatment typically uses 20 units, a similar Dysport treatment might require 50 units to achieve the same results.

These differences don’t affect the results, but they’re important to understand when discussing treatment plans with your provider. Both options deliver smoother skin and a refreshed appearance when tailored to your specific needs.

What Makes Dermal Fillers Unique?

While Botox and Dysport target wrinkles caused by muscle movement, fillers work differently. They’re all about restoring volume and enhancing facial contours. If you’re dealing with hollow cheeks, thinning lips, or lines that stay visible even when your face is at rest (called static wrinkles), fillers might be exactly what you need.

How Fillers Work

Fillers are gel-like substances, with many of them made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin. Hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin hydrated and plump, but as you age, your body produces less of it. This loss can lead to sagging skin, deeper wrinkles, and a generally “sunken” look in some areas.

For example, think about smile lines that run from the corners of your nose to your mouth. These lines deepen over time as your skin loses volume. A filler can plump up the area, softening those lines and creating a smoother, more youthful look.

Immediate and Long-Lasting Results

One thing that sets fillers apart is how quickly you see results. Unlike Botox or Dysport, where you wait a few days for the effects to kick in, fillers provide instant improvement. You’ll walk out of your appointment with plumper lips, fuller cheeks, or softened wrinkles right away.

The effects of fillers also tend to last longer than Botox or Dysport. Depending on the type of filler and the treatment area, results can last anywhere from six months to over a year. For example, lip fillers might need touch-ups after about six months, while cheek fillers could last 12-18 months.

Versatility for Facial Enhancements

Fillers aren’t just for wrinkles—they’re incredibly versatile. They can enhance the shape of your lips, define your jawline, or even fill in under-eye hollows that make you look tired. For instance, if you’ve noticed shadows under your eyes, a small amount of filler can smooth the area and brighten your appearance.

This versatility, combined with instant and long-lasting results, makes fillers a standout option for anyone looking to enhance their overall facial aesthetics.

When to Choose Each Treatment

Choosing between Botox, Dysport, and fillers depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Each treatment has its strengths, so understanding what works best for specific concerns will help you make the right choice.

When Botox is the Right Choice

Botox is perfect for tackling dynamic wrinkles—those caused by repeated muscle movements. If you’re worried about frown lines between your eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, or crow’s feet around your eyes, Botox can help smooth those areas.

For example, if you’ve noticed lines appearing when you smile or squint but want to keep a natural look, Botox can relax the muscles just enough to soften those lines without freezing your expressions. It’s also a popular choice for people in their 20s and 30s who want to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place.

When Dysport is a Better Option

Dysport is a great alternative for similar concerns but works especially well for larger areas. Its ability to spread more evenly makes it a strong choice for smoothing out the forehead. If you want faster results—say, for an event in a few days—Dysport’s quicker onset (usually 2-3 days) might also make it the better option for you.

For example, if your main concern is a wide area like forehead wrinkles and you want a natural, even look with fewer injection points, Dysport could be ideal.

When Fillers Shine

Fillers are the go-to option for static wrinkles, volume loss, and facial contouring. If you’re seeing deeper lines around your mouth (like smile lines), noticing hollow cheeks, or want to plump your lips, fillers can provide instant results. They’re also excellent for enhancing features—think adding definition to your jawline or lifting sagging cheeks.

For instance, if you’ve started seeing shadows under your eyes making you look tired, fillers can smooth out the hollows and refresh your overall look. Fillers don’t just tackle signs of aging—they’re also a popular choice for anyone looking to enhance their natural features.

Each treatment targets different concerns, so the right choice depends on your unique goals and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Combining Botox, Dysport, and Dermal Fillers

While Botox, Dysport, and fillers each have their strengths, sometimes the best results come from combining treatments. By addressing multiple concerns at once, you can achieve a balanced, refreshed look without surgery.

Strategic Use of Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport work well together when you need precision in some areas and broader coverage in others. For example, Botox is ideal for smaller, more targeted areas like crow’s feet or frown lines between your eyebrows. Dysport, with its ability to spread more evenly, can be used for larger areas like the forehead.

Imagine wanting to smooth your forehead while also softening the lines around your eyes. Using Dysport on your forehead for an even finish and Botox around your eyes for precise smoothing can give you a natural, cohesive appearance.

Adding Fillers for Volume and Contour

When combined with Botox or Dysport, fillers bring a whole new level of enhancement. While neuromodulators focus on relaxing muscles to reduce wrinkles, fillers address areas where volume is needed. For example, after using Botox to smooth out frown lines, you might add fillers to plump up your cheeks or lips.

If your cheeks look a bit hollow or you want to lift your jawline, fillers can add structure and definition, complementing the wrinkle-smoothing effects of Botox or Dysport. This combination creates a more youthful and balanced appearance.

The Benefits of a Customized Approach

One of the best parts of combining treatments is that it can be tailored to your unique goals. For instance, a “liquid facelift” might involve Botox for dynamic wrinkles on the upper face, Dysport for even forehead smoothing, and fillers for volume restoration in the cheeks and under-eye hollows.

By using these treatments together, you’re not just addressing wrinkles or volume loss—you’re creating a harmonious, refreshed look. This kind of comprehensive approach often delivers the most natural and satisfying results, leaving you looking like the best version of yourself.

Why Choose ImageLab Medspa for Dysport, Dermal Fillers, and Botox in Chicago?

At ImageLab Medspa, we prioritize personalized care and exceptional results, making us a trusted choice for those seeking Dysport or Botox in Chicago. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques in a state-of-the-art facility to ensure every treatment is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re a first-time client or looking for ongoing maintenance, we’re here to provide a seamless and comfortable experience.

We also offer expert services for Fillers in Chicago, delivered by licensed professionals who are dedicated to achieving natural-looking enhancements. Our focus is on precision and artistry, ensuring that every treatment complements your features while aligning with your aesthetic goals. From consultations to follow-ups, we make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Conveniently located in Chicago, we proudly serve neighborhoods like Roscoe Village and Bricktown. As a client, you’ll also have access to our exclusive membership program, which offers discounts, VIP events, and promotions to make maintaining your results more affordable. At ImageLab Medspa, you’re in expert hands for all your Botox, Dysport, and filler treatments.