What’s the difference between Botox, Filler and Sculptra?
With the rise of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, injectables like Botox, Juvederm, and Sculptra have become some of the most popular treatments for smoothing wrinkles, restoring volume, and supporting long-term collagen health. But while they all use a syringe, these procedures work in very different ways.
You might be thinking “I just want a more youthful look — but I’m not sure which treatment is right for me. Should I try Botox, fillers, or something else?”
This guide breaks down the key differences, side effects, and best use cases for each treatment — so you can confidently choose the right path to refresh your appearance.
Botox vs Filler At-a-Glance Comparison
Treatment | What It Does | Best For | Duration |
Botox | Relaxes muscles to reduce expression lines | Forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, “11s” | 3–4 months |
Juvederm | Adds volume using hyaluronic acid fillers | Lips, cheeks, smile lines | 6–24 months |
Sculptra | Stimulates collagen for gradual facial firming | Hollow cheeks, jawline, signs of aging | 18–24 months |
How Botox Treats Expression Lines
Botox is a cosmetic medicine treatment that uses botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator that temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific muscles. This softens dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive expressions, like squinting or frowning.
- Common areas treated: Forehead wrinkles, frown lines (glabella), crow’s feet
- Onset: 3–5 days
- Duration: 3 to 4 months
- Procedure time: 10–15 minutes
- Also known as: Baby Botox when using smaller, subtler doses
Botox injections are one of the most studied cosmetic procedures, widely used in aesthetic medicine and supported by dermatologists and plastic surgeons alike.
How Juvederm Fills Volume Loss and Static Wrinkles
Juvederm is a type of soft tissue filler, also known as a hyaluronic acid filler, that restores facial volume and smooths static wrinkles — the ones visible even when your face is at rest.
- Common injection sites: Cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, jawline
- Onset: Immediate
- Duration: 6 to 24 months, depending on the area and product
- Type of filler: Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring molecule in the skin
These dermal filler injections are especially effective in treating the appearance of wrinkles caused by volume loss, rather than muscle activity.
How Sculptra Rebuilds Collagen
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid. Unlike other dermal filler treatments, it doesn’t provide instant volume. Instead, it helps your skin rebuild its natural support structure over time.
- Common areas treated: Hollow cheeks, temples, lower face, jawline
- Onset: 6–12 weeks (gradual)
- Duration: 18–24 months
- Procedure type: Series of 2–3 treatments spaced weeks apart
Sculptra is ideal for patients with signs of aging like thinning skin, sagging, or gradual volume loss who want a more natural progression.
Key Differences Between Botox, Juvederm, and Sculptra
Feature | Botox | Juvederm | Sculptra |
Category | Neuromodulator | Dermal filler, facial filler | Biostimulatory injectable |
Active ingredient | Botulinum toxin | Hyaluronic acid | Poly-L-lactic acid |
Results timing | 3–5 days | Immediate | Gradual (6+ weeks) |
Best for | Dynamic wrinkles, | Volume loss, contouring | Collagen rebuilding, skin firming |
Used for | Crows feet, forehead and frown lines, | Lips, cheeks, jaw, chin, temples | Cheeks, jawline, temples |
Procedures and What to Expect
All three treatments are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in-clinic using a fine syringe. Here’s what to expect:
- Time: 15–30 minutes, depending on treatment
- Numbing: Topical or lidocaine
- Downtime: Little to none (may resume normal activities same day)
- Injection site care: Minor swelling or redness may occur and typically resolves within 1–3 days
Consultation with a qualified professional is essential to determine the right procedure and dosing for your facial structure and goals.
Side Effects and Considerations
Like all cosmetic treatments, these injectables can have minor side effects, especially if not performed by a trained provider.
Possible side effects include:
- Swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site
- Headache or tightness (Botox)
- Small lumps or asymmetry (Juvederm, Sculptra)
- Rare allergic reactions
Considerations before treatment:
- Review your medical history and current medications with your provider
- Avoid blood thinners and alcohol before injections to minimize bruising
- Choose a licensed provider (RN, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon) trained in facial anatomy
Note: Individual results vary and depend on age, skin quality, and treatment history.
Free Consultation
Ready to explore your options? Book a consultation to discuss the most effective injectable treatment for your goals — and take the next step toward your most confident, natural-looking self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Botox and dermal filler injections?
Botox relaxes muscles to prevent movement-based wrinkles. Dermal filler procedures like Juvederm add volume to fill static lines or contour the face.
How long do these treatments last?
Botox: 3–4 months
Juvederm: 6–12 months
Sculptra: Up to 2 years with full treatment series
Can I combine Botox and fillers?
Yes. Many people combine Botox with dermal filler treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation — smoothing wrinkles while restoring facial volume.
Who performs these treatments?
Most clinics use trained professionals in aesthetic medicine, including certified injectors, nurses and doctors.
What’s the best option for under-eye or forehead wrinkles?
Botox is usually best for forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. For under-eye hollowness, a soft tissue filler may be recommended — but this is an advanced area that requires an expert injector.
At Skin Vitality, we specialize in advanced aesthetics, medical-grade treatments and personalized body contouring plans tailored to your unique body, goals, and lifestyle. With over 200 medically trained staff across 14 clinics, and proudly serving Ontario since 1992, we’re Canada’s #1 provider of Botox®, Juvederm®, and CoolSculpting®, and the leading provider of EMSCULPT NEO in Ontario.
Our treatments are clinically overseen by Dr. Ramzan, MD, Medical Director at Skin Vitality Medical Clinic and a board-certified physician. Treatments are performed by licensed nurses, injectors, and technicians.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments, we believe in custom transformations backed by medical expertise, proven technology, and trust.
Advanced Perioral Rejuvenation Using Botulinum Toxin: Techniques and Safety Considerations. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.