You are right to be confused because they are often mentioned together. Botox is a neuromodulator: it relaxes a muscle so the skin above it stops creasing, which is why it works on forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Filler is a gel that adds volume where tissue has been lost — cheeks, under-eyes, jawline, lips. Your friend most likely gets filler in her cheeks. Many patients end up using both: filler to rebuild structure, Botox to calm the movement that folds the skin.
What is the difference between Botox and filler? I keep mixing them up.
Dermal Fillers
Los Angeles, CA
Asked by Karen, 45 · August 24, 2026
My friend says she gets Botox in her cheeks, which does not sound right to me. What does each one actually do?
2 answers from verified providers
Internal Medicine · Aesthetic Provider · New York, NY
A simple way to remember it: Botox for lines caused by movement, filler for hollows caused by volume loss. If a line is visible when your face is completely still, filler or skin treatments usually help more than Botox.
This guide is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Results, recovery and pricing vary from person to person. Consult a licensed provider to find out whether a treatment is right for you.
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