The Difference Between Botox and Filler, and Where Skin Fits In
Botox and filler are often mentioned in the same breath, but they do completely different jobs. Knowing the difference helps you understand your plan, and why it might include one, both, or neither.
Here is how Candice Roberts, NP, explains the difference between Botox and filler at our Houma, LA office, and why skin health is always part of the picture.
Botox relaxes muscles. Filler restores volume. Skin treatments restore skin health. Neurotoxin softens lines caused by movement, while filler fills a deficit that was once there, from aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. Skin health restoration rounds out the plan, and sometimes it’s the whole plan.
Candice Roberts, NP, on filler vs. Botox.
Filler Fills a Deficit
“Filler, that’s more for volume loss,” Candice says. “As we age, remember, we lose muscle, fat, bone. And once we have weight loss, or after a baby, you just notice it a little bit more.”
“That’s a little bit different than tox, which keeps the muscles from moving. Filler is working on filling a deficit that was once there.”
Botox, Filler, and Skin
| Neurotoxin (Botox) | Dermal filler | Skin health restoration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Relaxes muscles that cause lines | Restores lost volume | Improves tone, texture, and clarity |
| Best for | Expression lines, pulling | Hollows, flattening, lost support | Acne, melasma, brown spots, pores |
| Typical timing | Every 3–4 months | About once a year for many patients | Daily routine plus in-office treatments |
| Learn more | Neurotoxins | Filler | Medical-grade skincare |
For how often each needs maintaining, see How Long Does Botox Really Last? and What Is Hyaluronic Acid Filler?
“Sometimes we do no injectables, and we just focus on skin health restoration, because I believe that’s how important it is.”Candice Roberts, NP
Why Skin Is Always Part of It
“Skin health restoration is always our final piece of it,” Candice says. “I can fill every single line, but if your skin’s not glowing because you still have the acne, the melasma, the brown spots, the enlarged pores, you’re not going to feel confident.”
That’s why some plans start with skin, and some never include injectables at all. Read more in Why Skin Quality Comes Before Botox and Filler, and see how Candice decides between all three in Botox, Filler, or Skin Treatment? How I Decide.
Want to know which one your face actually needs?
Schedule a ConsultationWho May Not Need Both
Many plans use both, but not all. You may need only one, or neither, if:
Your lines come from movement only
Neurotoxin alone may be enough.
You’ve lost volume but don’t move much
Filler alone may be the better fit.
Your main concern is skin
Skin health restoration may be the whole plan for now.
You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Injectable treatments are typically postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the difference between Botox and filler?
The difference between Botox and filler is the job each does. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines. Filler restores volume that has been lost to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy. Many plans use both, for different concerns.
Can Botox restore lost volume?
No. Botox relaxes muscles, it doesn’t add volume. If you’ve lost fullness in your cheeks or temples, filler or a collagen-building treatment is the tool for that.
Why do I notice volume loss after weight loss or pregnancy?
Losing weight or having a baby can reduce facial fat, which makes natural age-related volume loss more noticeable. Filler can restore some of that support.
Which lasts longer, Botox or filler?
Filler typically lasts longer. Neurotoxin is usually maintained every three to four months, while hyaluronic acid filler often lasts around a year for many patients.
Do I need skincare if I get Botox and filler?
Yes. Injectables can’t improve acne, melasma, brown spots, or pores. Healthy skin is what makes the rest of your results look their best.
Can I get both on the same day?
Often, yes, when both are clearly needed. Sometimes neurotoxin comes first so we can see what filler is still needed afterward.
The Right Tool for Each Concern.
Come in for a full facial assessment at our Houma office. We’ll explain what each treatment would do for you.
Prefer to talk first? Call or text 985-247-0115