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Filler vs anti-wrinkle:
which one do you need?

They're both injectables and people often say one when they mean the other. But they do completely different jobs. Here's how to tell which one your concern actually calls for.

Journal · Injectables · Comparison · Updated September 13, 2026

The short answer: If a line appears when you move your face (forehead lines, the "11s" between your brows, crow's feet), that's anti-wrinkle territory: it relaxes the muscle behind the line, from $9.50 per unit of Dysport, lasting 3–4 months. If the issue is lost volume or shape (cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, under-eyes, smile lines), that's dermal filler: it restores structure, from $549.99 per syringe, lasting 6–18 months. Deeper lines that stay put at rest often need both.

What each one actually does.

Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox and Dysport) are neuromodulators. They temporarily relax the small facial muscles that crease the skin when you frown, raise your brows or smile, which softens existing expression lines and slows new ones from forming. They don't add anything to the face.

Dermal filler is a cross-linked hyaluronic-acid gel placed precisely to lift, hydrate and contour. It replaces volume that flattens with age, or refines proportion, such as lip shape or chin projection. It doesn't stop muscle movement, so it won't soften a line that only appears when you animate.

Anti-Wrinkle InjectionsDermal Filler
What it doesRelaxes the muscles behind expression linesRestores volume and refines shape
TreatsForehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, bunny linesCheeks, lips, chin and jawline, tear troughs, smile and marionette lines
AppointmentAbout 30 minutesAbout 45 minutes including consult and numbing
When you see itOnset day 3–5, full effect day 10–14Immediately, settled at 2 weeks
DowntimeNone, back to work the same dayMinimal: swelling day 1–2, possible bruising for 3–7 days
Lasts3–4 months6–18 months depending on product and area
PriceDysport from $9.50/unit, typically $190–570 per session. Botox brand priced higher, on request$549.99 per syringe · lip filler $360 half, $550 full
If you change your mindWears off on its own over 3–4 monthsReversible with hyaluronidase ($200)

The common mix-ups.

  • "I want fuller lips." That's filler. A Botox Lip Flip ($200) is the anti-wrinkle alternative: it lets the upper lip show slightly more without adding volume. Our lip filler guide compares them in detail.
  • "My lines are there even when my face is relaxed." Anti-wrinkle won't erase lines present at rest. Those often need filler, sometimes combined with anti-wrinkle, and some are better suited to skin-remodeling treatments like Morpheus8.
  • "My smile lines are getting deeper." The folds from nose to mouth, and marionette lines below, are usually a volume issue, so filler is the tool.
  • "My skin is getting looser." Neither injectable tightens real laxity. That's a job for Morpheus8 or Forma.

Both treatments are performed at Royal Medical Spa by our cosmetic injectors, Torri Bennett, RPN and Aly Chornaby, RN, with a complimentary two-week check-in after injectables. If you aren't sure which you need, that's exactly what a consultation is for ($40 + HST virtually or $50 + HST in clinic, credited toward treatment).

Quick questions.

Both are neuromodulators that do the same job. Dysport tends to kick in slightly faster and spread a bit more, which suits broader areas like the forehead; Botox is more localised, often preferred for finer areas like crow's feet. Dysport starts at $9.50 per unit. Botox brand is priced higher, so please contact the clinic for current Botox pricing.
Not really, because they solve different problems. Anti-wrinkle stops a muscle creasing the skin; filler replaces missing volume. When a line comes from both movement and volume loss, the most natural result usually uses a little of each, planned at your consultation.
Filler, typically 6–18 months depending on the product and area, compared with 3–4 months for anti-wrinkle injections. Anti-wrinkle is usually repeated every 12–16 weeks, while filler top-ups are far less frequent.
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