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How Are Dermal Fillers Different from Neurotoxins Like Botox and Dysport?

When it comes to refining your look and softening signs of aging, both dermal fillers and neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport are powerful tools—but they work in very different ways. If you’ve been wondering which treatment is right for you (or if you need both!), you’re not alone.

At Bombshelled Aesthetics, Dr. Pamela Brownlee specializes in natural-looking, customized facial rejuvenation. Whether you want to restore lost volume, smooth fine lines, or sculpt your features, understanding the differences between these treatments can help you make the best choice for your goals.

Fillers vs. Neurotoxins: What’s the Difference?

Both dermal fillers and neurotoxins enhance your appearance, but they treat different concerns:

💉 Dermal Fillers: Add volume to smooth wrinkles, restore fullness, and contour features.

🧊 Neurotoxins: Relax muscles to prevent and soften wrinkles caused by facial expressions.

HOW THEY WORK

Dermal Fillers (e.g., Juvéderm, Restylane)
🔹 Restores lost volume in areas like the cheeks, lips, and under-eyes.
🔹 Smooths deep wrinkles like smile lines and marionette lines.
🔹 Enhances facial contours such as jawline, chin, and temples.
🔹 Hydrates skin, especially hyaluronic acid fillers.

Neurotoxins (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify)
🔹 Temporarily relaxes facial muscles that cause wrinkles.
🔹 Prevents new wrinkles from forming over time.
🔹 Softens frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
🔹 Provides a “refreshed” look without changing facial volume.

Many patients benefit from a combination of both for a balanced, youthful appearance!

What Areas Are Best for Each Treatment?

💉 Dermal Fillers: Best for adding volume
✔️ Cheeks – Lift & restore lost volume.
✔️ Lips – Enhance fullness & define shape.
✔️ Nasolabial Folds – Smooth deep smile lines.
✔️ Under-Eyes – Reduce hollows & dark circles.
✔️ Jawline & Chin – Sculpt & add definition.
✔️ Hands – Restore volume for a youthful look.

🧊 Neurotoxins: Best for softening expression lines
✔️ Forehead Lines – Smooth horizontal lines.
✔️ Frown Lines (11s) – Soften wrinkles between brows.
✔️ Crow’s Feet – Minimize fine lines around the eyes.
✔️ Brow Lift – Subtly lift & refresh your expression.
✔️ Lip Flip – Enhance the upper lip without adding volume.
✔️ Jawline Slimming – Soften the masseter muscle for a sleeker profile.

Which One Do I Need?

If you want to:
✨ Restore volume, plump skin, and contour features → You need fillers.
✨ Relax muscles, smooth wrinkles, and prevent new lines → You need neurotoxins.
Both! – Many patients get both treatments together for a fully refreshed look.

Dr. Brownlee will create a customized plan based on your goals, anatomy, and personal preferences to ensure natural-looking, balanced results.

Will I Look Natural?

Absolutely! The goal is not to look frozen or overfilled—it’s to look refreshed and confident.

Dr. Brownlee’s approach is all about:
✔️ Customization – Tailoring your treatment to your unique face.
✔️ Subtle Enhancements – No overdone or exaggerated results.
✔️ Expert Technique – Natural placement for balanced, harmonious outcomes.

At Bombshelled Aesthetics, our goal is to make sure you look like YOU—just rested, refreshed, and radiant.

How Long Do Results Last?

🧊 Neurotoxins: 3 to 6 months (varies by product & metabolism)
💉 Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: 6 to 18 months

Dr. Brownlee will create a maintenance plan to keep your results looking fresh over time!

Do They Hurt?

Most patients find both filler and neurotoxin treatments very tolerable, with only minor discomfort. Dr. Brownlee uses expert techniques to keep you comfortable every step of the way.

✔️ Topical Numbing – A numbing cream is applied to reduce sensation to the treated areas.
✔️ Lidocaine-Infused Fillers – Many fillers contain built-in numbing agents for added comfort.
✔️ Ultra-Fine Needles & Gentle Technique – Dr. Brownlee’s precision ensures minimal pain and bruising.

Patients often describe the sensation as a quick pinch or pressure, with any tenderness fading within a day or two. If you’re worried about discomfort, let us know—we’ll make sure your experience is as easy and comfortable as possible!

Is There Any Downtime?

One of the biggest perks of fillers and neurotoxins is that there’s little to no downtime—you can get treated and get right back to your day! Most patients return to work, errands, or social events the same day with minimal signs of treatment.

Here’s what to expect after your appointment:

🧊 Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, etc.) – No downtime! You may have mild redness or pinpoint swelling at injection sites, but this fades quickly. Avoid rubbing the area or lying down for a few hours.

💉 Fillers – Some mild swelling, redness, or bruising is common, especially in lips and under-eyes, but this typically resolves within a few days. You can apply ice packs and avoid strenuous workouts for 24 to 48 hours to minimize swelling.

Dr. Brownlee provides personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, easy recovery with the best possible results.

Ready to Enhance Your Natural Beauty?

At Bombshelled Aesthetics, we believe in enhancing your unique features—not changing them. Whether you’re considering fillers, neurotoxins, or both, Dr. Brownlee’s expert, personalized approach ensures you’ll achieve the results that make you look and feel your best. While you’re here take a look at our plastic surgery before and after gallery to see amazing patient transformations!

📅 Book a consultation today! Call (972) 608-0990 or fill out our online form to get started.

📍 Conveniently located in Plano, TX, we proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond!

A Community Committed To Your Success

Theresa B.

Dr. Bombshell is literally the best doctor I have ever had. I drive 8 hours round trip to come to my appointments and I’d do it all over again if I ever have any other procedures. She has the best personality and actually cares about her patients. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for cosmetic procedures.

Deborah D.

I have been interviewing surgeons across the country for over a year & by far Dr. Brownlee is on an entirely different level. Her entire team is polite, helpful & very kind. I was expecting a 30 minute in & out consultation, which often feels like a sales pitch, not at Dr. Brownlee's office. She is VERY thorough, answers every question (without making you feel dumb for asking), and sets realistic expectations.

Jennifer W.

Dr. Brownlee has been amazing from start to finish! She has the best bedside manner and made me feel super comfortable throughout the whole process. She is extremely thorough and knowledgeable. I’m thrilled with my results and will return to her for future procedures!

Kait K.

My breast aug from Dr. Brownlee is perfect! If you’re looking for a surgeon that listens to what you’re looking for, gives you amazing results, and is there for you every step of the way: Dr. Brownlee is the one! I am 3 months out from surgery and couldn’t be happier with the entire experience from start to finish.

Michael P.

I can’t say enough about the great experience I had with Dr Brownlee & her staff. She is truly an artist! I couldn’t be happier with my results. Beautiful results & even better service. She went above & beyond to be sure I was happy with my results & was there for any help I needed during the recovery process.

Anushaka S.

Dr. Brownlee is the best!!! I was extremely nervous to get filler done for the first time, but Dr. Brownlee walked me through the entire process and made sure I was comfortable the whole time! She got me the exact subtle and natural look that I wanted, and I am so in love with my results!! I highly recommend Dr. Brownlee to EVERYONE!!

Lauren

Dr. Brownlee has been top notch in every way! I am finally comfortable and confident in my own skin, thanks to Dr. Brownlee. She is not only an expert in her field but she’s extremely nice and such a talented surgeon, I could not be happier with my results!! Thank you to everyone at Weiler, you are all amazing and I am so happy with my choice to see you!

JNM

Dr. Brownlee and her team are amazing! I am still recovering. I am 8 weeks post op from an extended TT, lipo 360, and fat transfer to my lips. Dr. Brownlee literally calls and checks up on you. She is kind and truly cares.

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