Injectables are nonsurgical treatments used at Commonwealth Plastic Surgery—and worldwide—to create subtle, natural-looking improvements in appearance. They are a popular, cost-effective alternative to surgery, helping patients address wrinkles, volume loss, and facial contours without downtime.
If you’re wondering, “What are injectables and which ones you should try?” the two most popular types are botulinum toxin injections (BOTOX/Dysport®) and dermal fillers (Juvéderm®/Restylane®). Below, let’s explore how they work and which one is right for you.
What Are BOTOX and Dysport?
BOTOX and Dysport are injectable neuromodulators that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. They work by blocking nerve signals to freeze the affected muscle.
Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines
- Glabellar lines or in between eyebrows
- Crows feet
- Frown lines
BOTOX and Dysport can also address medical symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Eye disorders
- Muscle spasms
These neuromodulators are usually injected into the upper third of the face and last 3 to 4 months.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane restore lost volume, smooth static wrinkles, and enhance facial contours using hyaluronic acid-based formulas (found in fluids and tissues in the body).
Common treatment areas include:
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Lips
- Jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Smooth chin crease
- Jaw shaping
Fillers may also be used to fill recessed scars. Depending on the chosen filler, results last from 8 months to a year or longer.
How Do You Choose Between Fillers, BOTOX, or Surgery?
The best treatment depends on your goals, the areas you want to address, and your provider’s expertise. While injectable treatments are less invasive and more budget-friendly than surgical procedures, they are not permanent.
More permanent surgical procedures, such as brow lift, eyelid lift, facelift, neck lift, or facial fat grafting are more cost-effective in the long term when the amount of injectables outweighs the cost of surgery. For example, a few syringes of filler for the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and lips can cost the same as one facial fat grafting procedure that can last several years rather than months. Likewise, an eyelid lift may cost about as much as one year’s worth of BOTOX treatment.
Why Choose An Experienced Provider?
Choosing an experienced, qualified provider is one of the most important factors in achieving safe, natural-looking results with injectables.
While understanding your goals can help determine whether BOTOX, Dysport, dermal fillers, or another procedure is right for you, the outcome ultimately depends on the skill and expertise of the person performing your treatment. Both neuromodulators and dermal fillers are noninvasive and designed to treat specific concerns, but proper technique, dosing, and placement are critical to achieving balanced, aesthetically pleasing results.
For your safety and satisfaction, you should always seek treatment from a licensed, experienced medical professional with specialized training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques.
Explore Your Options
To schedule an appointment for BOTOX, Dysport, or dermal fillers at Commonwealth Plastic Surgery, request a consultation by completing the online form or calling us at (859) 277-9435.
This blog post was originally published in July 2019 and updated in April 2026.
External Sources:
Cynthia Cobb, A. (2019). Botox vs. fillers: Uses, effects, and differences. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320510.php [Accessed 5 Jun. 2019].
Webmd.com. (2019). Drugs & Medications. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153465/botox-injection/details [Accessed 5 Jun. 2019].
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