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Dermal Fillers vs Anti-Wrinkle Injections: What’s the Difference?

A blog banner showing a woman receiving anti-wrinkle injections by a trained aesthetician, with a text overlay reading ‘Dermal Filler vs Anti-Wrinkle Injections, What’s The Difference?’.

Many people searching for cosmetic treatments want to know the difference between dermal fillers vs anti-wrinkle injections. While both are popular, they work in very different ways to reduce wrinkles and refresh the skin. Choosing the right option depends on the type of lines or volume loss you want to address.

Available at specialist aesthetics clinics like Swann Beauty, these treatments work in different ways. In this guide, we’ll compare them side by side to help you decide which best matches your goals.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are used to prevent or eliminate the visible signs of ageing. As we age, the natural collagen and elastin within the skin diminish, making the skin look thinner, looser and more prone to wrinkles. Dermal fillers fill the skin with hyaluronic acid, helping to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production to plump and lift the skin.

How dermal fillers work

During the procedure, hyaluronic acid is injected into the problem areas through a tiny needle. The practitioner will place a series of injections into each area and will usually massage the area after the treatment. The treatment doesn’t take long to perform and is generally completed in under half an hour.

Common areas treated with dermal fillers

  • Lips (lip enhancement or hydration)
  • Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Marionette lines
  • Cheeks and jawline for contouring

Learn more about our dermal filler treatments at Swann Beauty.

What are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections (sometimes referred to as Botox®) work very differently to dermal fillers. Instead of adding volume, they relax overactive facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, which are lines formed by repeated expressions like frowning, smiling or squinting.

How anti-wrinkle injections work

A purified protein (Botox®) is injected into specific facial muscles, these injections temporarily block nerve signals to those muscles, allowing wrinkles to soften, and new lines are prevented from forming.

Common areas treated with anti-wrinkle injections

  • Forehead lines
  • Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
  • Crow’s feet (around the eyes)

Learn more about our anti-wrinkle injection treatments.

Dermal Fillers vs Botox: Which is Best for Me?

The right treatment depends on the type of wrinkles or concerns you have.

  • Dynamic wrinkles (caused by movement) → Best treated with anti-wrinkle injections, or “Botox”.
  • Static wrinkles (visible at rest) or loss of volume → Best treated with dermal fillers.

In some cases, a combination of both treatments achieves the most natural, youthful result. If you aren’t sure what type of wrinkles you’re trying to combat, read on to help identify what treatment would suit your skin.

Dynamic wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles are formed as a result of muscle movement. When the muscle beneath the skin moves, the skin stretches in order to accommodate these movements. When we’re younger, the skin is able to bounce back after these movements. However, as we age, the skin becomes less resilient due to a loss of collagen, making it harder for the skin to bounce back.

Some forms of dynamic wrinkles include:

  • Crow’s feet
  • Frown Lines
  • Smile lines
  • Forehead lines

If you’re concerned about dynamic wrinkles, then anti-wrinkle injections are the best form of treatment for you.

Static wrinkles

As we age and our skin loses collagen and elastin, the skin starts to sag and is unable to bounce back like it used to. Unlike dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles are visible on the face even when it’s completely neutral.

Some examples of static wrinkles include:

  • Marionette lines
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Jaw line

If you’re concerned about static wrinkles on your face, then dermal fillers are the perfect cosmetic treatment for you.

Infographic exploring the key differences between dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections.

Are Dermal Fillers and Anti-Wrinkle Injections Safe?

Both treatments are considered very safe when carried out by a qualified medical practitioner. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. 

Possible side effects of dermal fillers

  • Mild swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising at the injection site
  • Small lumps under the skin (usually settle quickly)

Possible side effects of anti-wrinkle injections

  • Temporary bruising or redness
  • Headaches or mild muscle stiffness
  • Bleeding or swelling at the injection site
  • Rarely, temporary eyelid drooping

Safety should always come first when considering aesthetic treatments, which is why it’s essential to see a medically trained practitioner. At Swann Beauty, all injectables are administered by our highly qualified aesthetic nurse with the experience to deliver safe, natural results.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dermal fillers typically last 6–18 months, depending on the area treated.
  • Anti-wrinkle injections last around 3–6 months.

Yes. Many clients combine both treatments for a full-face rejuvenation.

Most clients describe only mild discomfort. Numbing cream is used to make the treatment more comfortable.

Botox® (anti-wrinkle injections) relaxes facial muscles to smooth expression lines. Dermal fillers restore lost volume and smooth deeper, static wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers vs Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Let Swann Beauty Help You Decide

If you’re considering dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections in Stoke-on-Trent, the team at Swann Beauty is here to guide you to the perfect solution. We provide expert consultations and tailor every treatment to your individual needs for natural, long-lasting results. Simply get in touch with our friendly team today to start your journey.


Book your consultation at Swann Beauty today and take the first step towards smoother, more youthful skin.

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