CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: tox vs. Filler: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Tox & dermal fillers are two of the most requested treatments in medical aesthetics—but despite their popularity, they’re often confused with one another. If you’ve ever wondered which one is right for you, you’re not alone.
While both treatments are injectable & minimally invasive, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions & get the most natural, effective results possible.
What Is Tox (Neurotoxin)?
Tox is a purified neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. It’s most commonly used to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles—those caused by repeated facial expressions like frowning, raising your brows, or squinting.
Common areas treated with tox include:
Forehead lines
Frown lines between the eyebrows (also known as “11s”)
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Bunny lines on the nose
Chin dimpling
Gummy smile
Jawline (masseter muscle) for slimming or clenching relief
Results typically appear within a few days & last about three to four months. Tox is an excellent option for both treating & preventing wrinkles caused by facial movement.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances—most commonly made from hyaluronic acid—that are used to restore volume, enhance facial features, & smooth out deeper lines or folds. Unlike neurotoxins, fillers do not affect muscle movement. Instead, they physically fill in areas of volume loss or contour.
Popular areas for filler include:
Lips
Cheeks
Smile lines (nasolabial folds)
Marionette lines
Chin + jawline
Temples
Depending on the type of filler used & the area treated, results can last anywhere from six months to over a year. Fillers are ideal for those looking to subtly enhance their features, replace age-related volume loss, or create more facial balance.
Which One Do You Need?
It all comes down to your goals. If your concern is fine lines + wrinkles caused by movement—like crow’s feet, forehead lines, or furrowed brows—tox is likely the right choice. If you’re noticing volume loss in the cheeks, thinning lips, or deeper folds around the mouth, filler may be the better fit.
In many cases, the best results come from using both tox + filler in a combined approach. This allows us to address muscle movement & volume loss at the same time, creating a more refreshed & natural-looking outcome.
How to Know What’s Best for You
Every face is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to know what you need is to schedule a consultation with an experienced injector. We’ll assess your facial anatomy, listen to your goals, & create a personalized plan tailored to you.
Curious about getting started? Book a consultation with our team & let’s talk about the best approach to help you look + feel your best—with results that are subtle, natural, & completely you.
