Treatment Comparison
Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers
These two injectable treatments are often confused, but they work in completely different ways and treat different concerns. Understanding the difference is the first step to choosing what's right for you.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
From £150
Best For
- ●Dynamic wrinkles (lines that appear when you move your face)
- ●Forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet
- ●Preventing lines from becoming permanent
- ●A subtle, refreshed look without added volume
How It Works
A purified protein is injected into specific facial muscles, temporarily relaxing them. When the muscle doesn't contract, the skin above it stops creasing.
Results
Visible in 3-5 days, full effect at 2 weeks, lasts 3-4 months.
Appointment Duration
15-30 minutes
Dermal Fillers
From £200
Best For
- ●Static lines (visible even when your face is relaxed)
- ●Volume loss in cheeks, temples, or under eyes
- ●Jawline definition and chin projection
- ●Smoothing nasolabial folds and marionette lines
How It Works
Hyaluronic acid gel is precisely injected to add volume, smooth deep lines, or reshape facial contours. Results are immediate.
Results
Immediate visible result, final look at 2 weeks, lasts 6-18 months.
Appointment Duration
30-45 minutes
Which Should You Choose?
If your lines only appear when you move your face, anti-wrinkle injections are likely the right answer. If you see loss of volume, sagging, or lines that are visible at rest, dermal fillers address that directly. During your consultation, Dr Niru will assess your face and recommend the best approach — which is often a combination.
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely — and most patients over 35 benefit from a combination. Anti-wrinkle injections smooth the upper face (forehead, crow's feet) while fillers restore volume in the mid and lower face (cheeks, jawline, lips). This 'full face' approach creates a more balanced, natural-looking result than either treatment alone.
Common Questions
Which is more painful?
Both are well tolerated. Dermal fillers contain built-in lidocaine (numbing) and we apply topical numbing cream. Anti-wrinkle needles are ultra-fine — most patients describe it as a small pinch.
Which shows results faster?
Dermal fillers are immediate. Anti-wrinkle injections take 3-14 days to develop fully.
Which lasts longer?
Dermal fillers last 6-18 months. Anti-wrinkle injections last 3-4 months.
Which is safer?
Both are very safe when performed by a qualified clinician. Dermal fillers carry a slightly higher risk profile (vascular occlusion) but Dr Niru keeps hyaluronidase on site to dissolve filler in the rare event of an emergency.
Still Not Sure?
The best way to decide is a free consultation with Dr Niru. She will assess your face honestly and recommend what's right for you — even if that means doing nothing.
Medically reviewed by Dr Niru Azim, BDS