Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) and dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, RHA) are the two most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in the world — and also the most misunderstood. Patients frequently confuse them, assume they do the same thing, or don't realize there are meaningful differences between products within each category. If you're considering your first injection, here's everything you need to know.
Neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport & Xeomin
All three are botulinum toxin type A — they work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to specific muscles, preventing the muscle contractions that create dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear when you make facial expressions).
Where They Work
- Forehead lines (horizontal lines when you raise your eyebrows)
- Frown lines / "11s" (vertical lines between the brows)
- Crow's feet (lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes)
- Bunny lines (wrinkles on the nose)
- Lip flip (subtle upper lip enhancement)
- Masseter reduction (jawline slimming/TMJ relief)
- Neck bands (platysmal bands)
Botox vs. Dysport
Botox and Dysport are the two most popular options. The practical differences: Dysport tends to spread slightly more than Botox, making it ideal for larger surface areas like the forehead. Botox stays more localized, making it preferred for precise areas like crow's feet. Dysport often kicks in 1-2 days faster than Botox (2-3 days vs. 4-5 days). Duration is similar: 3-4 months for most patients.
We carry both at Zen because different patients (and different treatment areas) benefit from different products. During your consultation, we'll recommend the best option for your anatomy and goals.
Dermal Fillers: Restoring Volume & Contour
Fillers are injectable gels (most commonly hyaluronic acid) that add volume, smooth lines, and restore facial contour. Unlike neurotoxins, fillers don't affect muscles — they physically fill and support tissue.
Common Filler Areas
- Cheeks: Restoring midface volume lost with aging
- Nasolabial folds: The "parentheses" lines from nose to mouth
- Marionette lines: Lines from the corners of the mouth downward
- Lips: Enhancement, symmetry correction, and hydration
- Under eyes (tear troughs): Reducing dark circles and hollowness
- Chin and jawline: Defining contour and projection
- Temples: Restoring volume in the temporal region
What to Expect: Your First Visit
The consultation comes first — always. We assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals and concerns, and create a treatment plan. We believe in conservative, natural-looking results. The goal is for people to say "you look great" — not "you got work done."
The injection process itself takes 15-30 minutes depending on the areas treated. We use topical numbing and most fillers contain lidocaine for comfort. Some areas (like lips) may feel slightly more sensitive, but the discomfort is minimal and brief.
For neurotoxins: Results appear over 3-7 days, peak at 2 weeks, and last 3-4 months. For fillers: Results are immediate (with some swelling), settle into final position over 1-2 weeks, and last 9-18 months depending on the product and area.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 7 days before
- Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before
- Come with a clean face — no makeup
- If you have a history of cold sores and are getting lip filler, let us know — we'll prescribe an antiviral
- Eat a light meal and stay hydrated
