"Injectables" covers two quite different treatments that are constantly confused with each other. Understanding the difference will save you from asking for the wrong thing, and make a consultation far more productive.
The one-sentence difference
Anti-wrinkle injections relax muscle. Dermal fillers add structure.
Everything else follows from that.
Anti-wrinkle injections: for lines caused by movement
Some lines appear only when you move your face — frown lines when you concentrate, crow's feet when you smile, horizontal forehead lines when you raise your brows. These are caused by repeated muscle contraction.
Relaxing the muscle responsible softens the line and stops it deepening. These are called dynamic lines.
Treats: forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, brow position, bunny lines on the nose, a gummy smile, and jaw or neck muscles.
Lasts: around three to four months.
Dermal fillers: for lines caused by volume loss
Other lines are there even when your face is completely still — deep nose-to-mouth folds, hollow temples, flattened cheeks, shadowing under the eyes. These come from the gradual loss of fat, collagen and bone support that happens with age.
No amount of muscle relaxation will fix those, because the problem is missing structure. Filler replaces it. These are called static lines.
Treats: cheeks, jawline and chin definition, nose-to-mouth lines, marionette lines, lips, temples and the under-eye area.
Lasts: commonly 9 to 18 months depending on the product and the area.
Why you often need the right one, not more of one
A common mistake is treating a static fold with more anti-wrinkle injections because it "didn't work last time". If a line is visible at rest, relaxing the muscle will not remove it — you are treating the wrong structure.
Equally, using filler to treat a dynamic forehead line is inappropriate and carries real risk, because the forehead is an area where filler must be placed with extreme care.
Can they be combined?
Frequently, and this is where results look most natural. Relaxing the muscles that pull a line deeper, then restoring a small amount of lost support, tends to look better than doing either alone. A combination approach is usually staged over more than one appointment so each element can be assessed.
Which is right for you?
A simple test: look in the mirror with a completely relaxed face. If the line disappears at rest, it is dynamic and will respond to muscle relaxation. If it is still visible when your face is still, it is static and is a volume question.
Bring that observation to your consultation — it is a useful starting point. You can compare prices for both, or book a consultation with Dr Vicky Bu at My Timeless in the City of London.
Related guides
- How Long Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last? Results, Timeline and Aftercare
- How Much Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in London? (2026 Guide)
- Lip Filler in London: What to Expect, How Long It Lasts and What It Costs
- Full treatment price list
- Book an online consultation with Dr Vicky Bu
This article is provided for general information only and is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation. A qualified clinician will assess your suitability, medical history and treatment options before any treatment is recommended.
