By LIV Clinic · Medically reviewed by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D. · Published July 28, 2026

One stops a line from forming; the other fills the space where volume went missing. They are not rivals.

What is the difference between Botox and filler? Botox relaxes the muscles that create movement lines, softening wrinkles caused by expression; dermal filler adds volume beneath the skin to restore shape and fill static lines. They solve different problems and are often used together.

The core difference

Botox relaxes

The Cleveland Clinic describes botulinum toxin as blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, so the muscle stops creating the line.

Filler adds volume

Dermal fillers, as the Cleveland Clinic explains, are injectable gels — most commonly hyaluronic acid — that add volume beneath the skin.

Dynamic vs static lines

Dynamic lines → Botox

Lines that appear when you move — raising brows, frowning, smiling — are muscle-driven, so Botox is the right tool.

Static lines and volume loss → filler

Lines visible at rest, hollow cheeks and thin lips come from lost volume and structure, which filler restores.

Where each is typically used

A rough guide to areas:

• Botox: forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, brow lift, lip flip, jaw, sweating
• Filler: lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, nose, tear trough, nasolabial folds
• Either or both: the area around the mouth, depending on cause

Botox vs filler at a glance

Ranges are typical and vary per person, product and area.

Can you have both?

Often, yes

Many plans combine them — Botox for the upper face, filler for volume and contour — because they address different causes of ageing.

Sequencing

Your doctor decides the safest order and timing, sometimes treating in one visit and sometimes staging them.

Which one do you need?

A simple test

Look in the mirror at rest. Lines you only see when you move often suit Botox; lines and hollows visible at rest often suit filler.

Why a consultation decides

Many faces need a mix, and the honest answer comes from an in-person assessment with Dr. Narathai rather than a guess.

Preparing for either treatment

Preparation is similar for both:

1. Have a consultation to decide between Botox, filler or a combination.
2. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements for 24–48 hours before, where appropriate.
3. Arrive with clean, make-up-free skin.
4. Stay upright and avoid rubbing the area for the first few hours.
5. Avoid saunas, heat, sun and heavy exercise for the first day.
6. Review as advised to assess and refine the result.

Botox and filler at LIV Clinic Koh Samui

At LIV Clinic, Dr. Narathai will tell you which treatment actually solves your concern — sometimes one, sometimes both. Explore our Botox and wrinkle treatments and dermal filler services, or book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Safety and consultation

Botox and filler treatment is a medical procedure and, like any injectable, carries some risk — common temporary effects can include redness, swelling, bruising or a mild headache, and less common reactions are possible. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be promised. This article is general information, not medical advice.

At LIV Clinic, every treatment begins with an in-person assessment by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D., who reviews your skin, medical history and goals before recommending a personalized plan. Book a consultation to find out whether this treatment suits you.