Botox and dermal fillers
Botox and dermal fillers do different jobs. Learn what each one treats, how long results last, and what happens at your appointment before you decide anything.
Both are minimally invasive injectables. The difference is what they change: Botox softens movement, fillers restore volume.
Softens movement
A purified protein (botulinum toxin type A) that temporarily relaxes the small muscles that create expression lines.
Restores volume
Soft gels, most often hyaluronic acid, placed under the skin to add volume, smooth folds and shape features.
Select an area to see what is usually treated there, and with what.
Botox relaxes the muscles that crease the forehead and the space between the brows, softening frown and forehead lines.
Doses are kept conservative, so you can still raise your brows and look expressive, just less tired. It pairs well with crow's feet, and a review at 2 weeks allows small top-ups.
A typical visit is short, and nothing happens on the day unless you are comfortable with the plan.
Your clinician reviews your health history, listens to your goals and explains the options and risks.
Together you agree on what to treat, and what to leave alone. Botox is a prescription treatment, so this step is required.
Small injections, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Numbing cream or built-in anaesthetic keeps fillers comfortable.
Most people return to normal activity straight away. Mild swelling or bruising is common and short-lived.
Rules on who can inject in England are still evolving. These are the standards to look for in any practitioner.
Botox is a prescription-only medicine. It must be prescribed by a registered doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist independent prescriber (registered with the GMC, GDC, NMC or GPhC) after assessing you.
A Level 7 (postgraduate-level) qualification in botulinum toxin and dermal fillers is the widely recognised benchmark. Ask which body awarded it and when.
Check your practitioner on the relevant professional register, and whether they belong to a voluntary register such as JCCP or Save Face.
Ask about professional indemnity insurance and training in managing complications, including having hyaluronidase available for filler treatments.
Dermal fillers are medical devices, not prescription medicines, and at the time of writing the law does not restrict who may inject them. Choosing training matters even more.
In England it is illegal to give Botox or cosmetic fillers to anyone under 18 for cosmetic purposes.
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements may change, so please check current rules.
What it feels like to be looked after at MediRefined.
“I felt listened to from the first minute. The plan was clear, and the results look like me, only rested.”
“Everything was explained honestly, including what I did not need. I left feeling confident, not pressured.”
“Calm, professional and discreet. I would happily recommend a consultation to anyone unsure where to start.”
Tell us what you are interested in and when suits you. We will get back to you to confirm a time. There is no obligation to treat on the day.
Please do not include medical details in this form. Your clinician will ask about your health history at your consultation.