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Muscle-relaxing injections or fillers: what differs

Muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers are different treatments. Learn how they differ in general and what to ask before you choose either one.

Thomas Lefèvre3 min read

skincare serum dropper bottle
Image by Mohamed_hassan from Pixabay

Verdict: no winner. These two are often sold side by side, but they are different treatments for different goals, with different risks. In general terms, a muscle-relaxing injection is aimed at muscle activity, and a filler is a gel-like substance placed under the skin to add volume. Neither is something you can choose from a menu. A licensed professional should assess you and explain what each would involve for your own face. This is general information, not medical advice.

Which wins on

FactorMuscle-relaxing injectionsDermal fillers
What they do, in generalTemporarily reduce muscle movementAdd volume or fill under the skin
Where they are placedInto musclesUnder the skin
DurationTemporary, ask what is typicalTemporary, ask what is typical
Needs a prescription?Often a prescription medicine, ask who prescribesRules vary, ask your clinic
Who should do itA trained, licensed professionalA trained, licensed professional
Common question to askWhat happens if I do not like it?What is the product and can it be reversed?

Treat the "duration" and "reversible" lines as questions for your own clinic. They depend on the product and the person.

A notebook with a list of questions next to a pen on a clinic desk
Write the answers downImage by USA-Reiseblogger from Pixabay

Questions to ask for either one

  • Who is assessing me and who is injecting? What are their licences?
  • What product is it, what is it called and where does it come from?
  • Why do you suggest this and not the other?
  • What are the common side effects and what are the rare serious ones?
  • What aftercare do I need?
  • What happens if I am unhappy, and is any correction in the quote?

The NHS says to ask about the products used and what could go wrong, and to take time to decide. See dermal fillers: what to ask for a longer list.

Pick a conversation about muscle-relaxing injections if

  • A licensed professional has examined you and explained what these would do and not do.
  • You have asked about side effects and aftercare, and you have the answers in writing.

Pick a conversation about fillers if

  • You have been assessed, shown a clear plan and told what product would be used.
  • You understand what happens if the result is not what you wanted.

Rule: a good consultation explains both, and the reasons for or against each. Be wary of anyone who only offers one option, or who says one is always better.

Caution

Both are medical procedures with risks. The NHS lists group treatments, vouchers on discount sites, mobile services and practitioners who advertise only on social media among the things to avoid. Seek urgent care for severe pain, vision changes, breathing difficulty, skin colour change or if you feel very unwell after any injection. The question of who should be injecting you comes first.

Quick questions

Is one gentler than the other?

Do not assume so. Both are procedures with risks. Ask your clinic what to expect for you.

Can I have both at once?

That is a question for the licensed professional who assesses you.

How do I know which is right for me?

You cannot know from a website. A consultation with a licensed professional, and the written plan from it, is how you find out.

Where can I start checking clinics?

Use our licence routine and the clinic directory.

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