Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are two of the most widely used non-surgical cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation. Both treatments use injectable techniques and both aim to improve visible signs of ageing, but they work on different concerns. Anti-wrinkle injections target muscle-driven expression lines, while fillers restore depleted facial volume.
Understanding how each treatment works gives you a clear foundation for choosing the option that fits your aesthetic goals.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels designed to restore facial volume, soften creases and improve contours. Most medical fillers contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule that binds water to support skin hydration and structure. Fillers add volume beneath the skin to reduce folds, enhance facial shape and improve symmetry (source: FAD). Hyaluronic acid fillers may also stimulate collagen production, which contributes to longer-term improvements in skin quality (Source: National Library of Medicine, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Get to know more about how advanced dermal fillers differ from dermal fillers
What are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified form of botulinum toxin type A to relax overactive facial muscles. When injected into targeted areas, the toxin temporarily blocks nerve signals that cause muscle contraction. This mechanism reduces the appearance of expression-related wrinkles such as frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead creases (Source: National Library of Medicine). By reducing repetitive muscle movement, treated skin appears smoother and more refreshed.
How Dermal Fillers and Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work Differently
Both treatments enhance facial appearance, yet they achieve their outcomes through distinct biological processes. Fillers restore volume while wrinkle injections soften muscle-driven lines.
| Feature | Dermal Fillers | Anti-Wrinkle Injections |
| Primary purpose | Enhance facial contours and restore lost volume | Reduce motion-related wrinkles |
| How it works | Adds volume beneath the skin and may stimulate collagen (NIH) | Temporarily blocks nerve signals to reduce contractions (FDA) |
| Active ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid | Botulinum toxin type A |
| Common uses | Lips, cheeks, jawline, under-eye hollows | Forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet |
| Treatment areas | Lips, cheeks, chin, temples, nasolabial folds, jawline, hands | Forehead, glabella, eye corners, and advanced techniques such as the nefertiti jawline lift |
| Effect duration | 6 to 24 months, depending on filler type (FDA) | 3 to 6 months |
| Treatment cost | About £490 per treatment (per ml) | About £225 to £400 per treatment |
| Best for | Volume loss, sagging, deeper folds | Dynamic wrinkles and preventative smoothing |
| Side effects | Swelling, bruising, rare vascular events (FDA) | Mild redness, bruising, occasional temporary muscle weakness |
Should I Choose Dermal Fillers or Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
The most suitable option depends on the primary concern you want to address. Anti-wrinkle injections are ideal for expression-related lines. These include forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet that form due to repetitive muscle activity. The treatment works best for individuals looking to smooth dynamic wrinkles or maintain a fresh appearance through preventative use.
Dermal fillers suit people who want to restore volume, contour their features or improve deeper folds that static ageing creates. Fillers are often recommended for hollow cheeks, thin lips, jawline definition or loss of mid-face skin support. Your choice depends on personal goals, facial anatomy and the type of ageing changes you want to improve.
Can I Get Both Dermal Fillers and Wrinkle Injections?
Yes, combining both treatments is common and can deliver a more balanced result. Evidence from aesthetic medical literature supports using neurotoxins and fillers together to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation because each method targets a different cause of ageing. When applied strategically, the combination smooths wrinkles and restores volume in a single treatment plan. (source: National Library of Medicine (NCBI))
Trusted Expert in Anti-Wrinkle and Dermal Fillers: Dr Michael O’Gorman
Dr Michael O’Gorman is a highly trained medical practitioner with three generations of medical expertise behind him. His approach focuses on natural, subtle and anatomically precise results that preserve each patient’s unique features. Patients value his gentle technique and personalised care, which makes him a trusted provider of aesthetic injectables in central London.
- Dr Michael O’Gorman – Expert Anti-Wrinkle and Dermal Fillers Clinic in London
- Address: 19 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London W1 8GE
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Booking: Consultations and quotes are available upon request. Visit the clinic website or call +447588385133 to schedule an appointment.
