Everything you need to know about botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers for facial harmonization: how they work, how long they last, what to expect, and how to care for yourself afterwards. Expert guide prepared by Dr. Lindsay Sancho, specialist in advanced aesthetic medicine at Daley Clinic.
Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular aesthetic medicine treatments worldwide. While both are administered through small injections, they work in completely different ways and target different concerns. Understanding how each one works will help you choose the right treatment for your goals.
Relaxes muscles that cause expression wrinkles
Temporarily blocks the nerve signal that contracts specific facial muscles
Ideal for expression lines: forehead, frown lines, crow's feet
Natural result: face looks rested, not "frozen"
Results last 3 to 6 months
Quick procedure: 15-20 minutes
Restores volume and smooths deep folds
A substance that occurs naturally in the body; attracts and retains moisture in the skin
Ideal for lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows
Restores volume lost through the natural aging process
Results last 6 to 18 months depending on the area
Reversible: can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed
Can they be combined? Yes. Many patients achieve more natural and complete results by combining botox and fillers in the same session. Our doctor will evaluate what is most appropriate for your specific case.
Each treatment has its ideal application areas. Here we explain the most common ones to help you get oriented — though a personalized evaluation by our specialist always determines the most suitable plan for you.
Forehead: horizontal lines from raising eyebrows
Frown lines: vertical lines between the brows ("11 lines")
Crow's feet: fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Brow lift: non-surgical eyebrow elevation
Excessive sweating: underarms, palms (hyperhidrosis)
Lips: volume, definition, and symmetry
Cheeks: restoring volume and projection
Nasolabial folds: smile lines from nose to mouth
Under-eye hollows: softening the tear trough area
Chin and jawline: defining facial contour
Proper preparation minimizes bruising risk and maximizes results. Follow these guidelines in the days leading up to your Daley appointment.
For 7-10 days before, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, omega-3, garlic supplements, and alcohol. These increase the risk of bruising at the injection sites.
Let our doctor know if you take anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories, or any regular medication. Some may require temporary adjustment or pausing before treatment.
Come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup on the treatment areas. This allows for more hygienic application and better skin assessment.
Stay out of strong sun and avoid self-tanners 48 hours before your appointment. Tanned or irritated skin can be more sensitive during the procedure.
Daley Tip: If you have an important event coming up, schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance. This allows the product to settle completely and any temporary bruising to fully disappear before the big day.
The first hours and days after treatment are critical for the best results. Care instructions vary slightly between botox and fillers, but here are the essential guidelines for both.
Do not touch, massage, or press the treated areas. For botox, avoid lying face down or bending forward significantly to prevent product migration before it sets.
Avoid high-intensity exercise, saunas, and very hot baths. Heat and increased blood flow can displace the product before it properly settles in place.
If you apply makeup, do so very gently. Avoid direct pressure on the injection points. Some light bruising is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Botox gradually shows its effect; the final result is visible between 7 and 14 days. Fillers take effect more immediately, though some swelling in the first few days is normal.
Duration varies depending on the treatment, area treated, your metabolism, and lifestyle habits. Here's a general guide based on Daley's clinical experience.
Maintenance: To maintain continuous results, we recommend scheduling your next botox appointment before the effect fully wears off. This prevents wrinkles from re-establishing themselves. Our doctor will guide you with the ideal calendar for your specific case.
When administered by certified physicians with experience, botox and fillers are safe, globally proven procedures. Understanding possible side effects and contraindications allows you to make well-informed decisions.
At the injection site. Typically resolves within a few hours to days.
May appear at the puncture point. Resolve on their own within 5-7 days.
Normal with fillers in the first few days as the body adjusts to the product.
May be slightly noticeable while botox finishes taking effect (7-14 days).
Not performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
Such as myasthenia gravis (for botox)
Treatment is postponed until the area is completely healed
Always disclose any prior allergies to any ingredients
Safety key: At Daley, all aesthetic medicine treatments are performed by Dr. Lindsay Sancho, a physician with certified experience in advanced aesthetics. We never delegate these procedures to non-medically qualified staff.
Botox and fillers are aesthetic medicine tools that, when applied by certified professionals, deliver natural, safe, and predictable results. The key lies in personalized assessment, proper technique, and a plan tailored to your goals.
Free medical evaluation of your face and aesthetic goals
Dr. Lindsay designs the ideal protocol for your case
Procedure performed by certified medical hands
Look radiant and refreshed without losing your essence
Dr. Lindsay Sancho, specialist in advanced aesthetics
Certified brands with health registration
Continuous support throughout your aesthetic journey
Book your consultation with Dr. Lindsay at Daley and discover which treatment is right for you. No commitments — just all the information you need.
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