Botox vs. Juvederm: Which Is Right for You in Raleigh?

Fine lines, hollow cheeks, or lips that seem to lose volume over time—most people start noticing one or more of these before they’re ever ready to think about surgery. That’s where injectable treatments come in.

At Synergy Face + Body, two of the most popular non-surgical treatments we use to refresh the face are Botox and JUVÉDERM® dermal fillers. They’re often mentioned in the same breath, but they do very different jobs.

This guide walks you through Botox vs. JUVÉDERM so you can understand what each one does, how they differ, and which might make the most sense for your goals if you’re in Raleigh or Wake Forest.

Botox vs. JUVÉDERM at a Glance

Here’s the short version before we get into the details:

Botox

    • Relaxes overactive muscles

    • Best for: expression lines (forehead lines, “11s,” crow’s feet)

    • Onset: It takes 3–7 days to see the effects and around 2 weeks to see the full results

    • Typical duration: Botox lasts about 3–4 months

JUVÉDERM

    • Adds volume beneath the skin

    • Best for: cheeks, lips, smile lines, some under-eye concerns

    • Onset: immediate (with some swelling/bruising at first)

    • Typical duration: Juvederm lasts around 6–18+ months, depending on product and area

Most patients don’t need to choose only one forever. Over time, many benefit from a custom combination—but it helps to understand where each shines.

What Botox Does (and Doesn’t Do)

What it is:
Botox is a neuromodulator made from a purified form of botulinum toxin. In small, precise doses, it relaxes the tiny muscles that cause expression lines.

Botox is best for:

  • Vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows

  • Horizontal forehead lines

  • Crow’s feet around the outer eyes

  • Bunny lines on the nose

  • Some kinds of chin dimpling and neck bands

If you make a certain expression—frowning, squinting, raising your brows—and you see lines that stay even when your face is “at rest,” you’re likely a Botox candidate.

How it works:

  • Your injector maps how your face moves when you talk, smile, and frown.

  • Small injections are placed directly into specific muscles.

  • The medication tells those muscles to relax, which softens the lines they create.

You still move and express yourself, but the movements are less intense, so they don’t crease the skin as deeply.

How long results last:

  • Most patients in our Raleigh and Inside-the-Beltline offices see results for about 3–4 months.

  • With consistent treatment, some find their lines become less etched over time because the muscles aren’t constantly folding the skin.

What Botox does not do:

  • It does not lift or tighten loose skin.

  • It does not replace lost volume in hollow areas.

  • It does not address deeper folds caused by sagging or volume loss (that’s where JUVÉDERM comes in).

If your main concern is that you “look angry,” “tired,” or “stressed” because of strong expression lines, Botox is usually the starting point.

What JUVÉDERM Fillers Do (and Don’t Do)

What it is:
The JUVÉDERM Collection of Fillers is made from hyaluronic acid (HA)—a gel-like substance your body naturally produces to keep skin hydrated and plump. As we age, we produce less HA, and the face slowly loses structure and volume.

Juvederm is best for:

  • Restoring volume in the cheeks

  • Softening smile lines (nasolabial folds)

  • Filling marionette lines around the mouth

  • Adding volume and shape to the lips

  • Improving the look of certain under-eye hollows (when appropriate)

Different JUVÉDERM products are designed for different areas and depths. A filler that works beautifully in the lips isn’t the same one we’d use to support the cheekbones.

How it works:

  • JUVÉDERM is injected beneath the skin to replace or add volume where it’s been lost.

  • It can gently lift and contour areas that look flat, hollow, or sagging.

  • The HA filler also attracts water, which helps keep the treated area looking smooth and hydrated.

How long results last:

  • Lips often hold filler for about 6–12 months.

  • Cheeks and deeper structural areas can often look good for 12–18 months or more, depending on the product used and your metabolism.

You’ll see a difference right away, though you should expect a little initial swelling or bruising.

What JUVÉDERM does not do:

  • It does not relax muscles or stop movement lines from forming.

  • It does not replace surgery for very advanced sagging.

  • It does not work well on every type of line; if a wrinkle only appears when you move, Botox is usually the better tool.

A key point most people find reassuring: HA fillers like JUVÉDERM are reversible. If needed, an enzyme can be used to dissolve the filler and return the area closer to its original state.

Botox vs. JUVÉDERM: Which Is Better for Your Concerns?

Instead of thinking “Which is better, Botox or JUVÉDERM?”, it’s more helpful to think: “Which is better for my specific concern?”

Here’s a simple way to frame it:

If you see lines from making facial expressions…

  • If you see lines when you raise your eyebrows
  • You see lines when you squint
  • The lines go away when you relax your face

Best starting point: Botox

If you see lines or shadows even when your face is still…

  • Your face at rest still looks tired, flat, or etched.
  • You’ve noticed a loss of fullness in your cheeks or around your mouth.

Best starting point: JUVÉDERM

If it’s “all of the above”…

This is where a combination of Botox and JUVÉDERM usually gives the most natural, balanced result:

  • Botox to soften the overactive muscles causing lines

  • JUVÉDERM to restore volume and support where the face has deflated

Many patients in Raleigh end up on a 12-month plan that includes Botox visits a few times a year plus filler sessions less frequently to maintain volume.

Ready to Talk Botox vs. JUVÉDERM in Raleigh?

If you’re in Raleigh or Inside the Beltline and trying to decide between Botox and JUVÉDERM, you don’t need to figure it out on your own.

A consultation at Synergy Face + Body gives you:

  • A clear explanation of what’s actually driving the changes you’re seeing

  • A customized plan that uses the right injectable (or combination) for your face

  • Realistic expectations for timing, maintenance, and results

From there, you can decide whether to start with Botox, JUVÉDERM, or a step-by-step plan that incorporates both.