Facial injections have transformed the way we look at rejuvenation, offering a non-surgical alternative with minimal downtime. However, if you have been researching your options, you’ve probably come across two popular options: dermal fillers and biostimulators (also known as collagen stimulators).
While both can enhance volume and restore a youthful appearance, they work in very different ways. Understanding what makes them different can help you choose which treatment is best for you and your goals.
Understanding Dermal Fillers: Instant Volume and Definition
Dermal fillers are gel-like injectables that restore lost volume, smooth fine lines, and enhance facial features. Most are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance that keeps your skin hydrated and plump.
How Filler Works:
When injected, fillers provide immediate lift and structure to areas affected by volume loss or wrinkles. They can also be used strategically to define contours or add symmetry to the face.
Popular Brands:
Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA are among the most recognized and trusted options, and are also the filler options available here at Integrated Aesthetics.
Best For:
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhancing lips, cheeks, and jawline
- Filling under-eye hollows
- Adding volume with immediate, reversible results
How Long They Last:
Depending on the product used, treatment area, and your body’s metabolism, results typically last 6 to 18 months. If you are looking to extend your results, maintenance treatments can help keep you looking refreshed.
Understanding Biostimulators: Long-Term Collagen Boost
Unlike fillers that add immediate volume, biostimulators work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production over time. These types of injectables rebuild the skin’s internal support structure for a firmer, more youthful appearance that develops gradually.
How Biostimulators Work:
Formulated with ingredients like poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) or calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse), biostimulators trigger your skin’s natural healing response to encourage collagen growth and improve elasticity.
Best For:
- Restoring age-related facial volume loss
- Softening deep wrinkles and folds
- Improving skin tone, texture, and firmness
- Patients who prefer subtle and more natural-looking results
How Long They Last:
Due to biostimulators aiding in rebuilding collagen, results appear gradually over a 2 to 3 month period and can last up to 2 years or more.
Filler vs. Biostimulator: What’s the Difference?
Both options deliver beautiful results, but the right choice depends on your unique facial anatomy and your desired outcome.
Can You Combine Fillers and Biostimulators?
For many patients, the most effective approach combines both treatments. For example:
- Fillers can instantly lift and contour areas like the lips, cheeks, or chin.
- Biostimulators can improve skin tone, elasticity, and structure over time.
This “layered” technique not only enhances immediate results but also supports longer-term rejuvenation to create a naturally refreshed, youthful appearance that evolves beautifully over time.
How to Choose the Right Injectable for You
During your consultation, your provider will assess:
- Your age and degree of volume loss
- Your skin texture and elasticity
- Your desired speed of results (immediate vs. gradual)
- Your maintenance and budget preferences
At Integrated Aesthetics, we don’t just focus on a single treatment. We create customized and comprehensive treatment plans that may combine fillers, biostimulators, and energy-based devices such as Morpheus8, Sofwave, or other facial rejuvenation treatments.
Using this multimodal approach helps to enhance and prolong results, improve skin quality, and address multiple signs of aging at once. By strategically layering treatments, we can optimize your outcome and deliver natural and balanced rejuvenation.
Why Choose Integrated Aesthetics
At Integrated Aesthetics, our expert injectors believe that achieving the best results requires a personalized, full-face approach. Dr. Melissa Chiang and Dr. Young Cho combine their advanced medical expertise with artistry to create custom treatment plans that go beyond injectables alone.
Schedule your consultation today to discover whether a filler, biostimulator, or a combination treatment is right for you.
