If you’re new to the world of filler, deciding which is best for your needs is overwhelming. Luckily there are a lot of board-certified doctors ready to educate you and help you find the right one for you. “Choosing either a hyaluronic acid filler or a biostimulator requires thorough evaluation and personalized long-term planning by skilled board certified dermatologists for injections,” says Nina Hartman, a D.C. dermatologist, Washington, DC, that both pose risks and benefits.
To improve our general understanding, we asked experts to share insights into the biggest differences between hyaluronic acid fillers and biostimulants and why someone would choose over others or both. It comes down to some important differences, such as how long they last, how quickly they work, what areas they are best at, what you seem to aim for, and so on.
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What is the difference between biostimulators and classic fillers?
“The key difference between biomimetics and dermal fillers is that Southlake, Texas and Monroe scholar Janine Hopkins, and Southlake and Monroe Scholar of Maryland, said: “Fillers like hyaluronic acid-based products are perfect for adding volume by physically filling areas under the skin, smoothing wrinkles and strengthening facial contours.”
Biostimulators like Sculptra, on the other hand, “stimulate the body’s natural collagen production over time, improving skin thickness, elasticity and structure. The results develop gradually, last longer, often up to two years or more.” Then there are hybrid-like radiuses that provide immediate results and biostimulation, says Dr. Hopkins.
It is important to note that while classical hyaluronic acid fillers have the ability to dissolve, biological microparticle factors are not.
Classic Filler 101
Classic fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, made with hyaluronic acid, are injected into the skin and quickly produce volume, explains. Ulster. The results appear faster, but have been shown to disappear faster than biostimulants for 6 to 18 months, she says.
Biomimetic 101
According to Dr. Ulster, biostimulators differ in that they are made up of materials intended to stimulate the body and produce new collagen. “This improves both volume and skin quality. A series of treatments is usually recommended (e.g. three treatments per month). It takes more than three months to understand the final clinical outcome, but it lasts a long time.
Fillers containing hyaluronic acid provide “instant satisfaction” by physically filling areas of lost volume, whereas biostimulating fillers such as polyL lactic acid provide “delay satisfaction” by stimulating collagen and generating volume over time.
When to Choose a Classic Hyaluronic Acid Filler
One of the main reasons for choosing hyaluronic acid fillers is for more immediate volume reinforcement. Also, it is often a choice of small areas, such as the lips and under the eyes, says Segal. “If a patient wants immediate results, fillers are usually recommended. Plumper lips, zygomatic bone strengthening, or softened nasolabial folding. Perfect for patients looking for event preparation and quick facial balance,” says Dr. Hopkins.
Hyaluron fillers are also a good option for beginners as they are short for beginners and can be dissolved if they don’t like them. “Participants who are not used to fillers prefer to use hyaluronic acid fillers that can be dissolved when needed,” says Dr. Segal, who patients have pointed out that the patient is reassuring reversibility. She also selects hyaluronan fillers in high-risk infusion areas due to its ability to reverse it as an important function of patient safety.
When to choose a biostimulating filler
If you are looking for subtle volume and improved skin quality, bioinflammatory agents may be your best bet. “They are especially popular among patients who prefer transformation that gradually appears natural,” says Dr. Hopkins.
Dr. Segal tends to wait for patients to use biomimetics until they become accustomed to the filler. She adds that when filling large areas like temples, it is more cost-effective. Dr. Hartman added that they are a great option for the body. “They work incrediblely on the body to improve skin quality and relaxation in areas such as the neck, chest, arms, butts and legs,” Dr. Hopkins adds that it is especially perfect for treating volume losses in temples, centers, jaw lines and butts.
Combination case
Why choose two people when a doctor can create a coordinated plan for both if necessary? “Most of the time, I can use a combined approach (what we call strategic layering) to achieve both immediate reinforcement and long-term collagen remodeling, providing optimal, youthful results,” says Dr. Hopkins. Dr. Hartman agrees, pointing out that “in reality, these fillers are used synergistically for the most harmonious and natural results.”
