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Bio-stimulators vs Dermal Fillers

August 3, 2024
August 7, 2024

Dermal fillers and bio-stimulators may look similar but they vary. They are used for different purposes and on different facial areas. Let's find out more!

Bio-stimulators vs Dermal Fillers

Table of Contents

There is only one goal behind aesthetic treatments and why we seek them: to make us look and feel better! However, the rejuvenation and anti-ageing modalities used for achieving that objective can vary greatly. 

Dermal fillers and collagen stimulators are two popular aesthetic treatments. Despite their similar appearance as injectables, they are used for different purposes and on different facial areas. These injectables can enhance the results when paired with other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

Let's take a closer look at their differences.

Fillers are used to fill specific face areas to achieve different beauty goals

Dermal Fillers

Fillers are used to fill hollow areas and enhance various facial features. 

One popular use is lip enhancement, achieved by injecting FDA-approved hyaluronic acid into the lips to make them look fuller, perkier and more hydrated. They can also address asymmetry, enhance lip contours, and improve lip shape. The volumised lips would still feel natural to the touch.

In Asia, another common use of dermal filler is nose fillers. It works by enhancing the nose bridge's height by adding filler along the bridge line. This creates the illusion of a higher nose bridge. Filler injectables can also fill in depressions and camouflage nose bridge bumps (also known as Dorsal Hump) for a smoother, more natural-looking nose shape.

Fillers are also used to fill in indentations such as wrinkles and deep facial lines. A thicker FDA-approved dermal filler like Calcium hydroxylapatite can be injected into skin folds to fill deep lines. When combined with an anti-wrinkle injection, it can relax muscles around wrinkles, making them less evident while reducing future wrinkle development, giving a more youthful appearance without surgery.

Did you know that volumising hollow facial areas with fillers can lift skin in other facial areas? For example, cheek fillers can plump up the cheeks, automatically lifting the skin around the area and reducing the appearance of marionette lines.

Dermal fillers generally last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used, where it is placed, and how fast your body metabolises the fillers.

Collagen bio-stimulators are used to target deep within for skin longevity

The application technique for collagen bio-stimulators or fillers and the skin after it [1].

Imagine a method that promotes skin longevity that can naturally boost your body's collagen production, effectively preventing future collagen loss and thus keeping you looking younger for longer. This is the essence of biostimulation, a promising approach to maintaining youthful skin. 

Collagen is a natural protein that keeps skin firm, toned, and youthful. However, our skin loses its strength due to ageing and gravity. Over time, and due to gravity's effect, the strength of collagen in our skin weakens. To date, there has not been any published medical research that proves the consumption of collagen or topical application of collagen-infused skin products can restore skin suppleness due to deep skin barrier. The only way to improve collagen  levels is by regrowth.

Collagen bio-stimulator injections look like dermal fillers, as they are both injectables. However, collagen bio-stimulator injections aim to repair the skin from within by stimulating collagen regrowth to counter the effects of ageing. They target deep within the skin layers to activate the fibroblasts (fibroblasts are cells that secrete collagen proteins) and regenerate collagen.

Collagen bio-stimulator injections offer a range of unique benefits. They can smooth wrinkles and fine lines, enhance skin resilience, address current skin laxity, improve skin elasticity, restore facial volume loss, and even out skin tone and texture. These benefits are achieved by harnessing the body's natural healing capabilities and stimulating the production of new, healthy collagen.

Examples of common collagen bio-stimulator injectables in Singapore include Sculptra, Radiesse, Juvelook, Lenisna and Gouri.

Why collagen bio-stimulators are gaining popularity in Singapore

Dermal fillers Collagen bio-stimulator
Materials Synthetic materials Natural polymers
Objective Volumisation and hydration Collagen regeneration stimulation
Longevity Lasts from 6 months to 1.5 years Lasts from 6 months to several years
Results Immediate and noticeable results Natural looking results that will gradually improve over a few months
Maintenance Annually for best results To maintain optimal results, maintenance can be done after the effects subside
Migration Possible No
Collagen Stimulation No Yes
Dissolvable Yes with hyaluronidase No

Whether you are interested in long-term anti-aging treatments using collagen bio-stimulator injections or facial revolumising with dermal fillers, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr Ivan Puah.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended solely for educational purposes and aims to provide insights into various bio-stimulator injectables available in Singapore, particularly in the context of regenerative medicine. It is not intended to promote, endorse, or market any specific injectable brands. This content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. For personalised medical advice and treatment, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Reference

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