Biostimulators vs. Dermal Fillers: Which One’s Right for You?
Heard about biostimulators and dermal fillers but not quite sure what the difference is? You're not alone! With so many great ways to refresh your look these days, it's easy to get a bit lost in the options. Both of these injectables are popular choices here in Calgary for tackling signs of aging, but they go about it in really different ways.
At PHI Medical Aesthetics, we love helping our clients understand their choices so they feel confident and excited about their treatment plan! So, let's break down what biostimulators and dermal fillers are all about, in straightforward terms.
What are dermal fillers?
You’ve probably heard friends or read articles talking about dermal fillers, especially the ones made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA helps keep skin looking full and hydrated.
Here’s how they work: When one of our skilled Nurse Injectors places it carefully under your skin, it pretty much instantly adds back volume where it’s been lost. It can plump up your lips, soften those smile lines, or give your cheeks a little lift. You’ll usually see the difference right away, or at least within a couple of days once any slight puffiness settles.
And what about biostimulators?
Biostimulators are a bit different. Instead of just filling, they get your body to produce more of its own natural collagen. Here at PHI, we use well-known biostimulators like Sculptra™ (made from Poly-L-Lactic Acid, or PLLA) and Radiesse™ (Calcium Hydroxylapatite, or CaHA).
When we inject something like Sculptra™, those tiny PLLA particles send a message to your skin cells: "Time to build more collagen!" Collagen is what keeps your skin firm, springy, and youthful. Over the next few months, as your skin ramps up its collagen production, you’ll start to see a really natural improvement in volume, texture, and overall firmness. Radiesse is cool because it provides a little immediate fill from its gel, and then its CaHA particles kickstart the longer-term collagen building.
Okay, so what’s the real difference for me?
| Thinking About... | Dermal Fillers (Most HA types) | Biostimulators (Like Sculptra™ or Radiesse™) |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Fills the space, adds instant volume | Tells your skin to build its own collagen over time |
| When I'll See It | Pretty much straight away! | Gradually, over a few weeks to months |
| How Long it Lasts | Usually 6-18 months (depends on the product) | Often 2+ years |
| Main Job | Quick volume, target specific lines/features | Improve skin structure, long-term natural volume |
| The Look | More immediate "plump" or "fill" | Subtle, all-over rejuvenation that builds |
| Good If I Want... | To address a specific area | Overall improvement and lasting results |
So, which one should I choose here in Calgary?
Honestly, the "best" one really comes down to your unique skin, what you’re hoping to achieve, and even your lifestyle — all factors our skilled Nurse Injectors take into account when providing personalized recommendations.
Dermal fillers might be your go-to if:
You’ve got an event coming up and want to look refreshed ASAP.
There are small, defined areas bothering you, like your lips or those lines around your mouth.
You want to address hollowness in a targeted way, like under your eyes.
Biostimulators might be a better option if:
You have time to invest in longer-term results.
Your main goal is to improve overall skin quality, firmness, and address more widespread volume loss (think cheeks and temples).
You’re comfortable with results building over a few sessions.
The absolute best way to figure this out? A good chat. Here at PHI Medical Aesthetics in Calgary, our Nurse Injectors are experts at guiding your rejuvenation journey. They’ll sit down with you, really listen to what you’re looking for, evaluate your skin, review any relevant medical history and conditions, and then talk you through personalized options. No pressure, just good advice.
Can I mix and match?
You bet! Often, using both is the ultimate power move for facial rejuvenation. Think of it like this: a biostimulator can be working behind the scenes to rebuild that strong foundation and improve your skin’s overall quality, while a dermal filler can add that perfect finishing touch to specific areas. It’s a common approach we use to get really balanced and beautiful results.
The Bottom Line
Fillers are your instant problem-solvers for specific, small areas, giving you that immediate oomph. Biostimulators are your long-term partners, working with your skin to rebuild and rejuvenate from the inside out for results that last.
If you're in Calgary and curious about which path is right for you, why not come in for a chat? Book a consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Nurse Injectors at PHI Medical Aesthetics. We’d love to help you explore your options!
