Biomstiumulators vs.. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers – Which should I choose?
AS WE AGE, OUR FACE UNDERGOES A NUMBER OF CHANGES IN APPEARANCE, MOST OF WHICH INVOLVE A LOSS IN VOLUME, SHAPE, SYMMETRY, AND EVER INCREASING LINES AND WRINKLES.
Much of the time, the saggy, loose, crepey skin is due to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, so in order to achieve healthy, glowing skin that is responsive to treatments, often begins with inducing collagen and maintaining it. Enter biostimulators, a revolutionary new procedure to counteract the natural aging processes of the skin, actually offering the skin the foundations to appear firmer and more youthful.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers have their place in aesthetics offering more instant volumising effects, but choosing the filler treatment can be confusing, so which procedure is right for you? In this blog we will take a look at both treatments, highlighting some of the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you make the decision on what is right for you.
WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal Fillers are non-invasive injectable treatments used to fill a number of fine lines and wrinkles in the face, neck and decolletage, and create volume in areas where this has been lost due to aging.
Typically based on hyaluronic acid (HA), dermal fillers are injected into the skin, as opposed to deeper layers of fat or muscle. Whilst both dermal fillers and Biostimulators enhance volume in treated areas and promote a youthful appearance, there are some key differences, lets look at some of these:
UNDERSTANDING BIOSTIMULATOR INJECTIONS
Biostimulators are essentially not a filler, but primarily an innovative and effective way to restore skin firmness and elasticity by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Biostimulators act as supportive structures for these substances, adding volume to the treated areas and diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. and ensure healthy skin that is protected against free radicals and cellular damage.
At the Springwell Clinic in Marlow, we have two biostimulating treatments, Profhilo® and Ameela®.
Profhilo is a unique hyaluronic acid injectable gel, which has a prolonged stimulating activity on the dermal cells. When injected into skin, Profhilo® stimulates the skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and improve and restore firmness of the skin.
Profhilo® not only boosts and hydrates the skin, but also remodels ageing and sagging tissue. The most common areas of treatment include the face and neck and can also be used for the décolletage, hands, arms, knees and abdomen area where it would effectively treat skin laxity.
Whilst both Profhilo® and Dermal Fillers contain hyaluronic acid as a common component to yield beautiful results, the approaches of profhilo fillers and dermal fillers are significantly different. Dermal filler injections are used to enhance specific areas, like the lips and cheeks, without typically migrating to the surrounding skin. Subsequently, they enhance your natural facial features, resulting in more defined cheekbones or fuller lips. Profhilo®, on the other hand, composes of 100% hyaluronic acid, which sets it apart from dermal fillerswhich contain other components. Given its entirely natural skin substance, Profhilo® seamlessly filtrates into your skin and evenly disperses itself. This treatment aids in maintaining skin moisture levels while stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, vital skin proteins, to rejuvenate the skin from within.
Ameela® is a polynulceotide based biostimulator. Polynucleotides connect with multiple cell receptors, initiating a multitude of reactions. Most importantly this attracts stem cells to the area, resulting in a strong repairing effect on the tissue. This also enhances the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis) and changes the structure of the fibrilles in our tissue, which results in instant tightening and contouring of the tissue.
In contrast to hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers, which are absorbed by the body, the collagen generated by biostimulatory injectables remains intact. Rather than delivering an immediate plumping effect, these injections activate the body’s natural processes to achieve longer-lasting smoothing and volumizing.
The visible effects of biostimulatory injectables can be seen for 12 to 24 months before requiring potential touch-ups. Consequently, while they demand less maintenance than hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which may need top ups every 6 months, biostimulator treatments come at a higher cost and may take six weeks or more before results can be visible.
Another key difference? Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, biostimulants cannot be dissolved or reversed, whereas hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, which begins to work almost immediately. Since the purpose and results of biostimulatory injectables are quite different, it is important to discuss your options with a trained practitioner who understands your desired results.
UNDERSTANDING HYALURONIC ACID (HA) FILLERS
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally-occurring substance in the body, present in the skin, joints and tissues, it absorbs water, providing hydration giving youthful skin its “plump” look. The hyaluronic acid (HA) used in dermal fillers is made by a process called “bacterial fermentation,” so it is derived from bacteria and not from animals.
Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA fillers) are not as durable as biostimulator fillers and do not directly stimulate collagen or fibrin production. However, they do temporarily and safely add volume and fullness to treated areas, offering some lifting effects. It’s important not to over fill, which is often seen in men and women in the media.
At The Springwell Clinic in Marlow, we use a range of HA based fillers from Boletero®. The BELOTERO® portfolio has seven products that can be used in combination for facial rejuvenation. Each product has its own characteristics and intended use, and are versatile enough to address multiple areas of concern including lip volumisation, softening fine lines, smoothing contours and restoring structure.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR YOU
No matter the treatment you choose, the risk of side effects is significantly lower when administered by a well-trained medical professional with expertise in carrying out injectable aesthetic procedures.
Consider three key factors when deciding: 1. how soon you want results, 2. how long you want them to last, and 3. whether you want the option to reverse them. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide shorter-term results and can be fully reversed with hyaluronidase. Biostimulators yield results over months, may require multiple injections, and are not easily reversible. However, they generally offer longer-lasting effects.
It is also possible to combine biostimulators and fillers in one treatment to reap the benefits of both treatments, but it is important to discuss this with a qualified nurse practitioner who understands the biometrics of the face and can knowledgeably and safely administer the treatment to achieve the desired results.
Read more on Dermal Fillers ,Profhilo® and Biostimulators.
Why not book yourself in for a free consultation with Rossella at our Marlow clinic, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in administering injectable aesthetic treatments including Belotero and Ameela. Click on the link to go to our online booking system, or call now on 01628 308060 or email hello@springwellclinic.co.uk.