Biostimulators vs Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: What is the difference?

Biostimulator, Dermal Filler Treatment, West Malling, Kent and Marylebone, London

If you’ve been researching aesthetic treatments to restore volume, lift sagging skin or smooth fine lines, you’ve likely come across two options that sound similar but work in very different ways – biostimulators and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Both are injectable treatments used to address the signs of ageing, but they function quite differently beneath the surface, and the results they produce aren’t quite the same.

Understanding the difference between these two popular treatments is key to choosing the right one for your goals. Whether you’re looking for instant volume or long-term collagen stimulation, there’s a treatment that can help – sometimes, the best results even come from combining the two. So what’s the difference, and which might be right for you?

What are hyaluronic acid fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are probably the most well-known type of dermal filler. HA is a sugar molecule naturally found in the skin, and it holds onto water to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and supple. When injected, HA fillers replace lost volume, sculpt facial features, and soften lines. Because they attract and retain moisture, they also add a beautiful glow to the skin.

HA fillers deliver instant results, making them a great option for clients who want to see a visible improvement right away. They’re also incredibly versatile – whether you’re looking to restore lost volume in the cheeks, smooth smile lines, contour the jawline, or enhance lips, HA fillers can be precisely tailored to each area. One of the biggest advantages of HA is that it’s reversible. If needed, it can be dissolved using a product called hyaluronidase, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

The effects of HA fillers typically last between six and twelve months, depending on the product used, the area treated, and individual metabolism. Over time, the filler gradually breaks down and is naturally absorbed by the body.

What are biostimulators?

Unlike HA fillers, biostimulators don’t provide instant volume. Instead, they work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production over time. This means that results appear gradually and continue to improve in the weeks and months after treatment.

There are a few different types of biostimulators available – some of the most commonly used include calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid. These are injected into specific areas of the face to trigger a natural regeneration process, encouraging your body to rebuild structure and support in the skin.

Biostimulators are particularly effective for treating skin laxity, improving skin texture, and providing a subtle, natural-looking lift. While they don’t offer the same immediate plumping effect as HA fillers, the collagen they stimulate can create a longer-lasting improvement in skin firmness and facial contour. Depending on the product and area treated, results can last up to two years or more.

The key differences

The main difference between the two comes down to how they work and the type of result you’re looking for. Hyaluronic acid fillers deliver instant volume and definition, which is why they’re so popular for lips, cheeks, jawlines, and smoothing folds. They’re ideal when you want immediate, visible improvement, and they can be carefully sculpted to enhance facial proportions.

Biostimulators, on the other hand, work more subtly and gradually. They’re best for clients who are noticing early signs of sagging, a loss of firmness, or thinning skin. By boosting your body’s collagen production, they offer longer-term structural improvement, leading to firmer, tighter, and more lifted skin.

Think of HA fillers as adding volume where needed, and biostimulators as working in the background to strengthen and support your skin over time.

Can you combine them?

Absolutely. In fact, one of the most effective ways to approach facial ageing is through combination treatments. For example, you might use HA filler to restore lost volume in the mid-face or lips, while using a biostimulator to improve skin firmness and stimulate long-term collagen production in the cheeks or lower face.

The two work beautifully together, offering immediate lift and hydration with HA, and longer-term firmness and resilience with biostimulators. The key is a personalised treatment plan based on your unique goals, facial anatomy, and the quality of your skin.

Which treatment is right for you?

Choosing between a hyaluronic acid filler and a biostimulator comes down to your desired outcome, skin condition, and how quickly you want to see results. If you’re after an instant enhancement – perhaps before a big event or to add definition to certain areas – HA fillers may be the perfect choice. If you’re noticing deeper signs of ageing or want to invest in the long-term health and quality of your skin, biostimulators might be more appropriate.

During your consultation, we’ll assess your face as a whole, talk through your goals and concerns, and recommend a plan that gives you natural, beautiful, and long-lasting results. You don’t have to choose one or the other, it’s about finding the right blend that works for you.

If you’re curious about what fillers or biostimulators could do for your skin, we’re here to help you navigate your options and find a treatment that fits naturally into your face and lifestyle. Click here to enquire or to book a consultation with an Illuminate Skin Clinic expert.