Differences & How to Choose Right One

3 Key Takeaways

• Biostimulators build from within – Biostimulators work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production. Results develop gradually over weeks to months, offering subtle, long-lasting improvements in skin texture, firmness, and overall quality.
• Fillers deliver instant improvements – Dermal fillers provide immediate results by adding volume and smoothing lines. Ideal for facial contouring, lip enhancement, and wrinkle smoothing, they’re the right option when your goal is a quick transformation.
• Choosing the right injectable depends on your goals – If you’re looking for a natural-looking, long-term skin rejuvenation, biostimulators may be more suitable. For quick results or volume restoration, fillers might be the better fit. 

Cosmetic injectables are not just limited to botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Biostimulators are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to stimulate collagen and improve skin quality over time. They’re often confused with fillers, but they work differently, and one can be more suited for you depending on your goals.

Whether you’re aiming to subtly refresh your skin or restore lost volume, understanding the differences between biostimulators and fillers is important. Read on as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explains both options in detail, including how each treatment works, what results to expect, and who they’re best suited for.

What are biostimulators?

Biostimulators are injectables designed to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production. Unlike conventional fillers that directly fill the treated areas, biostimulators work deeper within the skin to address the root causes of aging. The stimulation of essential skin proteins rebuilds your skin’s structure from the inside out.

How do biostimulators work?

These injectables induce a controlled, mild injury to the skin, which the body treats as a wound it needs to heal. This stimulates the natural healing process, activating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. Over time, this leads to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Treatment areas include: 

Common uses:

• Soften wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines
• Improve sunken cheeks and hollow temples
• Boost hydration and moisture retention
• Improve contours and skin laxity
• Enhance overall skin firmness and elasticity

At Cutis, we have different types of biostimulators that are beneficial if you’re seeking long-term, natural-looking results without the dramatic effect of some facial fillers. Since collagen production takes time, results develop gradually over a few months.

CaHA (Calcium Hydroxylapatite) – is a calcium-based injectable that works both as a filler and a collagen biostimulator. It provides immediate volume and wrinkle correction, while also stimulating collagen production over time. It can treat laugh lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles, with more noticeable results developing over one to two weeks.

Bio-remodelling injectable – is made of 100% pure hyaluronic acid (HA) for deep hydration and improvement in overall skin quality. It stimulates collagen while offering a visible glow within the first one to two weeks. Optimal results are typically seen 4 to 8 weeks after the second session.

PDLLA with HA – is a hybrid solution that offers both hydration and gradual collagen stimulation. This injectable improves skin firmness and elasticity over time. You may notice an immediate plumping and hydrating effect, with full results appearing in about 6 to 8 weeks.

Each of these injectables is designed to improve different aspects of skin aging, whether you’re looking for instant results or gradual, natural enhancement.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels mainly used for providing volume and shape. Unlike biostimulators, fillers are formulated to instantly restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial features for a more youthful appearance. They are made of substances like hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid.

How do fillers work?

Fillers are injected beneath the skin to immediately plump and lift or fill in gaps, lines, and folds. Depending on the formulation, they can provide structural support to the skin and attract water for hydration (like HA fillers). You can see initial improvements right after the first treatment with minimal downtime.

Common treatment areas

• Lips (augmentation and shaping)
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Under-eye hollows and tear troughs
• Cheeks and mid-face volume
• Chin and jawline contouring

Benefits of dermal fillers

• Volume restoration and contour enhancement
• Smooths deep wrinkles and static lines
• Defines and shapes facial features
• Hydrates skin (with HA-based fillers)
• Quick results with minimal recovery time

Longevity: Most dermal fillers last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the type used, treatment area, and individual metabolism.

Different types of fillers

At Cutis, we offer HA fillers and CaHA biostimulator fillers, which are both biocompatible. This means they are well-tolerated by the body and don’t usually cause adverse reactions. They can also integrate more naturally with the tissues, resulting in a seamless and lasting result.

Results and expectations: Gradual vs instant improvements 

Understanding how each treatment delivers results over time can help you make an informed decision that suits not only your cosmetic goals, but also your timeline preferences. 

Biostimulators:

• Timeline: Gradual improvement over weeks to months
• Longevity: 1.5 to 2+ years
• Ideal for: Patients seeking subtle, natural rejuvenation over time

Fillers:

• Timeline: Immediate improvement after injection
• Longevity: 6–18 months, depending on filler type and area
• Ideal for: Quick fixes, volume restoration, and contour enhancement

Choosing between the two often comes down to your timeline and aesthetic goals. Collagen biostimulator treatments are ideal for those who want subtle, gradual and lasting results, while fillers cater to those looking for quick, visible improvements.

Which injectable is right for you?

The right injectable depends on your skin’s condition, your age, and your aesthetic goals. Biostimulator can be the ideal choice if you:

• Want natural, collagen-boosting results
• Have early signs of aging (30s–50s)
• Are concerned about skin texture, firmness, or mild laxity

For further reading:17 Questions About Bio-Remodelling Injectable Answered

Dermal fillers may be the right choice if you:

• Want immediate correction of volume loss
• Have deep wrinkles, hollow areas, or want to enhance lips/cheeks
• Are in their 40s or beyond and want to refine or restore facial features

Working with a knowledgeable aesthetic provider ensures your treatment aligns with your age, lifestyle, and desired outcomes.

For further reading: Worried About Dermal Fillers? We Address 8 Common Fears

Ready to get started? 

If you’re still unsure whether biostimulators or dermal fillers are the right fit, don’t worry. At our clinic, qualified injectors perform a personalized assessment and guide you toward the treatment that matches your needs. 

Whether you’re seeking immediate transformation or a natural refresh, we have a solution tailored just for you. Book your consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors and take the first step toward smoother, firmer, more radiant skin.