Biostimulators vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You?
9/24/2025
If you are considering cosmetic injectables, you may be wondering about the difference between dermal fillers vs. biostimulators. While both treatments can restore volume and improve facial contours, they work in very different ways and offer unique advantages. For example, filler injections may provide more immediate results, while the results of biostimulators may offer longer-lasting results. At West End Aesthetics in Sylva, NC, our skilled aesthetic specialists help patients understand their choices so they can feel confident about their treatment plan. Whether you are looking for instant lift, subtle refinement, or a more regenerative approach, there is a solution designed for you.
How do dermal fillers work?
Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to provide immediate volume and contour. One of the most common compounds used is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain hydration and structure. Because HA fillers integrate smoothly with the skin, they deliver natural-looking results almost instantly. Facial fillers can address a wide range of concerns, including hollow under-eyes, flat or sagging cheeks, thin lips, and lines around the nose and mouth.
Many patients also choose fillers to refine their jawline or add balance to their overall facial shape. Another advantage of dermal fillers vs. collagen stimulators and other types of injectables is that results can typically be seen during the same appointment, with improvements lasting from nine months to a year depending on the area treated and the individual's metabolism.
How are biostimulators different than fillers?
Unlike neurotoxins that temporarily smooth out dynamic lines or dermal fillers that work by placing volume beneath the skin, biostimulators are regenerative injectables that encourage the body to create its own collagen and elastin. These compounds are injected into the dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin, where they gradually stimulate tissue growth over time. Biostimulators are often chosen by patients seeking a more natural alternative to fillers, since the improvements come from the body's own structural proteins.
Results develop more slowly than fillers, usually over a few months, but they can last significantly longer — often up to two years. Because they strengthen the foundation of the skin itself, biostimulators may also help improve overall texture and firmness in addition to restoring lost volume.
Can biostimulators and fillers be used in the same areas?
Both dermal fillers and biostimulators can treat a variety of concerns, and the treatment areas for biostimulator and filler injections overlap in some cases. Generally speaking, patients use cosmetic injections like fillers and biostimulators to address concerns like:
- Hollow under-eyes
- Flat cheeks
- Thin lips
- Lip lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Sagging skin
- Uneven texture
However, there are cases when fillers may be more appropriate for a given treatment area compared with biostimulators. Following a thorough consultation and evaluation, including a discussion of your preferences and goals, our knowledgeable team at West End Aesthetics will create a tailored injectable plan that is appropriate for you — and one that can help you look and feel your best.
Get a customized plan for your aesthetic injectables in Sylva, NC
Both dermal fillers and biostimulators offer effective ways to help restore a youthful appearance, but the right choice between injectable products depends on your personal goals and preferences. Whether you are seeking quick, noticeable results or gradual collagen-stimulating improvements, our team of skilled aesthetic specialists will help you find the solution that's most suitable for you. Contact us at West End Aesthetics in Sylva, NC today to schedule your consultation, and discover whether dermal fillers, biostimulators, or a customized combination may be right for you.