What You Need To Know About Collagen Stimulators

Collagen-stimulating injectables offer more than just a filling effect. In fact, while they give some initial volume, they really work over time to stimulate collagen for long-lasting fullness.

1. Can collagen stimulators be injected anywhere into the face?

No, collagen stimulators have specific indications for where on the face they should be used. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, they should never be used in the lips or in small lines around the lips.

“The only places where these should be injected are in the jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and chin wrinkles so that they can do their job. These are not line fillers but they do restore collagen and add volume that way,” says West Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD.

2. Why are Collagen stimulators are often referred to as fillers?

Collagen stimulators may provide some initial filling effect due to the fluid that surrounds the microscopic particles in the product (these prompt collagen to be made).

“During the first 24 hours after injections, the fluid gets absorbed and the fullness that you initially see may start to dissipate,” explains Sacramento, CA, dermatologist Jacqueline Calkin, MD. But once the fullness is gone, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever resurface—it takes time to stimulate new collagen for the full effects to show in the face, which can take a few months and a few treatment sessions.

3. Do Collagen-stimulating fillers and hyaluronic acid fillers both create the same amount of collagen?

Though HA fillers weren’t formulated to do so, science has proven they can create collagen. Many doctors agree that the amount of collagen made from HA fillers is not as much you can expect from Collagen-stimulating fillers.

“The function of collagen-stimulating fillers is to create collagen. Hyaluronic acid fillers add fullness. “With a hyaluronic acid filler, the collagen effect is modest when compared to a collagen stimulator,” says Dr. Calkin.