When patients notice changes in their face, they often think they need fillers. But facial ageing isn’t always about losing volume.
As we age, our skin produces less collagen, loses elasticity and becomes thinner. At the same time, the deeper fat compartments and supporting structures of the face change.
Understanding these differences is essential when choosing the right treatment.
Fillers: Restoring Lost Volume
Hyaluronic acid fillers are mainly used to restore volume, improve facial contours and correct specific areas where structural support has been lost.
When used correctly, they can provide very natural results. However, adding volume isn’t always the solution, particularly when the main concern is skin laxity or poor skin quality.
Biostimulators: Improving Tissue Quality
Biostimulators work differently. Rather than simply replacing lost volume, they encourage the skin’s own collagen production, gradually improving firmness and tissue quality.
Their effects develop over time, and some biostimulators can also provide structural support or volume.
Why I Often Prefer to Treat Skin Laxity First
One of the most common mistakes in facial rejuvenation is trying to correct sagging skin by adding more volume.
When the skin has lost firmness, fillers alone may not give the desired result and excessive volume can make the face appear heavier.
This is why, whenever appropriate, I prefer to address skin laxity first, using collagen-stimulating technologies or biostimulatory treatments to improve tissue firmness and support.
Once the tissues are firmer and more compact, we can reassess whether volume restoration is still necessary. Often, a smaller amount of filler may be sufficient to achieve a natural, balanced result.
Which One Is Better?
Neither treatment is necessarily better. They simply have different purposes, and the order in which we use them can be just as important as the treatments themselves.
At Rejuve Mediclinic, my approach is to assess the skin and deeper facial structures before deciding on a treatment plan.
The goal isn’t to add more volume. It’s to improve tissue quality, restore balance and preserve the natural features of the face.
Dr. Eleana Ferrari
Rejuve Mediclinic
