While injectable anti-aging treatments have gained immense popularity over the years, the conversation around them can be confusing, especially with patients exploring collagen injections for the first time.
One of the most common questions we get at Empire Medical Training relates to the difference between injections with collagen and dermal fillers, which are often discussed interchangeably. While both treatments are minimally invasive and can achieve similar results, they differ significantly regarding their composition, function, and overall efficacy.
We’re here to break down what we really mean when discussing dermal filler injections and injections with collagen. We’ll show you how each treatment works, their key benefits, and what sets them apart.
What Are Collagen Injections?
A collagen injection is a soft tissue injection that either directly delivers collagen under the skin or stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. The result temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face.
Let’s go over the two main types of collagen-related injections:
-
Injectable Collagen: Injectable collagen directly delivers collagen, often derived from either purified human or bovine (cow) sources, under the skin. If you’re wondering, “What does collagen do for your face?”, these injections can temporarily replenish this lost collagen volume and help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
-
Collagen-Stimulating Fillers: If you’re asking yourself, “What do I need to know about facial collagen stimulation?”, collagen-stimulating fillers, also known as biostimulators, are designed to encourage the body’s own collagen production instead of directly adding collagen to the skin. These fillers may show results more gradually because they stimulate collagen production over a period of months or years. However, they tend to provide longer-lasting improvements in skin structure and volume, making them a great option for patients seeking more permanent solutions.
Both types of injections are designed to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face. Here are some of the most notable brands for injectable collagen and collagen-stimulating fillers used by consumers in the U.S:
|
Type |
Brand |
Description |
Uses |
|
Injectable Collagen |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Collagen-Stimulating Fillers |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
How Do Collagen Injections Work for Skin Rejuvenation?
Injections containing collagen or collagen-stimulating properties promote skin rejuvenation by either reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging, while improving skin texture and enhancing facial volume over time.
At Empire Medical Training, we provide hands-on experience with collagen lip injections and more, helping practitioners understand the theory and master various techniques to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results for their patients.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
So, what are dermal fillers? They add volume directly to the skin around the injection site and are typically used to smooth out wrinkles and restore facial contours.
Some of the most common dermal filler types and brands in the U.S. market are:
-
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Juvederm® and Restylane® are hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers that can plump areas of the face, like the lips, cheeks, and nasolabial folds, without affecting collagen levels.
-
Calcium Hydroxylapatite: Found in Radiesse®, calcium hydroxylapatite can add volume and indirectly stimulate collagen production.
-
Poly-L-lactic Acid: Poly-L-lactic acid fillers in brands like Sculptra® lightly stimulate collagen production gradually, with results appearing over a few months.
Collagen Injections vs. Fillers: Key Differences Explained
When it comes to collagen injections vs. fillers, some key factors that distinguish one from the other are:
-
Synthetic vs. Natural Properties: Wondering whether collagen injections are the same as fillers? Collagen injections typically use natural collagen sourced from bovine or human origins to restore skin structure. In contrast, dermal fillers often contain synthetic ingredients like hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite, providing immediate volume and enhancing facial contours without relying on the body’s natural collagen production.
-
Potential Allergic Reactions: Injections with collagen or collagen-stimulating properties, especially bovine-derived collagen, carry a higher risk of allergic reactions compared to dermal fillers. That’s why a pretreatment skin test is important. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid fillers in particular tend to have a lower risk of allergies, making them a safer alternative for many patients.
-
Possible Side Effects: Both collagen lip injections and dermal fillers are typically safe when administered by a certified practitioner. However, side effects can and do occur, ranging from mild redness and swelling to more serious complications such as blood clots caused by injection into blood vessels. We recommend patients receive treatments from a board-certified provider who has completed proper dermal filler training to minimize any potential side effects.
-
How Long Results Last: The effects of injections with collagen, especially true ones that use direct collagen like Zyplast® and Zyderm®, typically last for about 3 months, while hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. In comparison, collagen-stimulating injections like Radiesse® and Sculptra® can last between 2 years and 5 years because they promote the body’s natural collagen production and provide longer-term benefits.
-
How Natural the Results Look: While both types of injections can produce natural-looking results, the most subjective difference is that many patients (and providers) prefer facial collagen injections (especially biostimulators like calcium hydroxylapatite) for achieving more gradual and natural outcomes. In contrast, dermal fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid-based ones, may offer more immediate results but can appear less natural if overused.
-
How Much Different Products Cost: Collagen injection costs vary depending on the type and brand used, with prices of either $600 or $1,000 per treatment. In comparison, dermal fillers containing calcium hydroxylapatite or polymethylmethacrylate, like Radiesse® and Bellafill®, can cost between $700 and $1,500 per syringe.
Injectable Collagen vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Which Is Better for Facial Volume?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are often preferred for restoring facial volume due to their immediate and natural-looking results. Unlike biostimulators, which gradually promote collagen production, hyaluronic acid fillers provide instant volume that can last up to 18 months.
Benefits of Collagen Injections for Anti-Aging and Skin Health
Some of the key benefits of injections containing collagen used for anti-aging and skin health include:
-
Restoring Facial Volume: Facial collagen injections help with restoring lost volume, particularly in the cheeks or lips and around the eyes.
-
Improving Skin Texture: By boosting collagen levels, these injections can also enhance the skin’s texture and smoothness, making it look plumper and healthier.
-
Long-Lasting Results: Practitioners who undergo training for collagen-boosting biostimulators can help their patients improve their skin for several months at a time, giving them long-lasting, natural-looking results.
With our specialized collagen injections for the face courses, Empire Medical Training equips practitioners with the expertise needed to achieve beautiful, rejuvenated results for their patients, from complete dermal filler training to Botox® training workshops, and then some.
Learn How to Perform Collagen and Dermal Filler Injections with Empire Medical Training
Understanding the differences between collagen injections and dermal fillers is crucial for medical aesthetics professionals. Both treatments offer significant aesthetic benefits, with collagen rejuvenating skin and fillers restoring facial volume. Knowing these distinctions is essential for recommending the best patient care.
At Empire Medical Training, our aesthetic workshops offer dedicated training for both injections with collagen and dermal fillers. Whether you're new to injectables or looking to enhance your skills, our expert instructors give practical experience to perform these procedures safely and effectively.
Ready to expand your aesthetics expertise and master injecting collagen and dermal fillers? Deliver high-quality aesthetic outcomes with assistance from Empire Medical Training today.
Claim Your Prize!