The basic difference is that a “bio-stimulator” product such as PLLA stimulate your own collagen formation rather than injecting Hyaloronic acid as with most filler products. The product is injected with a specialised technique and increases collagen - leading to subtle volume increase and improvement of lines and wrinkles. The product itself dissolves after a few days and the results are due to natural collagen production. It is often referred to as a liquid face lift being able to address the whole face rather that just specific areas. The effect sets on over 2 to 3 months and can be repeated until a satisfactory result is achieved. The result last for 2 to 3 years and it is a safe procedure that has been available for decades.

There are different bio-stimulator products on the market such as Sculptra and Lanluma.

Dermal fillers used these days are all mostly Hyaloronic Acid based. They restore loss of volume and improves overlaying skin quality. Each brand of filler has developed different products for different uses. “Thicker” fillers add more volume and are used for areas such as the cheeks. “Thinner” fillers are for more superficial use such as in the lips or for fine lines and wrinkles. The “thicker” products tend to have a longer lasting result of up to 16 or 18 months for some. Fillers are in general safe to use when administered by qualified medical practitioners.

Different brands or fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero and many others. Care have to be taken when choosing the brand of filler as poor quality fillers inevitably have a less desirable result!

HOW TO CHOOSE?

Your practitioner will be best placed to advised you on the most appropriate product for you unique presentation. When there is wide spread significant loss of volume my preference would be to consider a bio-stimulator and to achieve a complete “liquid face lift”. When there are only specific areas of concern, the use of dermal fillers is usually the best way forward. Overall there is however no definite recommendation and an in depth consultation and specific aims of the person would dictate the most appropriate procedure to use.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

• Always ask about the practitioners qualifications and experience. In my opinion these treatments should only be performed by a qualified professional - either a doctor or independent prescribing nurse at least. There are serious possible long term complications with these products which the practitioner must be able to 1. Prevent from happening 2. Identify and diagnose the problem 3. Be able to manage the complication which often require prescription medication 4. Must be regulated by a professional body such as the GMC (general medical council) on NMC (nursing midwifery council) to ensure professional standards.

• Look at pictures of results. Practicing aesthetic medicine is an art form. Make sure the results of the practitioner is what you are aiming for. My personal preference is for a natural look and to avoid the “overdone” look at all cost! Treatments should restore natural beauty, occasionally correct undesired aspects of appearance. Unfortunately many people now have a “generic” appearance due to practitioners blindly following techniques taught in stead of treating each individual based on consultation.

• Ask about the specific brand of filler and which product in that brand is being used. The practitioner must be able to provide you with the “lot number” and expiry date of the product. Make sure that the product is supplied from a reputable UK source and not a fake imported product!

• Establish the exact cost of the procedure. The cost is not only related to the product, but also the qualifications and experience of the practitioner. When enquiring about a treatment, the points raised above should take priority over the price of the procedure. The price should not be your first question when considering a treatment nor should respectable professional lure people by advertising based on price.

• Ensure clear aftercare instructions are provided following the treatment to assure the best results and minimise complications.