Biostimulators and HA Dermal Fillers – A Powerful Combination

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, combining hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers with biostimulatory fillers offers a powerful, natural-looking solution. HA fillers provide instant volume and contouring, perfect for enhancing features like lips and cheeks, while biostimulators such as Sculptra® and Radiesse® work over time to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and firmness. Together, they deliver both immediate results and long-term skin regeneration—helping you look refreshed now and in the months to come. Read on to learn the difference between biostimulators and HA dermal fillers and why they make such an amazing duo. 

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution—and that’s where the magic of combining hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and biostimulator fillers comes in. HA fillers are perfect for instantly restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing features like lips and cheeks. On the other hand, biostimulators like Sculptra or Radiesse work gradually, stimulating your body’s own collagen production to improve skin structure and firmness over time. 

But what really is the difference between HA fillers and biostimulators, and why do they complement each other so well to help you meet your skincare goals? We turn to San Antonio-based Advanced Practice Nurse and Nurse Injector Carrie Moschitto to find out. 

What’s the difference between biostimulator and HA fillers?

Below, Moschitto breaks down the differences between biostimulators and HA fillers. 

“Both HA and biostimulatory fillers facilitate rejuvenation by way of volume restoration. With biostimulatory fillers, the primary mechanism of action for volume restoration is stimulating our own bodies to increase collagen production and thus volume. The process is gradual and can take six months to one year to complete. 

Biostimulatory fillers tend to work well when overall volume restoration is needed or if there is extensive volume loss. That said, Radiesse, which is a biostimulatory filler, can be used both for contouring and for overall volume restoration because of the unique properties of the product. Both Radiesse and Sculptra biostimulators have been used off-label for volume restoration on other areas of the body as well.  

HA fillers, on the other hand, are designed to provide direct/immediate volumization that gradually subsides over time.  Because HA gel fillers can be developed with different properties in mind, they work very well for contouring the cheek or jaw or for enhancing the lips. Due to the reversibility of HA fillers, they tend to be favored for certain areas of the face, such as the undereye hollows and lips.”

Used together, HA fillers and biostimulators create a powerful synergy: HA fillers deliver immediate, natural-looking results, while biostimulators support long-term skin regeneration. It’s a dynamic duo that addresses both the quick fixes and the deeper foundations of aging—helping you look refreshed now and in the months to come.

In the next two sections, we provide a deeper dive into HA fillers and biostimulators.  

What are HA fillers?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are among the most popular and versatile injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours with natural-looking results. These popular injectables are made from a naturally occurring substance in your skin – hyaluronic acid (HA) – that helps keep it hydrated and plump. 

There are several trusted brands out there, each with its own specialties. For example, Juvederm® – a brand we love at DermaTouch RN – offers options like Voluma for cheek volume and Volbella for subtle Juvederm lip filler enhancement. Juvederm fillers are often used to treat nasolabial folds, facial asymmetry, chin augmentation, and more. Restylane® is another popular HA dermal filler. 

The best part about HA fillers? Results are customizable, natural-looking, and there’s usually little to no downtime. Just a refreshed version of you.

What are biostimulators?

Biostimulators go beyond just filling lines and actually rebuild your skin over time. Unlike traditional fillers that add immediate volume, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse®, work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production—so results develop gradually and last longer. 

Think of biostimulator treatment as a way to train your skin to act younger, creating a firmer, smoother, more lifted look from the inside out. These treatments are especially great for areas with deeper volume loss or skin laxity, and over time, they help improve overall skin texture and elasticity. It’s a more subtle, natural approach to aging well—and the results can keep getting better for months after your appointment.

What types of biostimulator fillers are available?

As Moschitto points out, there are multiple products available that could be considered Biostimulatory fillers.

“Three commonly utilized types that all boast extensive research include CaHa (calcium hydroxylapatite), which is in the filler Radiesse, PLLA (poly L Lactic acid), which is in the fillers Sculptra and Lanluma, and PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate), which is in the filler Bellafill,” shares Moschitto, “These are variations in the mechanism by which these fillers work, but all three have been shown to precipitate a fairly comparable increase in collagen. 

There are also products such as Renuva that contains a human tissue matrix composed of growth factors, collagen, and proteins that stimulate the production of adipose tissue, as well as Ariessence, which is a PDGF (plate-derived growth factor) product used for skin and hair rejuvenation/restoration. At DermaTouch RN, we currently offer Radiesse and Sculptra.” 

Why should you use HA fillers and biostimulators together?

According to Moschitto, “Combining the effects of HA fillers and biostimulatory fillers tends to offer the most natural, minimally invasive results. The HA fillers work well for contouring, whereas the biostimulators work well to blend and soften the overall look.” 

Combining HA fillers and biostimulators for facial rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation isn’t one-size-fits-all, and a powerful approach involves combining hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and biostimulatory fillers. HA fillers (like Juvederm and Restylane) offer immediate results by restoring volume and enhancing features such as lips and cheeks. They are reversible and ideal for precise contouring. 

In contrast, biostimulators (such as Sculptra and Radiesse) stimulate natural collagen production over time, leading to gradual improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and firmness—making them ideal for addressing deeper volume loss and structural rejuvenation.

Used together, these fillers complement each other: HA fillers deliver instant, customizable enhancements, while biostimulators build long-term skin health. Common biostimulants include CaHA (Radiesse), PLLA (Sculptra, Lanluma), and PMMA (Bellafill), each promoting collagen production through different mechanisms. Some newer options, like Renuva and Ariessence, support adipose and skin regeneration.

Schedule your biostimulator and dermal filler consultation today!

Ready to refresh your look with natural, long-lasting results? 

Combining biostimulator and HA dermal fillers is a proven way to restore volume, enhance your features, and support your skin’s health from the inside out. Whether you’re new to injectables or looking to enhance your current routine, a personalized consultation can help you discover the best approach for your unique goals. 

Schedule your appointment at your local MedSpa or Clinic—or visit the experienced team at DermaTouch RN in Houston or San Antonio to get started on your journey to radiant, youthful skin.

If you’re looking for “biostimulators” or “HA fillers near me,” consider DermaTouch RN as your premier provider of both if you’re in the Houston or San Antonio, Texas areas. Schedule your appointment online 24/7 or call 210-660-4368 (San Antonio) or 281-720-8622 (Houston).

Carrie Moschitto, MSN, ANP-C

NURSE INJECTOR/ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE

Carrie has over a decade of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse and, subsequently, as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BSN in Nursing in 2007 and her MSN in 2011, both from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Carrie has a diverse background in healthcare, with prior experience in Trauma Critical Care, Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Aesthetic medicine. She has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for the last nine years and takes pride in providing comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care.

Carrie has a passion for delivering high-quality wellness and aesthetic services to our clients, including injectable therapies, hormone replacement, and Laser treatments. She played an instrumental role in establishing our Houston location 15 years ago and looks forward to helping DermaTouch RN expand its footprint into San Antonio.