Is a Collagen Booster the Same as Filler?

Hello.

I’m Youngjin Wi, Beauty Doctor.

When you look in the mirror and

feel that your cheeks look hollow

or that your facial contours appear flat,

“Should I get filler?”

You may find yourself considering this,

and then come across the term

collagen booster as well.

The name may be unfamiliar,

and because it is often mentioned alongside filler,

it can feel like the same type of procedure.

However, fillers and collagen boosters

are considered from somewhat different perspectives

within the skin.

One more directly addresses

volume and shape,

while the other

focuses more on tissue responses related to

collagen formation over time.

Therefore, the way changes appear

and the timing of evaluation

may not be the same.

A collagen booster

stimulates rather than fills

Hyaluronic acid filler

is an injectable product that directly addresses

the volume and shape of the injection area.

Immediately after injection,

changes in volume or shape

may be felt relatively quickly.

A collagen booster, on the other hand,

has a somewhat different approach.

Rather than immediately filling an empty space

with the injected substance itself,

it can be described as a method that

induces tissue responses related to

collagen formation within the skin.

Therefore, it can be difficult to judge the overall course

based only on the appearance immediately after the procedure,

and it may be necessary to observe changes

in the skin’s condition and volume

over time.

The term collagen booster

is often used collectively for procedures

that use lactic acid-based ingredients

such as PCL, PLLA, and PDLLA.

The application method may vary

depending on the ingredient, treatment area,

and injection depth.

What PLLA does within the skin

Among collagen boosters,

one of the ingredients that has long been discussed

is the PLLA family.

PLLA stands for poly-L-lactic acid.

It can be described as a biodegradable substance

derived from lactic acid,

and it gradually breaks down in the body

over time.

When this type of ingredient

is injected into the deeper layers of the dermis

or at a depth appropriate for the area,

collagen formation responses

related to fibroblasts

are also taken into consideration within the skin.

However, this response

does not appear at the same speed or in the same way

for everyone.

The course may vary depending on

skin thickness, the degree of hollowness,

the treatment area, injection depth,

and previous procedure history.

PLLA

is a lactic acid-based ingredient

that breaks down in the body over time.

Fibroblasts

are cells related to the formation of substances

such as collagen within the skin.

Why does it take time rather than being completed in one session?

The response related to collagen formation

is not a process that is completed immediately.

Because the changes appear over time,

it is difficult to judge the overall course

based only on the appearance immediately after the procedure.

Depending on the condition,

it may be planned over multiple sessions

rather than completed in one session.

The need for additional sessions or the intervals

may also be adjusted while monitoring the progress.

However, the number of sessions and intervals

may vary depending on the treatment area,

skin thickness, degree of hollowness,

previous procedure history, and individual response.

Therefore, rather than approaching it with the idea that

“things will change immediately after one session,”

it is better to understand first that this is an approach

that requires observation over time before having a consultation.

It is not the same approach for everyone

Even with the same collagen booster,

the treatment process may differ from person to person.

The plan may vary depending on

whether the skin is thin or thick,

the degree to which it appears hollow,

the area of concern,

and whether you have previously received filler

or another procedure.

In addition, collagen booster procedures

require careful consideration of

the injection depth and amount.

This is because, in rare cases,

the injection area may feel like it contains

small nodules,

or unevenness may be felt.

Therefore, it is difficult to determine simply that

“there is not enough volume, so more should be injected.”

There may be areas where filler

is more appropriately considered,

while in other cases a collagen booster

may also be considered.

There may also be cases where,

given your current condition,

treatment is not necessary at all.

Because skin conditions differ from person to person,

no particular procedure is suitable for everyone.

After first checking your current condition

and whether treatment is necessary through a consultation,

we explain which areas require attention

and which areas do not necessarily need treatment.

You can find detailed programs

on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the biggest difference between a collagen booster and filler?

A. Hyaluronic acid filler

is an injectable product that directly addresses

the volume and shape of the injection area.

A collagen booster

can be described as an approach that considers

tissue responses related to collagen formation

over time.

Therefore, the speed at which changes appear

and the timing of evaluation

may differ.

Q. Will I have immediate volume after one session?

A. A collagen booster

is described differently from filler,

which creates volume immediately after injection.

Because responses related to collagen formation

require time,

it is better to make an assessment

while observing the progress.

The number of sessions and intervals needed

may vary depending on the treatment area

and individual condition.

Q. Is a collagen booster right for me?

A. It may vary depending on skin thickness,

the degree of hollowness, the treatment area,

and previous procedure history.

There is no single answer that applies to everyone,

so it is better to first check your current condition

through a consultation before determining whether it is necessary.

Thank you for reading this long post.

This was Youngjin Wi.