Everything to Know About Collagen-Boosting Fillers

Fillers have been used in the past to artificially plump our lips and reshape the contours of our faces, but now, the next generation can regenerate your cells, too. The result? More collagen production, which leads to longer-lasting and more natural-looking results.

This new wave of regenerative aesthetics is the future, according to Dr. Kate Goldie. "Regenerative aesthetics can make healthier tissue and I believe the end result will be that people will age differently," she claims. Until now, the options have been to age naturally, opt for small tweakments like Botox or threads to stave off the signs of aging, or go under the knife for a facelift. But we're at a turning point for aesthetics. Men and women now have another option—to boost their own collagen production and keep the contours of their face and the texture of their skin looking plump, bouncy and smooth for longer. Intrigued? Byrdie spoke to two aesthetic experts— Dr. Kate Goldie, as well as Dr. Victoria Manning of River Aesthetics—about the fillers that can kickstart your body's own cell-regenerating mechanisms.

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What are Cell Regenerating Fillers?

Cell stimulating fillers like Radiesse and Ellansé, which Dr. Goldie and Dr. Manning use respectively, are fillers that stimulate your cells to produce more Type 1 collagen. "Type 1 collagen is abundant in the body when we are young, providing the infrastructure for our naturally-abundant hyaluronic acid and elastin and therefore the appearance of firm and youthful skin," explains Dr. Manning. She adds that Type 1 collagen loss begins in our late 20s and by our 50s, we've lost roughly half of our Type 1 collagen.

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How do Cell Regenerating Fillers Work?

Radiesse and Ellansé boost Type 1 collagen production, but while Ellansé has always been marketed as a bio-stimulating filler, it's only been recently discovered that Radiesse has the same cell-boosting capabilities. "Developed in the U.S., Radiesse has been used for over ten years," says Dr. Goldie. "Traditionally, it has been used to create and replace volume in the face, but over the years, physicians have innovated and changed the way it is used by looking again at the basics of how it works and using these unique regenerative properties, rather than just as filler." For example, when Radiesse is hyper-diluted and injected into the neck using cannulas, it can instantly smooth crepey neck skin while also stimulating collagen production, so the neck area stays smoother for longer after the filler has dissolved away.

"We now understand from research that Radiesse is so much more than a filler," says Dr. Goldie. "When injected in the tissue, it will create healthy type 1 collagen by up to 30 percent more." She goes on to explain that it promotes the development of elastin, increases blood supply and improves cell turnover. "We have also seen in biopsies that the fibroblasts contract better when Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) found in Radiesse is present—what this looks like is tissue that is not just filled but is firmer and tighter too," she says.

Ellansé, much like Radiesse, produces both instant and gradual results. "Increased volume, contouring and definition occurs immediately post-injection, but the result achieved is maintained due to the production of Type 1 collagen in response to the PolyCaproLactone in the product, stimulating fibroblasts in the areas Ellansé is placed," explains Dr. Manning. "The length of the polymer chain of the PCL is what gives Ellansé its unique longevity properties. It can last from one to four years. The greater the length of the polymer chain, the longer-lasting the product will be."

In comparison, regular hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane wear off at around six months, while Radiesss lasts 12 to 18 months. What sets Radiesse and Ellansé apart isn't just the fact the filler lasts longer, but that it will stimulate Type 1 collagen production so when it does wear off, depending on where you had it injected, you'll be left with naturally plumper lips or smoother neck naturally.

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Should I Get Cell Regenerating Fillers?

If you're considering fillers, it's worth considering non-regenerative fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, as these will give you a chance to see whether you're happy with the results without a super long-lasting effect. If you like the results and want more longevity, then look to Radiesse or Ellansé. It's worth noting Ellansé does appear to last longer than Radiesse, so if you're absolutely sure you will like the results in the long-term then, Ellansé might be a more cost-effective option.

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Where Can I Have Cell Regenerating Fillers Injected?

You can have Radiesse and Ellansé injected into the usual places where you would have filler applied: lips, marionette lines, jowls, chin and even the hands.

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How Much Do Bio-Stimulating Fillers Cost?

It really depends on how many areas you are having injected, but you can expect to pay anywhere between a total $500 to $2000 for both Radiesse and Ellansé, depending on how much is used. It's always best to find a reputable injector and have a consultation followed by a cooling-off period before having any procedures.

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