When it comes to facial rejuvenation, patients today have more choices than ever. Most people are familiar with dermal fillers, like those made of hyaluronic acid, which are commonly used to restore lost volume and soften wrinkles. But another option that’s gaining popularity is the use of biological fillers, often derived from your own body.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we offer both approaches, and many patients want to know: What’s the difference, and which is right for me?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Regular Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to add volume, smooth lines, and enhance contours. The most common fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA)—a sugar molecule naturally found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and plump.

Popular HA filler brands include Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Versa®. There are also non-HA fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra®), which stimulate collagen production over time.

Benefits of traditional fillers:

• Immediate results
• Long-lasting (6–18 months depending on product and area)
• Can be reversed (in the case of HA fillers) if needed
• Excellent for precise contouring (lips, cheeks, jawline, under-eyes)

What Are Biological Fillers?

Biological fillers use your body’s own regenerative potential to restore volume and improve skin quality. The most common type is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), derived from a small sample of your blood. After drawing the blood, it’s spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets, growth factors, and fibrin. This creates a natural scaffold that can be injected into the skin to stimulate collagen, elastin, and tissue regeneration.

Because biological fillers come from your own body, they are 100% natural and free from synthetic materials.

Benefits of biological fillers:

• No risk of allergic reaction
• Stimulate your body’s natural collagen production
• Improve skin tone, texture, and overall quality over time
• Provide gradual, natural-looking enhancement
• Can be combined with other treatments like microneedling, PRF facials, or lasers

Key Differences Between the Two

While both filler types enhance facial appearance, they work in very different ways:

Feature                                      Regular Dermal Fillers                                                                     Biological Fillers (PRF)

‍Material                                            Synthetic or bioidentical substances (HA, calcium, etc.)             Derived from your own blood (platelets, fibrin)

‍Results                                              Immediate volume restoration                                                       Gradual collagen and tissue regeneration

‍Longevity                                         6–18 months depending on product                                             Improvements continue for months; results vary but can last 12+ months

‍Reversibility                                   HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase                            Not reversible but naturally integrated

‍Best For                                            Contouring lips, cheeks, under-eyes, jawline                               Improving skin texture, fine lines, dark circles, and overall rejuvenation

Which Option Is Right for You?

It depends on your goals.

• If you want instant volume in the cheeks or fuller lips before a big event, a traditional dermal filler may be your best choice.
• If you prefer a natural, regenerative approach with long-term skin improvements, biological fillers like PRF are a great fit.
• Many patients actually choose a combination approach—using dermal fillers for immediate lift and contour, while also receiving PRF to improve skin quality and stimulate long-term collagen production.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we design treatment plans tailored to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.

Safety Considerations

Both options are safe when administered by a trained medical professional. Dermal fillers have been widely used for decades, while PRF has strong support in regenerative medicine and aesthetics.

Mild side effects—like swelling, redness, or bruising—can occur with either treatment, but they are temporary. Since biological fillers are created from your own blood, they carry virtually no risk of allergy or rejection.

The Bottom Line

Both biological fillers and traditional dermal fillers can help you look more refreshed and youthful, but they work in different ways. Dermal fillers provide immediate, predictable volume, while biological fillers harness your body’s natural healing abilities to gradually rejuvenate skin.

If you’re in the St. Louis area and curious about which option is right for you, our team at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) can help you explore your choices. Whether you’re looking for instant lift, natural regeneration, or a combination of both, we’ll create a personalized plan that enhances your unique features.

Learn more about our aesthetics services or schedule a consultation today to discover the best approach for you.

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