Collagen stimulator injections Sculptra, Radiesse and Gouri for hollow cheeks and sagging skin
Collagen stimulators (biostimulators) do not add volume instantly like filler. Instead they prompt the body to build new collagen over 6–12 weeks, for a natural-looking result that lasts 1–2 years. Suited to hollow cheeks, overall facial laxity and an undefined jawline.
How they work, and how they differ from filler
HA filler adds volume with the gel itself, so the result is immediate. Collagen stimulators consist of tiny particles such as PLLA, CaHA or PCL which, once in the deep skin layers, prompt fibroblasts to build new type 1 and type 3 collagen around them. The volume that results is your own tissue, building gradually over 6–12 weeks. It looks natural, there is no sensation of a gel lump, and it lasts 1–2 years even after the particles have broken down, because the collagen remains. The trade-offs are a wait for results, no reversibility as with HA, and the need for a doctor who understands the correct dilution and skin layer.
Products we use and how they differ
| Product (Thai FDA-registered) | Substance | Strengths | Sessions | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sculptra | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) powder mixed with water | Adds volume across the whole face: hollow cheeks, temples, overall laxity. Suits thin faces | 2–3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart | 2 years or more |
| Radiesse | Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in a gel | Full strength to contour the jawline, chin and hands; hyperdilute and injected superficially to tighten the neck, face, arms, abdomen and buttocks | 1–3 sessions, 4–8 weeks apart | 12–18 months |
| Gouri | Fully liquid polycaprolactone (PCL) | Spreads across the face from a few injection points, for firmer, more elastic skin and fine lines | 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart | 12–18 months |
| Ellansé | PCL microspheres in a CMC gel | Immediate volume from the carrier gel, followed by collagen stimulation. Available in S and M versions | 1–2 sessions | 1–2 years, depending on the version |
| Juvelook | PDLLA + HA, fine particles | Injected superficially for acne scars, pores and thin under-eye skin, with gentle collagen stimulation | 2–3 sessions, 4 weeks apart | 12 months |
Who it suits
Hollow, gaunt or tired-looking face
Cheeks and temples hollowed by age, weight loss or heavy exercise. Sculptra restores volume across the whole face in a balanced way
Sagging skin, undefined jawline
Aged 35–60 and not yet wanting a surgical facelift. Radiesse or PCL combined with HIFU
Loose skin on the neck, arms, abdomen or buttocks
Hyperdilute Radiesse tightens skin on the body in areas lasers cannot reach
Tired of topping up filler every year
People injecting several cc of HA every 9–12 months may switch to building a collagen base and using HA only for specific points
Results over time
Aftercare: the 5-5-5 rule for Sculptra
- Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days, so the particles spread evenly and the chance of nodules is reduced
- No strenuous exercise or heat for 48 hours
- Paracetamol is fine for discomfort. Avoid anti-inflammatory medication in the first week if the doctor advises
- Radiesse and PCL do not need home massage unless the doctor instructs it
- No laser or HIFU over the same area for 4 weeks
Collagen stimulators are not injected into the lips, under the eyes or between the brows, because the skin there is thin and highly mobile and the risk of nodules or lumps that cannot be dissolved is higher. These areas are treated with HA instead. Small palpable nodules occur in around 1–5% of cases; most resolve on their own within 2–6 months or are treated with a targeted injection. Not for women who are pregnant, anyone with an active autoimmune flare, a clear history of keloids, or an infection at the injection site. Results depend on each person's ability to build collagen, and smokers or older patients may respond more slowly
Related services
Prices
| Sculptra, 1 vial Half the face, or the full face in mild hollowing, including numbing cream and blunt cannula | [ ] |
| Radiesse 1.5 cc Full strength or hyperdilute, according to the doctor's plan | [ ] |
| Gouri 1 cc Full face, 1 session | [ ] |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sculptra or filler: which is better?
They serve different purposes. Filler suits targeted reshaping with immediate results. Sculptra suits gradual, long-lasting restoration of volume across the whole face. Many people use both together.
Will my face get bigger?
The added volume is collagen the body builds in a limited amount per particle, so it does not over-swell the way too much filler can. The doctor controls the result through the number of vials and sessions, adding more at the next session if the effect is still modest.
Can it be dissolved if I do not like the result?
Not in the way HA can. The particles break down on their own within 9–24 months, but the collagen already built remains. That is why correct assessment, placement and dosing from the start matter so much.
At what age should I start?
Mostly from 35 onwards, when the cheeks and temples begin to hollow. Younger people with a very thin face, or whose face looks gaunt after weight loss, can also be treated after a doctor's assessment.
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