Collagen-Stimulating Fillers
If you’re looking for facial rejuvenation that goes beyond a quick fix, collagen-stimulating fillers can restore volume, refine contours, and improve skin firmness by encouraging your body to rebuild collagen over time. At our Santa Fe clinic, we offer three leading options—Radiesse®, Bellafill®, and Sculptra®—to treat volume loss, deeper lines, and acne scarring with natural-looking results.
What Are Collagen-Stimulating Fillers?
Unlike traditional fillers that primarily “fill” with gel, collagen-stimulating injectables work in two ways:
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Immediate improvement (in select products) to lift and contour
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Gradual collagen production to strengthen skin structure and support longer-lasting results
These treatments are ideal for patients who want subtle, natural enhancement, improved skin quality, and longer-lasting correction compared with many hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.
Radiesse® (CaHA)
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler that provides immediate volume and contour, while also stimulating natural collagen production. It’s a popular choice for facial sculpting and improving skin firmness over time.
What it’s made of
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Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier
Best for:
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Cheeks and midface volume
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Jawline definition and lower-face contour
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Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
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Chin enhancement (contour support)
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Hands (one of Radiesse’s signature treatment areas)
How long it last?
Many patients see results lasting about 12–18 months (sometimes longer depending on treatment area and metabolism).
Downtime & side effects
Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness may occur. As with any injectable, technique and placement matter—choosing an experienced injector is key.
Bellafill® (PMMA + Collagen)
What is Bellafill?
Bellafill is a long-lasting, FDA-approved filler that acts as both a volume enhancer and a collagen biostimulator. It is especially known for treating acne scars and deeper facial lines with results that may last up to 5 years or longer in some patients.
What it’s made of?
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PMMA microspheres (20%): provide long-term structural support and a scaffold for collagen
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Bovine collagen gel (80%): provides immediate lift while your body builds its own collagen
Best for:
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Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
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Acne scars
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Marionette lines
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Cheeks and temples (provider-dependent/off-label)
Important considerations
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Skin testing is required due to bovine collagen allergy risk in a small number of patients
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Not reversible like HA fillers, so precise placement is essential
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Typically not recommended for lips or very superficial fine lines
Downtime & side effects
Bruising, swelling, or redness are possible. Small lumps/nodules are rare but can occur.
Sculptra® (PLLA)
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable designed to restore facial volume gradually for a natural, refreshed look. It works differently than traditional fillers—results develop over time as collagen rebuilds.
What it’s made of?
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Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible collagen stimulator
Best for:
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Global facial volume restoration
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Cheeks, temples, and midface hollowness
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Softening lines caused by volume loss
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Improving overall facial contour and skin support
How long it lasts?
Results commonly last 2 years or more, especially when completed as a planned series.
Treatment plan
Sculptra is typically performed in a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal collagen-building.
Aftercare
Your provider may recommend massage after treatment and standard post-injection care (avoid heavy heat/exercise for a short period, wear sunscreen, etc.).
Which Filler Is Right for You?
Radiesse
Best if you want immediate lift + collagen stimulation, especially for cheeks, jawline, and hands.
Bellafill
Best for acne scars and patients who want a very long-lasting option, and who are comfortable with a product that isn’t reversible.
Sculptra
Best for gradual, natural-looking volume restoration and collagen rebuilding across larger areas.