When it comes to facial rejuvenation, few treatments create as much curiosity (and hesitation) as biostimulator treatments like Sculptra® or EZ Gel. These treatments don’t just “fill”—they actually stimulate your own collagen production for natural, long-lasting results.
But because they work differently than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, it’s natural to have questions—or even fears. Let’s clear up the most common ones.
What Exactly Are Biostimulators?
While traditional hyularonic-acid dermal-fillers replace lost volume with a gel made from hyaluronic acid, biostimulators like Sculptra® and EZ Gel take a completely different approach: they stimulate your body to rebuild its own collagen.
Upon injecting either a biostimulator made from your own blood-product, or PPLA (the same material used for dissolvable sutures), over time your body gradually restores structure, firmness, and elasticity—without ever looking “filled” or overdone.
At About Face, we love biostimulators because they deliver long-term, natural-looking rejuvenation rather than temporary plumping. But because they behave differently from traditional fillers, patients often have important questions (and valid concerns) before trying them.
Let’s go through the most common ones.
1. Will it look unnatural or puffy?
One of the biggest fears patients have is that collagen stimulators will make their face look “overfilled.” In reality, biostimulators don’t create instant volume—they simply encourage your body to produce collagen in a way that restores lost volume naturally. Results from Sculptra and EZ Gel appear gradually over several weeks, allowing your skin to adjust in a subtle, balanced way.
For those seeking natural-looking rejuvenation, biostimulators are often the preferred choice.
Pro Tip: Anytime the skin is broken, there is always a chance of bruising, and there is always a chance of swelling. Sometimes immediately after treatment it is possible to experience “puffiness” as a result of swelling, but this will fade within a day or 2 as your body adjusts to the treatment.
2. Why don’t I see results right away?
This is a common (and understandable!) question. After your injections, you might notice an immediate plumpness from the volume of the initial product—but this fades in a few days. That’s when the real magic begins.
Over the next 6–12 weeks, your body uses the Sculptra or EZ Gel to start producing new collagen. The results are slower to appear—but far longer lasting, Sculptra results can often last up to two to three years with proper maintenance, and EZ Gel results can last up to 12-months.
3. Why is it more expensive than filler?
While the initial cost can be higher, it’s important to look at the long-term value. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6–12 months. In contrast, biostimulators remodel the skin from within, helping to restore youthful density that can last years. More skill and experience is needed to successfully perform biostimulator treatments, and the outcomes are generally safer.
Think of it as an investment in your skin’s future—one that builds a better foundation and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.
4. Can it cause lumps or nodules?
This concern pops up often online. The truth is: yes, lumps can occur—but they’re rare when the treatment is performed by an experienced injector.
Lumps are typically related to:
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Improper dilution or depth of injection,
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Skipping post-treatment massage, or
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Injecting into areas with very thin skin.
At About Face, we follow precise dilution ratios, advanced injection mapping, and provide our patients with thorough aftercare guidance (including gentle massage protocols) to keep your results smooth and consistent.
💡 Good to know: The Sculptra recipe used today has been refined from earlier generations—so the risk of nodules is significantly lower than what you may read in old forums.
5. Will it affect future facial surgery?
This is one of the most important questions, and it deserves an honest, evidence-based answer.
Because biostimulators work by triggering collagen production, they can sometimes create mild fibrotic changes (firmness) in the tissue. Some surgeons note that this may slightly change how the tissue feels or behaves during surgery, such as a facelift or deep-plane procedure.
However, this doesn’t mean facial surgery is off the table. In fact, many patients who have had Sculptra or EZ Gel later undergo surgery successfully. The key is transparency—always tell your surgeon about your injection history so they can plan accordingly.
In experienced hands, there’s no long-term disadvantage; your tissues will continue to age and respond naturally.
6. Is it reversible?
Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal-fillers, which can be dissolved with an enzyme, biostimulators can’t be “undone.” That’s because your body’s collagen response can’t be reversed once it’s been triggered.
This makes the skill and judgment of your injector absolutely essential. Every treatment at About Face begins with an in-depth consultation and anatomical assessment to determine where—and how much—biostimulator is appropriate.
7. Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes, and that’s often the best approach. Biostimulators pair beautifully with other skin-rejuvenating modalities like:
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Microneedling or SkinPen®: Enhances collagen synthesis and improves texture.
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Laser Genesis or RF: Boosts elasticity and tone.
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Exosome Therapy: Accelerates healing and enhances glow.
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BioRePeel or Chemical Peels: Improve overall clarity and brightness.
Your provider can help create a layered treatment plan that strategically combines modalities for faster, more complete rejuvenation.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universal right or wrong choice when it comes to biostimulators like Sculptra® or EZ Gel. The best outcomes happen when your treatment is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and long-term plan, and performed by someone who has been thoroughly trained and understands all nuances of the product being used.
In the hands of an experienced, knowledgeable provider, these collagen-stimulating injections can safely and effectively transform your skin from the inside out—restoring structure, improving texture, and delivering a result that looks as natural as it feels.
If you’d like to learn more about how Sculptra® or EZ Gel might fit into your treatment plan, we’d love to help.
