The Difference Between Dermal Fillers and Skin Boosters

At Apul Parikh Clinic in London, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments to meet the unique needs of each client. Two of the most popular treatments we offer are dermal fillers and skin boosters.

While both use hyaluronic acid (HA) as a key ingredient, they serve distinct purposes and offer different benefits. Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you choose the best option for your aesthetic goals.

Let’s explore the key distinctions between dermal fillers and skin boosters and what makes each treatment stand out.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal filler injectable treatments are designed to restore volume, enhance facial contours, and soften wrinkles. They are typically used to add structure and fullness to areas of the face that lose volume over time due to ageing. Dermal fillers can target specific areas such as the cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds, and lips, providing a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture and contributes to skin plumpness. By injecting HA into specific areas, dermal fillers can create more defined contours, reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, and even correct asymmetry.

For a deep dive into Dermal Fillers, read our Ultimate Guide to Dermal Fillers for a comprehensive FAQ including everything you need to know about this treatment.

What Are Skin Boosters?

On the other hand, skin booster treatments are a more subtle, all-over skin treatment that focuses on improving skin hydration, texture, and elasticity rather than adding volume. They are often used to enhance the skin’s natural glow and health by delivering hyaluronic acid directly into the skin’s superficial layers.

Unlike dermal fillers, which are injected deeper to target specific areas, skin boosters are injected more evenly across the skin’s surface to improve overall skin quality. They are ideal for treating large areas like the face, neck, décolletage, and even hands, providing a dewy, radiant complexion with minimal downtime.

For an in-depth breakdown of this treatment and all the questions surrounding the treatment, read our Complete Guide to Skin Boosters.

Key Differences Between Dermal Fillers and Skin Boosters

While both treatments use hyaluronic acid, they serve different purposes and are applied in distinct ways. Let’s break down the main differences between dermal fillers and skin boosters:

Purpose and Target Areas

Dermal Fillers: These are primarily used to add volume, define facial contours, and reduce deep wrinkles. Dermal fillers are perfect for enhancing specific areas like the cheeks, lips, and jawline. For instance, if you’re looking to lift sagging cheeks, plump up thin lips, or soften nasolabial folds, dermal fillers are the go-to option.

Skin Boosters: Skin boosters are designed to improve the overall quality and hydration of the skin. Instead of targeting individual areas for volume, they are used to treat the entire face or other areas where skin appears dull or dehydrated. The result is smoother, more radiant skin with an even tone and texture.

Application Depth

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injected deeper into the dermal layers, often near or on top of bone structures. This allows them to provide support and structure, lifting areas that have lost volume due to ageing.

Skin Boosters: Skin boosters are injected into the more superficial layers of the skin. Their purpose is not to add structural volume but to deliver hydration and improve skin texture by nourishing the skin from within.

Texture & Consistency

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers tend to be thicker and more gel-like to provide the structure needed for volume and contouring. They are often designed to stay in one place once injected, allowing for precise shaping of facial features.

Skin Boosters: Skin boosters have a much thinner, more fluid consistency, allowing them to spread evenly across the skin. This enables them to hydrate the skin more uniformly without adding noticeable volume.

Longevity of Results

Dermal Fillers: The results from dermal fillers are typically long-lasting, ranging from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the type of filler used. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the hyaluronic acid, and touch-ups are required to maintain the results.

Skin Boosters: Skin boosters usually provide results that last between 6 to 9 months. While their primary goal is not volume enhancement, they gradually improve skin texture and hydration over time. Regular treatments may be required to maintain the glowing, hydrated skin they create.

Treatment Areas

Dermal Fillers: Best suited for targeted areas where volume loss or deep wrinkles are the primary concern. Common areas include the cheeks, lips, jawline, chin, and nasolabial folds.

Skin Boosters: Perfect for larger areas where overall skin quality needs to be improved. They are often used on the face, neck, décolletage, and hands—areas prone to dryness and loss of elasticity but where adding volume wouldn’t be necessary.

Which Treatment Is Right For You?

Choosing between dermal fillers and skin boosters depends on your specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

If you want to add volume to your cheeks, plump your lips, or soften deeper wrinkles and folds, dermal fillers are the ideal choice. They provide structural support and can significantly rejuvenate your appearance by restoring lost volume and enhancing facial contours.

If your primary concern is dull, dehydrated skin or fine lines across larger areas like the face or neck, skin boosters offer a great solution. Skin boosters improve the quality and texture of the skin without adding noticeable volume, making them ideal for achieving a radiant and youthful glow.

Can Dermal Fillers & Skin Boosters Be Combined?

Yes! Many patients choose to combine both dermal fillers and skin boosters to achieve comprehensive results.

For example, dermal fillers can be used to contour specific areas like the cheeks and jawline, while skin boosters can be applied to improve the overall health and radiance of the skin. By combining the two treatments, you can target volume loss and skin quality at the same time, ensuring a complete rejuvenation tailored to your unique needs.

Book your Skin Booster treatment with an experienced medical specialist in London

While dermal fillers and skin boosters share some similarities in their ingredients, their applications and effects differ significantly. Dermal filler treatments focus on restoring lost volume and defining facial contours, while skin booster treatments work to improve skin hydration and texture for a glowing complexion.

At Apul Parikh Clinic in London, our experienced practitioners are here to guide you through the process of choosing the right treatment based on your individual concerns and goals. If you’re unsure which treatment best suits you, book a consultation with our team, and we’ll help you create a personalised treatment plan for beautiful, natural-looking results.

For more information about what to expect before, during, and after a Skin Booster Treatment, be sure to visit our blog.

Take the first step towards rejuvenated skin by scheduling your appointment today. Contact our clinic at 0203 405 3538 or info@apulparikh.co.uk to learn more and book your consultation.