Biostimulators vs Smart Fillers: Which Is Better for Natural Facial Rejuvenation? Sculptra, Julaine & Radiesse
- dranataliamoore
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you’re trying to choose between JULAINE of Sweden (a PLLA biostimulator) and so-called “smart fillers” made with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), it helps to think in one simple framework:
PLLA (JULAINE) = primarily regeneration first (gradual collagen-building, subtle volumisation over time)= uses microspheres of lactic acid to stimulate marked regeneration over 18 months
CaHA = lift now + regeneration later (an immediate “scaffold” effect plus collagen stimulation)= combines hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with calcium hydroxyapatite
Both can look natural when used well. The reason I much prefer Julaine and combining this, if needed with classic dermal fillers, is simply down to some of the risks and side effects of CaHA.
What is JULAINE of Sweden(PLLA)?
JULAINE™ is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) biodermal activator or biostimulator injectable medicine, that can be used all over the face, neck and even body.
How it works
PLLA particles act as a biostimulatory signal to your skin, encouraging fibroblasts to produce new collagen gradually.
This process does not trigger any inflammation so ensure the type of collagen produced is that found in healthy skin only.
There is emerging evidence that it is also fantastic to regenerate other aspects of skin health and is showing great benefit for acne scarring, pigmentation and general glowing skin.
Results tend to look completely natural and “self-made” with no change in face shape but simply firming and smoothing (you won’t usually walk out looking instantly “filled” in the way a classic HA filler can).
Timing & longevity (typical patterns)
Visible change is often gradual over weeks to months, with most results beign seen 9 months post treatment, and these build at repeat treatment around ~18–24 months
What are “smart fillers” with CaHA?
CaHA fillers use calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel dermal filler. They’re often described as “smart” because they can provide:
Immediate support/contour as it contains a dermal filler component
Collagen stimulation over time (as your body lays collagen around the particles)
CaHA which helps improve skin strength and firmness.
How do smart fillers work?
The dermal filler compononent provides structure and volume whilst the CaHA triggers fibroblasts in the skin to produce new collagen.
Can Julaine work if I have volume loss or hollowness?
Yes, it can be a very nice product to provide some firming and the appearance of lift over time.
If you feel that you have lost significant shape in your face and need volume and support you can stack treatments together. Using Julaine to firm and strengthen skin and support structures and subtle full face dermal fillers to replace volume and contour where needed.
As healing builds and skin firms, this can then reduce reliance on volume from dermal fillers.
Collagen / “regeneration”; Julaine Vs ‘Smart Fillers’;
Clinically, both are considered biostimulators—they promote neocollagenesis (new collagen formation), but there isn’t a single universal, patient-facing number (like “you’ll gain 37% collagen”) that is accurate across brands, doses, planes, and tissues.
What you can rely on:
PLLA: strongly associated with progressive collagen stimulation. Julaine builds on and perfects science used for decades and found in products like Sculptra. This does not trigger any inflammatory pathways so collagen produced is healthy and there is no risk of nodules. It has emerging evidence that it helps with many aspects of skin health and regenerations and not just collagen.
CaHA: also biostimulatory; often used to combine immediate shape support + progressive collagen stimulation. However, by nature collagen is stimulated by a controlled inflammatory process. If used appropriately, in the right depth and right volume it produces nice results, but if used incorrectly this has more risk of nodules formation and the area feeling or appearing too firm
If your priority is skin quality + gradual global rejuvenation, PLLA often wins.If your priority is visible lift/contour plus some regenerative benefit, smart fillers or a combination of Julaine and classical dermal fillers are a great option.