Collagen has long been celebrated as the foundation of youthful, healthy skin. As we age, collagen production in our bodies naturally declines, leading to visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. In Singapore, where the demand for non-invasive aesthetic treatments is on the rise, collagen-based therapies have gained immense popularity for their ability to rejuvenate the skin and restore its natural glow. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between collagen injections and collagen biostimulators, explore the history and science behind these treatments, and provide practical insights on choosing the right treatment for your needs.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up around 30% of our total protein content. It provides structure and strength to our skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. In the skin, collagen gives firmness and elasticity—two key elements that contribute to a youthful appearance. Unfortunately, starting from our mid-20s, collagen production begins to slow down, and by the time we reach our 40s, we may have lost up to 25% of our skin’s collagen. This decline results in wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of volume.
To combat these effects, aesthetic medicine has developed various collagen-enhancing treatments. Among them, collagen injections and collagen biostimulators are two of the most talked-about options. Although both aim to improve collagen levels in the skin, their mechanisms, benefits, and treatment goals differ significantly.
Collagen injections involve the administration of collagen-based products directly into the skin. These products contain processed collagen—either from bovine, porcine, or other sources—and are designed to restore volume, smooth out fine lines, and stimulate the body’s own collagen production. Historically, the earliest collagen injections used bovine-derived products like Zyderm and Zyplast. However, these were phased out due to allergic reactions and the short duration of effect.
Modern collagen injections have evolved significantly. Products such as Linerase and Deusaderm are designed to minimise allergic reactions while maximising regenerative potential. Linerase, for example, is a porcine-derived type I collagen that has undergone specific processing to reduce allergenicity. It is effective for superficial skin rejuvenation and is widely known in Singapore as the “baby collagen” treatment due to its ability to restore a soft, youthful texture to the skin.
Deusaderm, on the other hand, is a collagen filler made from porcine dermis. It uses technologies such as telopeptide removal, multifiber induction, and dual cross-linkage to mimic the properties of human collagen without the need for human tissue sourcing or donor screening. When used undiluted, Deusaderm acts as a filler for areas like tear troughs, delivering natural volume and contour. When diluted, it becomes a skin booster that enhances dermal quality and radiance.
Collagen biostimulators are synthetic polymers that do not contain collagen themselves. Instead, they work by stimulating the skin to produce its collagen over time. These compounds include substances like poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), poly-D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL). Once injected, they create a mild inflammatory response that activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for generating collagen.
Unlike collagen injections, which offer relatively immediate results, biostimulators take weeks to months to show their full effect. However, their results are often longer-lasting, with some products offering benefits for up to two years. Biostimulators are typically used for deeper facial volumization, structural lifting, and correcting age-related skin laxity.
The use of collagen as a dermal filler dates back several decades. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Zyderm and Zyplast were among the first bovine collagen fillers approved for aesthetic use. While effective, they required mandatory skin testing due to the risk of allergic reactions, and their results typically lasted only a few months.
In an effort to improve safety and longevity, researchers began exploring human-derived collagen. These included collagens extracted from human placentas, which had zero allergenic potential. However, the requirement for stringent infectious disease screening and regulatory approval limited their widespread adoption. Since 2005, no human-derived collagen filler has received global licensing in many countries.
This led to the development of new-generation collagen products like Linerase and Deusaderm. Linerase is a heterologous collagen with hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for skin regeneration and anti-ageing treatments. Deusaderm, derived from porcine skin and enhanced through proprietary processing techniques, provides a close approximation to human collagen while eliminating the need for donor screening. Both products represent an advancement in the field of bioregenerative aesthetics.
While there is no direct clinical study comparing the efficacy of collagen injections versus collagen biostimulators, expert experience in the field provides valuable insights. For instance, collagen biostimulators such as PCL and PDLLA are often preferred for patients seeking deep volume restoration, particularly in the midface, temples, and jawline. These products offer long-term collagen production and a gradual, natural-looking lift.
Collagen injections, by contrast, are ideal for more superficial applications. Deusaderm, for example, is highly effective in correcting tear trough deformities and under-eye shadows with minimal swelling and a 95% correction rate. It provides an excellent alternative to hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, especially in patients prone to puffiness or Tyndall effect.
In terms of skin quality improvement, older patients may benefit more from collagen injections like Linerase, which help restore a thinning dermis and improve skin texture. PDLLA skin boosters are often used for younger patients dealing with acne scars and enlarged pores, offering mild collagen stimulation and skin refining effects.
While injectables are widely recognised for their biostimulating effects, certain medical devices have also proven to be effective collagen boosters. These technologies deliver energy to the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating natural collagen production through heat or mechanical action.
HIFU, including advanced versions such as Ulthera and Ozhean’s proprietary Ultherma, works by delivering focused ultrasound energy into the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer of the skin. This energy heats the tissue to a precise temperature, triggering a wound healing response that results in collagen production and skin tightening. The effect is a natural lift without surgery.
Devices like Secret RF and Sylfirm X combine microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The microneedles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin while delivering heat deep into the dermis. This dual action promotes both skin renewal and collagen induction, making RF-MN ideal for acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Certain fractional and non-ablative lasers also stimulate collagen by heating the dermis. Technologies such as the Mulgwang Laser or Pento Laser used at Ozhean Zoey promote brightening and collagen renewal with minimal downtime. These treatments are particularly useful when combined with injectable collagen therapies for a synergistic effect.
In Singapore’s fast-paced and appearance-conscious society, there is a growing demand for aesthetic treatments that are safe, effective, and deliver natural results with minimal downtime. Collagen therapies fit this demand. They offer a regenerative approach to skincare, focusing on rebuilding the skin’s natural structure rather than simply masking imperfections.
Clinics such as Ozhean Zoey have built a reputation for specialising in collagen-based protocols. Their approach involves combining injectables with supportive technologies like ultrasound-based lifting, laser systems, and exosome therapy to maximise results.
Yes. Modern products such as Linerase and Deusaderm are designed to be hypoallergenic and have been widely used in Europe and Asia because of their safety profiles.
Most collagen therapies require a series of sessions for effective results. For example, Linerase treatments are typically administered in 3 to 4 sessions spaced two weeks apart. Deusaderm, depending on the indication, may be used as a one-off filler or as a skin booster in 2 to 3 sessions.
Absolutely. Collagen injections and biostimulators are frequently combined with other modalities such as fractional lasers, Ultherapy, and PN/Exosome treatments. These combinations enhance collagen synthesis, promote tissue healing, and deliver a more comprehensive skin rejuvenation result.
Collagen-based therapies can help anyone seeking natural rejuvenation, volume restoration, and skin refinement. Whether you choose a collagen injection like Linerase or Deusaderm, or opt for a long-lasting biostimulator such as PCL or PDLLA, the key lies in personalised treatment planning. Each modality serves a different purpose: collagen injections are ideal for delicate, superficial applications, while biostimulators are ideal for deep lifting and long-term collagen regeneration.
At Ozhean Zoey Clinic, we pride ourselves on our commitment to collagen science. Our doctors carefully assess your skin condition, age, and aesthetic goals to craft a tailored treatment plan that combines collagen injections, biostimulators, and adjunct therapies. If you're considering collagen therapy in Singapore, book a consultation with us to discover what approach will bring out your skin’s potential.
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