Dr. Yasaman AfsharghasemiAesthetic Medicine · Dubai

Injectables

Skin boosters and fillers are not the same thing

Updated

In short

  • Both are injectable and may contain hyaluronic acid, so they are easily confused, but they have different purposes.
  • Skin boosters aim to improve skin quality. Fillers add volume or change contour.
  • Both are temporary and carry risks. Choosing not to have an injectable is a reasonable decision.

How they differ

  • Surface layerDeeper skinTissue below the skin

    Skin boosters

    Main aim
    Hydration and skin quality, rather than shape
    How it’s placed
    Usually many small, superficial injections
    May contain
    Hyaluronic acid
    How long it lasts
    Temporary. Varies from person to person
  • Surface layerDeeper skinTissue below the skin

    Dermal fillers

    Main aim
    Add volume or change contour
    How it’s placed
    A thicker gel, placed in a specific area
    May contain
    Hyaluronic acid
    How long it lasts
    Temporary. Varies from person to person

Simplified drawings for general education. Actual placement varies by product and treatment area.

Limits

  • Effects and how long they last vary from person to person.
  • Evidence for skin boosters varies between products.
  • Neither is required, and suitability can only be judged through an individual medical assessment.

Risks to understand

  • Common effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness and redness.
  • Lumps, infection and allergic reactions can also occur.

When to get urgent medical care

A blocked blood vessel is a rare but serious complication, particularly with fillers. It can damage skin and, in very rare cases, affect vision. Get urgent medical care after an injectable if you notice:

  • Sudden or severe pain
  • Skin turning pale, blotchy or dusky
  • Any change in your vision

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Is the person injecting medically qualified and licensed to do so?
  • What exactly is the product, and is it approved locally?
  • What are the realistic benefits and limits for me?
  • How would a complication be recognised and managed?

The information on this website is for general education only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Outcomes vary and all procedures carry risks.