What is a biofiller?

In a biofiller procedure, an albumin gel is prepared from your own plasma through controlled heating. This gel is then mixed with your own platelet concentrate. The result is a completely autologous gel with two simultaneous properties: a soft, discrete volumizing effect and a biostimulating effect due to the sustained release of growth factors.

The preparation takes place entirely in the practice on the day of treatment. Nothing is added that does not come from your own blood.

How does it work?

Albumin is a protein that occurs naturally in blood plasma. By heating the plasma in a controlled manner, the structure of this protein changes, creating a viscous gel. This gel acts as a carrier: it slowly releases the mixed growth factors into the surrounding tissue.

As a result, a biofiller works on two levels. In the short term, the gel provides a light filling effect. In the longer term, skin quality, elasticity, and hydration improve because the growth factors stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen.

The duration of action of the gel itself is typically about four to six months. The biostimulating effect lasts longer.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

Treated areas include:

• the tear trough and dark circles
• fine lines
• the midface and the temple
• the nasolabial fold and marionette lines
• the jawline

The biofiller is particularly suitable for those who desire a discrete correction and consciously wish to avoid foreign materials. Those seeking a pronounced increase in volume or a sharply defined contour are better suited for a hyaluronic acid filler.

What happens during a session?

The skin is cleansed and the treatment areas are marked. Blood is drawn, after which the plasma and platelet concentrate are prepared. This preparation takes time, meaning a session typically lasts about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

The gel is then injected at the correct depth using a needle or a blunt cannula. Because the gel is thicker than a liquid concentrate, a classic technique is used.

Afterwards, swelling and sometimes bruising are normal, particularly around the eyes. These usually disappear within a few days.

Number of sessions and results

Typically, two to three sessions are planned, with four to eight weeks in between. The result is assessed after six to twelve weeks, after which maintenance once or twice a year is common.

The result varies from person to person. There is an obligation of means and not an obligation of result.

What this treatment does not do

• A biofiller is not a classic volumizer. It provides a soft correction, not a pronounced projection of the cheekbone or chin.
• It does not tighten sagging skin and is not a substitute for a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery.
• Important difference from hyaluronic acid: a biofiller cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Therefore, a subsequent correction is not possible in the same way. For this reason, dosing is performed conservatively.
• The effect is temporary and requires maintenance.

Safety and contraindications

The treatment is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in the presence of an active infection in the treatment area, coagulation disorders, a very low platelet count or other blood abnormalities, active autoimmune disease, or cancer under active treatment.

Because it involves autologous material, there is no risk of rejection or allergy to the product itself. The usual risks of an injection still apply: swelling, bruising, sensitivity and, rarely, a vascular complication. Therefore, the treatment is performed exclusively by the physician.

Aftercare

• Do not massage the treated area for the first few days.
• No makeup for twenty-four hours.
• No sauna, steam bath, or intensive exercise for forty-eight hours.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to limit swelling.
• Please contact us in case of increasing pain or skin discoloration.

Combination with surgery and other treatments

A biofiller is often combined with a PRP facial treatment or with RF microneedling, which work on skin quality while the gel softens the contour. In cases of significant volume loss, facial lipofilling is a more permanent alternative. In cases of sagging, a facelift will be discussed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference compared to a regular filler?

A classic filler consists of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, a foreign product that provides volume and can be dissolved with an enzyme. A biofiller comes entirely from your own blood, provides a softer correction, and additionally stimulates tissue repair.

Can a biofiller be dissolved?

No. Unlike hyaluronic acid, a biofiller cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Therefore, dosing is deliberately conservative and performed in stages.

How long does the effect last?

The gel itself typically works for about four to six months. The biostimulating effect on skin quality lasts longer. Maintenance is usually scheduled once or twice a year.

How many sessions are needed?

Typically two to three sessions with four to eight weeks in between. The result is assessed after six to twelve weeks.

Can a biofiller be used in the tear trough?

Yes, that is one of the most requested applications. Limited quantities are used because the skin there is very thin. Bruising is more common in this area.

Is the treatment painful?

The blood draw feels like a standard blood test. A numbing cream or local anesthetic is used for the injection of the gel, making it generally well-tolerated.

Read also

• Wrinkle treatment