Hybrid Hydration Treatments; At A Glance
- Best Results2 sessions
- Treatment Recovery6-24 hours
- Procedure Time15 min
- Skin SpecialistDavin Lim, Nurse
- Duration of Results6-12+ months
- AnaestheticNot required
- Back to WorkImmediately
- Cost$-$$
Hybrid Hydration Treatments
Hybrid hydrating treatments came to Australia in late 2022, however they have been in the European market for over 5 years. Hybrid hydrating treatments function to rehydrate & strengthen the skin without adding volume. This filler has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, which accounts for the super moisturizing properties. It is a game changer when it comes to treating wrinkles on the face, neck & chest. Unlike lasers, Hybrid hydrating treatments have no downtime.
FactsFacts On Hybrid Hydration Treatments
- This Hybrid filler contains different types of hyaluronic acid
- Unlike traditional hydrating treatments that provide volume & support, Hybrid hydrating treatments provide deep dermal hydration
- This filler stimulates the production of collagen & elastin immediately after injection
- Two sessions are required, spaced one month apart
What can Hybrid hydrating treatments treat?
This filler can be used on all parts of the body & face, however it excels at-
- Reducing wrinkles & laxity on the face, without adding volume
- Treating sun damage & aging on the neck, chest & decolletage. It does so by hydrating the dermal layer, in turn reducing wrinkles, & improving dull skin.
*Hybrid hydrating treatments can also improve aging hands, knees & arms.
How is this skin hydrating treatment different from other hyaluronic acid hydrating treatments?
This filler is a unique injectable made of a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA). As we age, our skin’s HA concentration declines. This Hybrid filler promotes skin hydration & collagen formation without volume. Traditional hydrating treatments do the opposite- namely re-volumize the skin & deeper tissues.

This filler has the consistency of honey allowing it to evenly spread through the skin & underlying structures forming a hydrating layer as well as promoting the formation of collagen & elastin.
When do I choose Hybrid hydrating treatments over volume replacement hydrating treatments?
Think of Hybrid hydrating treatments as a method to reduce sagging skin, lines & wrinkles without adding the heaviness of traditional hydrating treatments


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How is this skin hydrating treatment injected?
Unlike volume enhancing hydrating treatments which are placed deep, Hybrid hydrating treatments are placed within the dermis. This allows for perfect tissue integration. These procollagen molecules will start to work immediately after injection with maximal results 6 to12 weeks later.
When will I see the results?
Results can be seen as early as one week after the first injection, however maximal results are seen after 6 weeks from the second injection. Collagen production takes time. Unlike hydrating treatments that provide volume, this filler activates your immune system to produce collagen & hyaluronic acid. Its unique structure allows it to flow freely through the subcutaneous tissue and dermis in the target areas.
Lighting could be better, however in the after photos the better light reflex & luminosity reflects the better skin quality following treatment
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👉The Procedure: Jessner TCA peel & low density CO2 in key vectors in addition to 60 PDO threads in vectors, RF at 3.5 mm. One session only. Predicable non-surgical skin tightening follows a complex algorithm based on clinical features, genetics, ethnicity, goals, equipment, & more
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👍🏻The logic: Stimulation of all layers from the mid to superficial dermis (peel), deeper dermis (low density but high power CO2), hypodermis (RFM) & hypodermis & fibroseptal network (PDO threads)
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⏭Next stage: dermal fillers to further improve the outcomes
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🙄Suitable patients: mild to moderate laxity (leaning towards mildish). For lighter types, I prefer lasers or medium to deep peels, for darker skin types I use RF devices (RFM, NuEra, Pelleve) & HIFU
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🎬Action: For an opinion on threads & skin tightening book a consult with Katie or Alison at Cutis Dermatology
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😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane🇦🇺
AU
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#lskintightening #HIFU #pdothreads #threadlifting #skinlaxity #brisbanedermatologist #dermatology #skinscience #facelifting #nonsurgicalfacelift #threadlift #mintpdo #mintthreads #pdothreadlifting
Skin tightening with lasers & threads🔫🧵🪡
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👉Logic: Ablative lasers (erbium + CO2) can provide immediate collagen contraction. This can firm up skin & improve skin quality. Threads, in particular PDO threads can cause fibrosis, synergically stimulating collagen production. This can further tighten skin
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👊🏻🤜🏻🥊Combinations: We have just started to use a combination of laser (superficial), threads (dermal-subdermal) & deeper RF timed appropriately to provide immediate, delayed & prolonged collagen production. The results, to date have been exceptional (to a point where I’m seriously surprised)
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👍🏻Indications: mild to moderate laxity. The amount of laser vs threads vs RF & the timings varies according to age, skin quality (amount of photodamage), dermal thickness, skin type & other factors. Patient selection is critical to getting a good outcome
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👉Next step: Adding collagen stimulating fillers in appropriate dilutions to further compound results
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🧵Action: to see if you are a candidate for this procedure, book an appointment with the senior nurses Alison & Katie at Cutis Dermatology
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😠BTW Cutis Derm IG page is still hacked, so don’t fall for the bitcoin sell
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😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane🇦🇺
#drdavinlim #dermatologist #skintightening #PDOthreads #mintthreads
#threadlifting #threads #laserskinrejuvenation #skinrejuvenation #skinscience #brisbanedermatologist
Based upon probability and not possibility
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👉🏾👉🏽Darker skin: more melanin, more reactive melanocytes, hence more prone to dyschromia / pigmentation. Pico lasers work well by reducing pigment and at the same time remodel collagen with little downtime (if at all). Collagen bundles are thicker and more protected from UV due to increased pigment. Collagen producing cells, or fibroblasts are larger, more numerous & more vigorous in their response to heat, hence why skin tightening devices work better in darker skin 💯
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👉👉Lighter skin: more suitable for ablative laser, high pass fractional lasers & medium to deep peels. Darker skin type will PIH with above. Anecdotally some lighter skin types do extremely well with skin tightening devices such as #HIFU, #Ultherapy, Ultraformer, RF devices including RF Microneedling, Tempsure, Pelleve, Thermage etc… These skin types include east/mid Eurpeans, think Czech, Russian especially if photoprotected most of their lives (less collagen breakdown/elastosis)
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😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane,🇦🇺
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#skintightening #skintone #antiaging #skintreatment ##ultraformer #Tempsure #thermage #davinlim #dermatologist #dermatology #collagen
Laser resurfacing can give good results. #collagen remodelling can be somewhat predictable, however the ‘lift; in this patient is quite remarkable as collagen contraction has reduced her jowls. This is an exception rather than the rule
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🔬Skin Science: Ablative lasers are still relevant in #dermatology. They can be used to treat derm conditions including actinic cheilitis, sBBCs, IEC-Bowen Disease, solar keratosis, seb ks, seb hyperplasia as well as shallow acne scars. In this case I used both erbium & CO2 fully ablative lasers
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👉👀Concept: Lasers can improve skin quality & provide collagen contraction. Lasers do NOT address volume. For best results it is the balance between improving skin quality, skin tightening (energy devices vs surgical), & volume replacement (filler or fat)
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😎Dr Davin Lim
@drdavinlim
@cliniccutis
Brisbane🇦🇺
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#laserdermatology #dermatologist #dermatologistbrisbane #skinrejuvenation #laserresurfacing #skinscience #rejuvenation #davinlim #drdavinlim #antiaging #laserrejuvenation #co2lasers #erbiumlaser
How many sessions will I need?
2, spaced one month apart. For extreme sun damage & laxity, another session at week 12 can further improve skin quality & wrinkles. The same applies to the decollete, hands & neck areas.

How long will the results last?
This new hybrid skin hydrating treatment lasts 6 – 8 months if 2 treatments are given one month apart. After the initial treatments, we recommend retreatment once to twice a year.
Older hydrating treatments such as poly-L-lactic acid & calcium hydroxyapatite last longer, however they do not produce as much collagen as compared with Hybrid fillers.
What do the aesthetic points of the BAP technique mean?
The Bio Aesthetic Points technique addresses the 5 key areas of the face to provide maximal collagen stimulation, in turn reducing wrinkles, sun damage, crepey & lax skin. These key areas are slightly modified taking into account facial shape.
Will the results look natural?
When performed with skill & precision the result will look natural. Hybrid hydrating treatments address facial aging including skin laxity & quality, with minimal volume changes. Traditional hyaluronic acid hydrating treatments improve skin.

Is it safe to use if I have had other hydrating treatments?
Yes, however there is a ‘cooling off’ period of up to three months. Hybrid hydrating treatments stimulate collagen production, whilst traditional hydrating treatments provide volume. In most cases traditional hydrating treatments lie a deeper plane.

Can you use Hybrid hydrating treatments under the eyes?
Fillers for the under eyes is one of our most requested places to rejuvenate, however it is also the most complex. Under eye area is off label however our senior dermatologists can assess this area to see if this filler is right for your goals.
How long is the recovery time following Hybrid Fillers?
12 to 24 hours. Yes, it’s that quick. The time-line goes something like this-
- First 2-4 hours; filler integrates into the surrounding tissue.
- Next 4-12 hours; full integration.
- Results; in a few days to weeks.
- Repeat injection; 28 days later.
- Maximal results; at 3 months+
Why is Queensland skin different when it comes to collagen stimulation?
With marked UV exposure the skin on the face, neck & decolletage becomes dull, pigmented & wrinkly. There are few places in the World that get the same amount of UV as Brisbane. In my experience, patients with significant sun damage will benefit from a third dose of Hybrid filler, 28 days after the second.

What can’t this skin hydrating treatment do?
NAHYCO® technology Hybrid hydrating treatments provide great tissue integration- think of honey on a piece of toast. It is not designed to replace volume. It does not aid in projection & structure as compared to traditional fillers. For this job a thicker cross-linked gel is required.

For cheekbone contouring, temple hydrating treatments, jawline & chin, you will require a firm hyaluronic acid filler.
How do Hybrid hydrating treatments compare to traditional collagen stimulating hydrating treatments?
Traditional collagen stimulating hydrating treatments include calcium hydroxyapatite & poly-L-lactic acid. These hydrating treatments are excellent for improving skin texture however there are a few disadvantages-
CaOh & Polymer Injectable hydrating treatments are off-label hyperdiluted. This means we require titration of the concentration for each patient.
Tissue intertration is better with Hybrid fillers.
Hybrid hydrating treatments can be reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Results can be delayed for up to 3-6 months, as compared to an earlier result with Hybrid fillers.
Can this filler improve upper lip lines-smoker’s lines?
In many cases, yes. It can be used to reduce fine lines & wrinkles, however if there is dynamic movement, anti-wrinkle injections may be required. For super deep wrinkles, lasers or deep peeling solutions may be required.
What are other ways to improve skin texture?
Hydration treatments can be combined with the following methods to improve skin quality.
Fractional lasers: include 1927, Hybrid & CO2 resurfacing. These types of lasers can be performed one week before or after Hybrid hydrating treatments (7 day guide is the minimum time between sessions).
IPL & BBL: can be employed the same day as filling. This is because IPL is delivered superficially. IPL improves pigmentation such as redness & discolouration.

Pico Lasers such as Picoway & Picosure Pro can be performed on the same day as Hybrid fillers. Pico lasers have little or no downtime.

Skin care: antioxidants, retinol & skin acids. Skin care is best as a preventative step.
Chemical peels: include AHA & retinoic acid peels. Jessner TCA peels are awesome at addressing deep issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation & sun damage.

Threads & devices: PDO & cog threads can improve skin laxity. These are best combined with energy devices such as Ultherapy & radiofrequency.

Is the treatment painful?
Although numbing cream can be used, most patients do not require it as injections are well tolerated. The structure of Hybrid hydrating treatments are different from anti-wrinkle creams, meaning that it does not sting. The whole session is completed in 1-2 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Treatments by our experienced nurse injectors are $1600 for 2 treatments.
Treatments by our senior procedural dermatologists are $1800 for 2 sessions.
Laser & filler packages start from $1790.
Decollete & neck 3 sessions; discounted by your injector.
How is this skin hydrating treatment different from anti-wrinkle injections?
Here is a quick guide to understand the differences between anti wrinkle injections & Hybrid hydrating treatments;
- Anti-wrinkle injections are great for wrinkles caused by movement; examples include the crow’s feet, frown & forehead wrinkles.
- Volumising hydrating treatments provide volume & soft tissue support.
- Hybrid hydrating treatments provide collagen stimulation with little or no volume changes.

2 main types of hydrating treatments. Firstly collagen stimulating hydrating treatments such as hybrid HA, & calcium hydroxyl apatite, secondly- hyaluronic acid. Most patients require 1-3 sessions for optimal outcomes.
What are the possible side effects?
This filler has a long safety record. Injection related side effects are localized & short lived.
- Swelling, redness, slight bruising.
- Occasionally itching, pain/tenderness. It is self limiting.
- Rare risks such as blindness, loss of blood supply to an area of skin and infection associated with the filler product have been reported in literature. These are treatable if managed appropriately.
- Filler nodules or lumps, & infection. As Hybrid hydrating treatments integrate well with surrounding tissue, persistent lumps are very rare.
What are other treatment options if I am opposed to injectables?
There are many other options to improve skin quality as discussed above. The advantage of Hybrid hydrating treatments is that they do not have any downtime, as compared to lasers, radiofrequency & HIFU.
In the context of dermal hydration, HA hydrating treatments provide a more consistent outcome, as compared to energy devices. An important concept to understand is as follows-
- Lasers, microneedling, peels, radiofrequency & focused ultrasound all rely on your body’s immune system to kick in & lay down collagen. Some people do this well, hence the lie on the right side of the bell curve (for collagen stimulation).
- Hybrid hydrating treatments rely less on collagen remodeling as it provides instant hydration & delayed collagen remodeling. Thus, if your immune system can’t produce collagen, you still have the hyaluronic acid component to rehydrate your skin.
Does Biostimulator make your face look puffy?
With expert delivery, Biostimulator will not make your face look puffy or fat. That’s because Biostimulator does not create volume. It works by hydrating & strengthening the skin from within. This filler is excellent for patients with good facial volume, with mild to moderate wrinkling.

Can Biostimulator be used on the body?
Yes. The body can be treated safely (on label use). Commonly treated areas include the underarms, knees & abdomen. Between 2-3 sessions are required, spaced 28 days apart.
Though marketed as a skin tightening & lifting skin hydrating treatment , the true value of Biostimulator is to reduce fine wrinkles through collagen production. The actual lifting properties of Hybrid lasers are limited.

Can Biostimulator be used on the same day as lasers?
Biostimulator can be used on the same day as IPL or pico lasers. We don’t routinely perform deeper fractional lasers concurrently with Biostimulator. Lasers do not break down skin hydrating treatment as hydrating treatments are stable up to >100 degrees for several minutes.

Can Biostimulator treat acne scars?
Biostimulator has been shown to improve atrophic acne scars. A recent paper has shown its efficacy in a study group of over 60 patients, with a control arm (saline). This publication is the largest & most robust research paper studying the effects of hydrating treatments & volume correction.
Unlike other HA hydrating treatments that only provide volume, the consistency of Biostimulator enables it to integrate in tissue that has not been extensively subcised. The regenerative capacity of hybrid hydrating treatments may be as good as other collagen stimulating hydrating treatments, with better tissue match & the option to reverse it, should it be required. Future studies will reveal.

How does Biostimulator delay skin aging?
Biostimulator hydrates the deep dermal layer of skin, giving it a youthful glow. It also reduces skin laxity, improves wrinkles & other signs of aging.
Skin aging is more complex than just filling. It encompases skin care, diet, lifestyle, genetics, & other treatment modalities to help stimulate collagen, elastin & ground substance.
What is the safety data behind Biostimulator skin hydrating treatment ?
Biostimulator has been widely used in Europe for the past five years & in New Zealand for over 2 years. To date, well over a million syringes have been injected. This filler has a robust well-established safety profile.
Who should not have Biostimulator®?
Biostimulator is contraindicated in those who are allergic to hyaluronan; pregnant or breast-feeding. It is best avoided if you have had a recent vaccination or a cold (2 weeks or less). Caution is needed in those with autoimmune disorders.
Davin’s take on Hybrid hydrating treatments
Biostimulator Skin Hydrator
The filler is unique as it provides collagen stimulation without the volume, making this ideal for sun damage on the face, neck & decolletage. Think of Prohilo as a super-hydrating moisture rich hyaluronic acid infusion made with the patented NAHYCO® technology. When skillfully injected into skin, Biostimulator® stimulates contraction of broken collagen fibers whilst at the same time stimulating new collagen.
Biostimulator has one of the highest concentrations of HA Biostimulator® not only rehydrates the skin, but also remodels photodamaged aged skin. The result? Firmer skin with less sagging.

Though marketed as a two step collagen booster, patients with significant sun damage will require an extra ‘boost’ at week 10 to 12. We typically combine this filler with superficial lasers to help improve the appearance of the face, neck, decolletage, hands, aboment and knees.

