Biostimulators: A Complete Guide by Dr. Kelly

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and we need it to form a scaffold that supports cells and tissues, leading to robust, radiant and smoother skin. When we start loosing Collagen around the mid-twenties, there are wonderfully natural and non-invasive ways to boost collagen today. And that’s where the biostimulation therapy comes in.

• What is biostimulation?
• What is Biostimulation and Collagen Therapy?
• What are the most common biostimulator treatments?
• What are the advantages of biostimulants?

What is biostimulation?

Biostimulation means that the cells regenerate themselves and older skin cells are replaced by new, fresh cells. For example, if you cut your finger, bleeding occurs, and the skin naturally binds as the cut heals. This happens because of the platelets in the blood, which first release clotting substances to stop the bleeding. After this process, fresh, new skin appears in place of the old, damaged skin.

What is Biostimulation and Collagen Induction Therapy?

Biostimulation therapy follows the same principle. It is used to promote the restoration of collagen and the tightening of the facial skin. In these treatments, the area is treated with proteins that interact with the body’s natural growth factors. By connecting with the tissues at a molecular level, the skin begins to renew itself, ultimately resulting in a tigher face. Biostimulators soften fine lines and wrinkles and give a soft and natural glow. Biostimulation therapy is a process that takes time and patience, but the results are long-lasting. The area of application is all over the body – including the knees, neck, elbows and buttocks.

What are the most common biostimulator treatments?

Radiesse

Radiesse treatment can help renew wrinkled skin and give you a smooth, natural-looking face. This treatment is a natural calcium-based filler that contains microscopic particles that stimulate the production of new collagen in the injected area while providing firmness, volume and structural support.

When Radiesse is injected deeper into the skin, it triggers an immune response that regenerates collagen, resulting in tightening of structures and improvement of deep lines. I often use Radiesse in my Liquid Facelift.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a biostimulating filler that triggers the natural biological process of collagen production.

Sculptra’s syrupy gel formulation is made from a potent polymer Poly L-Lactic Acid, or PLLA, and boosts the body’s own process of collagen production to provide longer-lasting fullness than HA-based fillers. Once Sculptra is injected, PLLA creates a biostimulating effect in the tissue, which in turn improves collagen locally, just below the wrinkles.

Dermal filler

Another possibility of biostimulation are derma fillers which can act on the fibroblasts; the cells produce the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid. These cells are activated with the help of tension receptors, which are stimulated when the fibroblasts are stretched by the lifting effects of the fillers. For this reason, the fillers strengthen the anchoring bands (which hold the skin in place) so that a slight sagging occurs as a long-term benefit.

It also mimics a naturally occurring substance in the body, hyaluronic acid, which is found in almost all living organisms. Dermafillers instantly revitalise and add volume to the face by replenishing the skin with this naturally occurring substance. This reduces wrinkles and lines and gives a more natural and softer appearance. Hyaluronic acid is very tissue-friendly and closely resembles the body’s own material.

Microneedling

Microneedling stimulates the skin to produce collagen. In this procedure, the skin is slightly injured by needle pricks and responds by producing new collagen-rich tissue. As the skin loses collagen due to age or injury, microneedling helps in the formation of new skin tissue.

Microneedling can produce more collagen, which tightens the skin by stimulating it to produce new tissue. It contributes to an overall improvement of the skin while addressing the specific skin problems that we all may experience. For me, microneedling treatment is one of the best treatments and it should not be missing from any treatment plan.

PDO-Threads

PDO threads are dissolvable threads that stimulate the body’s own collagen production for faster results. We can use smooth threads to soften stubborn forehead wrinkles or fine lines along the edge of the lips, while lifting threads are ideal for tightening sagging skin on the neck and lower face. The threads dissolve over the comming months and are replaced by new vascularisation that promotes skin texture and radiance.

The skin looks more youthful after treatment with PDO threads. They can also be used for facial contouring and body contouring.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

During PRP treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn from you to make the PRP for the treatment. The whole blood is then separated in a centrifuge to isolate layers of red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells as well as plasma. In addition, the platelet and leukocyte layers are isolated and centrifuged to separate the platelets.

A small amount of plasma is then added to the platelets to produce the injectable PRP. It stimulates elastin and collagen production in the skin, which contributes to its thickening and tightening. It also effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Due to its collagen-promoting properties, it helps to improve the overall skin tone and texture.

What are the advantages of biostimulants?

• Stimulate our body’s production of collagen through the action of the injections. These minimally invasive therapies lead to controlled inflammation of the skin and the release of epidermal growth factors. This contributes to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the production of more collagen and elastin as the skin’s self-repair mechanism.
• Through the injections, the active substances are introduced deeper, more effectively and more evenly into the area to be treated. Greater efficacy is achieved in terms of the reaction and effect of the active substances applied than with superficial application.
• Helps control pigmentation and evenness of skin tone. With the help of the production of epidermal growth factors and melanin dispersion generated during the treatment, it helps to reduce the melanin deposits that are primarily responsible for the appearance of age spots.

Overall, these biostimulation therapies can be used on all skin types, both young and older, dry or stressed skin or oily, acne-prone skin. It improves skin hydration, sagging and elasticity, refines skin texture and reduces pore size. It also corrects various unsightly skin conditions, such as smoothing wrinkles, reducing the effects of acne, enlarged pores, age spots, scars, improving the formation of stretch marks and cellulite.