Biostimulators: Sounds cool – but what is it actually?

Most available, approved dermal fillers – and the best known among patients – are formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA), a moisturizing substance that occurs naturally in the body. Dermal fillers and wrinkle injections, instantly improve the aging face and provide patients with the results they desire. Although dermal fillers also have some biostimulatory effects, that is not the main reason I use them and like them very much.

• What are biostimulators and how do they work?
• How do biostimulators fit into my treatment plan?
• Sculptra: A gamechanger in biostimulation?
• Why I like biostimulators so much.

What are biostimulators and how do they work?

Facts First: Biostimulation is the triggering of the body’s own natural self-healing and self-regenerating mechanisms. Biostimulators, such as Radiesse, – work similarly to traditional dermal fillers, but with the body’s own collagen. Dermal fillers act on fibroblasts, the cells that produce your natural collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen biostimulants are used to replace lost volume and lift areas of the face that have sagged over time. We also use them to achieve the Dr. Kelly Lift, but in a slightly different way. Just like dermal fillers, collagen biostimulants are an aqueous compound consisting of a collagen-stimulating ingredient that stimulates natural collagen production in the skin into which it is injected. 

Instead of simply injecting volume as we do when using dermal fillers, a biostimulator helps your skin naturally produce its own volume. At our clinic, we offer a variety of biostimulators, including dermal fillers stimulate collagen production by simply being inserted into the skin. Over the last few years we have had very good experience with Radiesse, Profilho and PDO threads, among others.

How do biostimulators fit into my treatment plan?

To achieve an immediate improvement in appearance, we need dermal fillers and wrinkle injections that work effectively and safely. With these procedures you can achieve the desired result. Although fillers also have a biostimulating effect, we can further improve the tissue and skin through other biostimulation treatments such as, microneedling or mesotherapy.

So, once we have established the initial priorities and achieved a non-surgical facelift with fillers, we can also schedule the biostimulator treatments. We usually start with 3 to 6 sessions, followed by touch ups from 2 to 4 times per year. The effects of biostimulation treatments are not as quick and obvious as those of fillers or wrinkle injections; they build up over the medium and long term.

The first choice should be dermal fillers, as they provide an immediate result, followed by a natural, long-term biostimulating effect. In our office we have developed a special protocol of microneedling and biostimulators combo, which provides a fabulous, immediate effect.

Sculptra: A gamechanger in biostimulation?

Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that triggers the natural biological process of collagen production. Sculptra was originally developed and approved by the FDA in 2004 to increase collagen production for the treatment of HIV-associated lipoatrophy or severe fat loss in the face. Over time, physicians began to notice the continued improvements in collagen stimulation and facial volume enhancement.

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 biostimulatory effect in the tissue, which in turn enhances collagen locally, just below the wrinkles. As collagen synthesis progresses over the next six to 12 weeks, this improves skin tone (firmness) and, over time, softens the appearance of these wrinkles. It is a slow, gradual action, but it gives the best and most natural results over time. 

There are several innovations in the expanded FDA approval of Sculptra. Most importantly, the approval confirms what many dermatologists and plastic surgeons have known for years: Sculptra’s ability to conceal fine lines and wrinkles. Up until this point, we have not been able to prove the actual effect of Sculptra on facial wrinkles.

Now that Sculptra’s ability to smooth fine wrinkles and improve skin quality and texture has been officially confirmed – is this a gamechanger?

Certainly Sculptra could become a colloquial term used for all biostimulators (think “tempo”) so patients seeking a filler are already familiar with Sculptra.

Why I like biostimulators so much

I really appreciate biostimulators because I see a very broad application in them. 

In fact, there are two main factors that age our appearance: the loss of facial volume due to the loss of fat in the face and the decreased production of collagen. Natural volume gives our face smooth, youthful contours, and we begin to lose both as early as our 20s, but usually not until our late 20s to early 30s. Collagen is a strong mesh of protein fibers that supports the skin and provides the foundation for long-lasting, radiant skin. Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers have an important function in immediately replenishing depleted volume in the face, including the lips.

Biostimulator fillers work differently and are a newer generation of injectables that stimulate your own collagen production over time.They are a global solution for overall aging, defining the jawline by supporting the skin, and tightening the eye sockets by rejuvenating the cheek area. Biostimulators stimulate the body’s own collagen production in the areas of injection. They can cause a natural increase in volume in larger areas of the face and also have positive effects on the skin.