Biostimulators in Aesthetics: The Key to Natural-Looking Anti-Aging

Patients who suffer from visible signs of ageing such as lines, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume are now discovering biostimulators as an effective treatment option. Biostimulators actually trigger the person’s body’s natural collagen production to achieve natural-looking results, unlike some other treatments that simply restore the lost volume with the use of hyaluronic acid. 

What Are Biostimulators?

If you were wondering what are biostimulatory fillers, you should know that biostimulators are a category of dermal fillers or injectables that work by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen, which provides a more gradual and natural-looking enhancement of the skin over time. Therefore, biostimulators trigger the body’s own collagen synthesis which leads to better skin structure and improved elasticity. This is much different from traditional fillers that add volume to the skin by physically filling in hollow areas or wrinkles. 

The main component in biostimulators is usually a substance known as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This substance has been used in medical devices for decades. What’s more important, it is biocompatible, which means that it is well-tolerated by the body. Polynucleotides are another type of biostimulators that are used in aesthetic procedures. When they are injected into the skin, they stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, and they promote the regeneration of cells. 

How Do Biostimulators Work?

Biostimators stimulate the body’s natural processes in order to enhance the skin’s structure, elasticity, and quality. Whichever type of biostimulators you decide to use, the results are not immediately visible. They require patience and develop gradually over several weeks or even months. However, such a gradual approach actually contributes to a more natural and subtle outcome, especially when compared to traditional fillers that come with immediate volume enhancement. 

Commonly Used Product Types

As a registered medical professional, you can buy biostimulators and provide your patients with non-invasive skin rejuvenation. So let’s go over the main categories and products present in today’s market: 

Biostimulator Injections

• Radiesse – Radiesse is an injectable filler with calcium hydroxylapatite. These are particles that integrate into the skin to create a scaffold, and then stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. The treatment results in the reduction of lines and improved skin structure with natural-looking results. The effects of Radiesse treatments last for about 15 months. 

• Sculptra – Sculptra is another injectable treatment that helps the skin gradually replace the lost collagen. It contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) which reduces facial wrinkles by restoring the deep, underlying structure of the skin. Sculptra does not bring an overnight effect. Instead, it is intended to be used as a series of up to four injections after which it could offer results lasting for up to two years.

Non-Filler Treatments

• Microneedling – Microneedling, which is also known as collagen induction therapy is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates the body’s healing response, boosting the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. During this type of treatment, an aesthetician applies a tool that contains many tiny needles to the skin, creating micro-wounds that trigger the production of collagen. This enhances the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. 

• Threads – Threads are produced using a special suture material which is known to trigger the production of collagen as it is absorbed into the body. The threads are inserted into the skin with the help of a cannula that gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues to create a more youthful appearance. Later on, the threads dissolve, leaving the skin improved with its own collagen.

Biostimulators vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Now let’s compare the advantages of biostimulators to the ones of hyaluronic acid fillers:

The Perks of Biostmulators

First of all, biostimulators are not fillers, but an innovative way to restore skin elasticity and firmness by enhancing the body’s natural production of collagen. By giving support to the natural body substances, biostimulators add volume to the treated areas and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

As opposed to hyaluronic acid fillers that are absorbed by the body, the collagen that is generated by biostimulatory injectables remains intact. So instead of delivering an immediate plumping effect, the treatment activates the body’s natural processes to establish lasting smoothness and volume. Also, unlike HA fillers that can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, biostimulants cannot be reversed. 

The visible effects of biostimulatory injectables can be noticed for 12 to 24 months before any additional touch-ups. On the other hand, HA fillers need more maintenance, requiring touch-ups every 6 months. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Treatment for You

If you’re trying to decide between a hyaluronic acid filler and a biostimulator treatment, consider the following three things: how soon you wish to see the results, how long you want them to be seen without corrections, and whether you might want to have the option to reverse them. 

Keep in mind that it is also possible to combine the two techniques into one treatment and then reap the benefits of both. However, none of that should be done without consulting a reliable aesthetician. 

The Ideal Treatment Areas for Biostimulators

Biostimulators can be used to target and enhance different areas, including: 

Jawline and Chin

Patients who seek a more defined jawline or an enhanced chin can definitely benefit from biostimulators. Remember – this is a non-surgical option that provides natural-looking results. 

Cheeks

Loss of volume in the cheeks is one of the main reasons that contribute to an aged or tired-looking appearance. Fortunately, biostimulators enhance facial contours and at the same time restore fullness.

Nasolabial Folds

Deep folds between the mouth and the nose are a common concern among individuals who experience visible signs of ageing. In this scenario, biostimulators can improve facial harmony by reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin.

Temples

When temples are hollow, it can make the face appear sunken and dull. Again, this is where biostimulators come in handy as they restore volume in this particular area, creating a balanced look. 

How to Present Biostimulators and Their Value to Patients

As a medical practitioner, the best way you can present biostimulators and bring their value closer to patients is to answer the most commonly asked questions:

Ideal Candidates

Biostimulators are ideal for individuals wishing to improve skin texture, elasticity, and volume, all with natural-looking results. 

What Does the Treatment Process Look Like?

• Consultation – Before any specific treatments, you should have a consultation with an expert aesthetic practitioner. The expert will assess your facial structure, discuss your future goals, and then decide whether the treatment is beneficial for you.
• Preparation – When the treatment day comes, the target area will be thoroughly cleansed, and a topical numbing cream might be applied to minimise pain and discomfort. 
• Injection – the biostimulator treatment is administered through a series of small injections directed into the targeted areas. The number of injections depends on the treatment area, and of course, on the patient’s desired results. However, the regular procedure takes from 30 to 45 minutes. 
• Possible Side Effects – After the injection, patients might experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Such side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few days. 

Conclusion 

Nowadays, biostimulators are considered one of the key techniques for achieving natural-looking anti-ageing results. Many medical aestheticians opt for biostimulators because of their natural impact on the body’s production of collagen, as opposed to other types of fillers where the results are immediate but can also be dissolved if needed. Biostimulators are successfully applied to areas such as the cheeks, jawline, chin, temples, as well as nasolabial folds.

References: 

1. Fisher SM, Borab Z, Weir D, Rohrich RJ. The emerging role of biostimulators as an adjunct in facial rejuvenation: A systematic review. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2024;92:118-129.
2. Tam E, Pang J, Rao P, Webb WR, Jean, Rahman E. A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness and Safety of Combining Biostimulators with Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers, and Energy-Based Devices. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online December 24, 2024.
3. Cunha MG da, Engracia M, Souza LG de, Machado Filho CD. Biostimulators and their mechanisms of action. Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020;12(2).