Biostimulation Face Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Minimize Risks

Biostimulators are one of the most innovative treatments in aesthetic medicine, and even though they are generally well-tolerated by patients, there are certain reactions you might expect to see. Whether you are a medical professional looking to buy biostimulators or an individual interested in this type of treatment, this article will help you understand the potential side effects, as well as ways to minimise risk. 

What Are Biostimulation Injectables? 

Biostimulators are injectable treatments that help enhance the body’s natural production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives elasticity and structure to the skin, but as we age, its production simply decreases, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. 

How Do They Work?

Biostimulators mimic the body’s natural healing process. When the product is injected into the dermis, it triggers a controlled inflammatory response. Next, the response activates the fibroblast cells which are responsible for the production of collagen. As a result, the body begins to produce new collagen fibres that gradually strengthen and thicken the skin from the inside. Since collagen production takes time, the effects of the treatment are also bound to develop gradually. Patients may notice some improvements within a few weeks, but the actual results can be seen only after several months. 

Common Side Effects

First, let’s go over the most common side effects that can happen even with the best biostimulator for face:

Swelling

It is possible for mild swelling to occur right after the treatment, but it usually subsides within a few days. 

Bruising

Bruising can appear at the injection site but is expected to fade within a week. 

Redness

It is also normal to face temporary redness or pinkness, and this is another side effect that resolves pretty fast. 

Pain or Tenderness

Mild discomfort might appear around the treated area and you can expect it to ease as the skin heals. 

Small Nodules or Lumps

It can happen that patients develop small lumps under the skin, especially if the area was not properly massaged after the injection. This is a simple reaction that can easily be prevented by proper administration. 

Less Common Reactions

Of course, patients might experience additional, less common reactions, so let’s go over those as well:

Delayed Onset Nodules

Hard lumps can form long after the injection, weeks or even months. This happens either because of excessive collagen stimulation or due to improper injection techniques. 

Infection or Inflammation

Even though they are pretty rare, inflammations and infections can occur when proper aseptic techniques are not followed during administration. 

Vascular Occlusion

Again, in case of incorrect administration, patients can experience vascular occlusion. 

How to Deal with Persistent Side Effects?

administration Medical professionals should educate their patients about proper aftercare for biostimulators. This includes avoiding excessive facial movements and massaging the treated areas if needed. In case of less common side effects, there should be immediate intervention in order to prevent further damage. 

Patients who experience nodules and lumps should either gently massage the area, or use corticosteroid injections, depending on the severity of the problem. As for vascular occlusion, the solution lies in the application of warm compresses and using hyaluronidase if it is applicable. As for infections, they should be treated with antibiotics, while patients who experience serious inflammatory reactions should seek additional medical assistance. 

How to Prevent Side Effects?

Common side effects and adverse reactions can be prevented through efforts of both medical practitioners and patients following these strategies:

Proper Injection Technique

The first and the most important way to prevent adverse reactions is for healthcare professionals to use correct injection techniques. The treatment should be done by a skilled aesthetician who understands facial anatomy and knows how to choose the appropriate angle, depth, and tool, all based on the treatment area. This type of approach reduces the risk of nodules and vascular complications. 

Dilution

The use of proper dilution ratio for each type of biostimulator is crucial for even distribution so it also reduces the risk of granulomas and lumps. When products are overly concentrated, they can trigger localised reactions. 

Post-Treatment Care

Following aftercare recommendations is a technique that only depends on the patient, and it can help avoid complications and reduce inflammation. For safe and prolonged results, patients should avoid touching the treated area, stay away from extreme temperatures (such as saunas and freezing conditions), and refrain from strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours. In case of swelling, it is useful to apply a cold compress and gently massage the area – but only after consulting a healthcare professional. 

What Else Can Aestheticians Do for Safe Administration?

As we already mentioned, biostimulator brands and injections are considered safe, and they are usually perfectly tolerated if administered by trained professionals who value the importance of proper injection techniques. Therefore, when everything is done right, it is reasonable to expect only mild and temporary side effects such as bruising, redness, or swelling. However, even then, additional risks are possible if the patient has underlying health conditions.

So even though they are generally safe, biostimulator injections are not suitable for everyone. There are certain contraindications that can increase the likelihood of adverse reactions, and that is why it is essential for medical practitioners to carefully asses each client before the treatment. For instance, individuals with active skin infections, a history of severe allergies, or autoimmune diseases might not be good candidates for biostimulator injections since their immune response can be hard to predict.

With proper screening protocols and the ability to offer alternative treatments if needed, aestheticians can prevent severe reactions and make sure that all their biostimulator treatments remain safe and effective. 

Detailed Aftercare for Biostimulator Treatments

By following proper aftercare guidelines, patients can improve the effectiveness and the longevity of bostimulatory fillers, while also reducing the chance of complications. Therefore, users should adhere to these guidelines after the treatment: 

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun in the next 24 to 48 hours to reduce the risk of irritation and swelling. 
• Do not make excessive facial movements. 
• Avoid strenuous workouts. 
• Do not apply harsh skincare products or makeup to the treated area in the next 24 hours to avoid infection or irritation. 
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol and blood-thinning medications for a few days since they can help cause bruising. 
• It is helpful to keep the skin hydrated and follow a healthy lifestyle that is designed to support collagen production and enhance long-term results. 
• In case of swelling, it can be helpful to apply a cold compress.
• Certain biostimulatory fillers such as CaHa and PLLA require post-treatment massage for the product to distribute evenly and prevent the formation of nodules. 
• It is recommended to do follow-up appointments where a healthcare professional can monitor progress and manage the outcomes. 
• Although mid swelling and redness are normal, any persistent signs of infection, lumps, or pain must be reported to the medical practitioner immediately. 

Conclusion

Whether you are a medical professional or a potential user of biostimulator injections, this article should be more than enough to help you understand the general safety of the treatment, as well as potential risks that might happen due to malpractice and other reasons. 

References: 

1. Bravo BSF, Calvacante T, Nobre CS, Bravo LG, Zafra MC, Elias MC. Exploring the Safety and Satisfaction of Patients Injected With Collagen Biostimulators-A Prospective Investigation Into Injectable Poly-l-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2025;24(2):e16723.
2. Christen MO. Collagen Stimulators in Body Applications: A Review Focused on Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2022;Volume 15:997-1019.