What Are Biostimulatory Fillers – Everything You Need to Know

The world of medical aesthetics continues to evolve, with anti-ageing treatments becoming more sophisticated than ever. Among the recent developments, biostimulatory fillers stand out for their ability to boost natural beauty through gradual improvement of skin quality. It is essential for medical aestheticians to understand biostimulator injections and their unique benefits for patients looking to reduce visible signs of ageing and achieve face rejuvenation.

What Are Biostimultory Fillers?

Biostimulatory fillers are innovative injectables formulated to contribute to the body’s natural processes, all for the purpose of enhancing and rejuvenating the skin. The key to the effectiveness of biostimulators lies in the way they interact with fibroblasts – the cells that are responsible for the maintenance of the skin’s structural integrity. Upon injection, biostimulators stimulate these cells to produce fresh collagen, which leads to enhanced skin firmness, texture, and elasticity. Not only does the process restore volume to areas affected by the signs of ageing, but it also creates a more youthful and natural appearance. 

How Fast Can Patients See the Results

As the name suggests, biostimulators work by boosting collagen production, so the effects should require some patience since this is a process that takes time. Although there might be some initial volume increase, the full effects of the treatment will develop gradually. Truly visible results start to appear a few weeks after the beginning of collagen production, and the full results will develop over several months. Of course, the timing varies depending on the specific product that was used, as well as the patient’s individual response to the treatment. 

The Difference Between Biostimulatory Fillers and Traditional Ones

Traditional dermal fillers offer immediate volume through substances like HA (hyaluronic acid). On the other hand, biostimulatory injectables contain active compounds like calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) or poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA). Such components act like stimulators, boosting the production of collagen and elastin over time. 

Commonly Used Products

Let’s take a look at a few examples of brands that produce biostimulatory fillers and all their perks:

Radiesse (Calcium hydroxylapatite)

Radiesse is a line that offers the dual benefits of long-term collagen stimulation and immediate volumising effects. It is particularly effective when it comes to hand rejuvenation and the contouring of the jawline. The results last from 12 to 18 months. 

Sculptra (Poly-l-lactic acid)

This popular filler is known for its ability to boost collagen production over time, which makes it an ideal solution for the improvement of skin texture and facial volume loss. According to clinical studies, Sculptra can deliver results that might last up to 2 years, which is the perfect choice for patients who seek gradual yet noticeable improvements. 

Ellansé (Polycaprolactone)

Ellansé combines collagen stimulation with immediate volume restoration and it is also known for its long-lasting results. The effects can last up to four years, depending on the formulation used, which makes it one of the most durable solutions in the range of biostimulatory fillers. 

Lanluma (Poly-L-lactic acid)

Lanluma is a collagen-stimulating filler that uses poly-L-lactic acid as an active ingredient, which makes it similar to Sculptra. The product is particularly effective when it comes to the treatment of larger areas such as the thighs and buttocks. Of course, it is equally efficient in the facial area. Lanluma’s results are natural and gradual, and the improvements continue to show for up to 2 years. 

HArmonyCa (Hybrid filler)

HArmonyCA is a hybrid biostimulatory filler that combines calcium hydroxylapatite with hyaluronic acid. This is an innovative combination that provides immediate volumising effects of hyaluronic acid while stimulating collagen production for the sake of long-term skin improvement. The treatment is partcularly effective for patients looking to address skin laxity and restore youthful contours. The results last up to 18 months.

The Key Benefits of the Treatment

Now it’s time to go over the main benefits of biostimulatory fillers::

Enhanced Collagen Production

One of the key benefits of biostimulator injections lies in their ability to boost the production of collagen. As people age, they lose collagen, which results in wrinkles and sagging skin. Biostimulatory fillers do their best to reverse this process, helping the skin become firmer and more youthful-looking. 

Natural Volume Restoration

As opposed to dermal fillers or surgical procedures, biostimulators offer subtle and natural-looking volume restoration. In other words, they enhance the client’s natural beauty instead of changing it drastically. 

Enhanced Skin Elasticity

Biostimulators improve and restore skin elasticity, making the skin much more resilient and less prone to sagging. 

Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Since biostimulation encourages the formation of new collagen and elastin fibres, it is able to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin look younger. 

Minimal Downtime

Biostimulatory treatments usually require very little downtime, which means patients can go back to their daily routines almost instantly. 

Different Treatment Areas

Biostimulators are effective on various parts of the body, not just the face. They are frequently used on the neck, hands, decolletage, and other areas that are prone to showing visible signs of ageing.

Lasting Effects

The longevity of the results is another clear benefit of biostimulators. The effects of biostimulatory fillers can last from a few months to more than a year, depending on the product used and the treatment area where it is applied. 

Potential Side Effects

Even though biostimulatory fillers are usually well-tolerated, they come with potential side effects that you should be aware of: 

• Temporary redness and tenderness that usually resolves within a week. 
• Mild to moderate bruising and swelling at the injection site. 
• Small lumps or nodules. 
• Delayed onset nodules – forming weeks or months after the injection either due to excessive collagen stimulation or improper administration. 
• Vascular occlusion caused by incorrect filler placement.
• Infection is typically rare, but it can happen if the aesthetician does not follow proper aseptic techniques. 

Can Biostimulatory Fillers Be Used with Other Treatments?

If you were wondering whether to buy biostimulators and introduce them to your practice, here is some excellent news. Not only can you combine them with other aesthetic treatments like toxin injections, hyaluronic acid fillers, and laser treatments, but they can actually improve the potential results of such procedures. All of this is possible because biostimulators boost the body’s natural healing processes, which then results in reduced inflammation and other issues that might postpone the desired results.

Ideal Candidates for the Treatment

Biostimulatory fillers are suitable for a wide range of clients looking to improve their natural appearance and fight the signs of ageing at the same time. Therefore, it is beneficial to both of the following groups: 

Younger Individuals

Younger clients can benefit from biostimulators by using them as a preventive measure. Patients who start using such treatments in their 30s can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and maintain a youthful skin appearance. 

Individuals with Mature Skin 

When it comes to patients with mature skin, they get to benefit from biostimulators as a non-surgical option for skin rejuvenation. For them, the treatment reduces sagging, minimises wrinkles, and improves overall skin quality. 

Conclusion

Biostimulators are an incredible innovation in the world of medical aesthetics, and as a skincare practitioner, you benefit a lot by learning about the perks of offering this type of treatment to your patients. Biostimulatory fillers are ideal for individuals who are looking to gradually enhance the production of collagen, minimise visible signs of ageing, and enhance their natural beauty.

References: 

1. Haddad S, Galadari H, Patil A, Goldust M, Al Salam S, Guida S. Evaluation of the biostimulatory effects and the level of neocollagenesis of dermal fillers: a review. International Journal of Dermatology. Published online April 29, 2022.
2. 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.