Understanding Biostimulator Injections Side Effects: Complete Guide

Biostimulator injections have gained significant popularity in medical aesthetics due to their ability to enhance natural collagen production and improve skin quality over time. However, while these treatments offer numerous benefits, they also come with potential side effects that medical aestheticians must be aware of. This complete guide explores the biostimulator injections side effects, their management, and essential considerations for safe administration.

What Are Biostimulator Injections?

Biostimulator injections, also known as biostimulatory fillers, are injectables designed to trigger the body’s collagen and elastin production. These treatments provide gradual volume restoration, skin tightening, and overall rejuvenation by enhancing the skin’s structural integrity over time.

Biostimulator injectables can be classified into two main categories:

1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-Based Biostimulators

• High and low molecular weight, non-crosslinked HA formulations that promote hydration and mild collagen stimulation.

2. Non-HA-Based Biostimulators

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) – A potent collagen stimulator that works over months to improve skin thickness and elasticity.
• Poly-D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA) – A synthetic polymer similar to PLLA, with strong collagen-stimulating properties.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL) – A biodegradable polymer that provides structural support while stimulating collagen over time.
• Polynucleotide-based biostimulators – Derived from DNA fragments, these injectables promote tissue regeneration and skin healing.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – A biostimulatory filler that offers immediate volumisation while enhancing collagen production.

Who Can Administer Biostimulators?

The administration of biostimulatory injectables requires specialised training to ensure safe and effective treatment. Only qualified medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and trained aesthetic practitioners, should perform these procedures.

Medical professionals looking to enhance their expertise in this field can benefit from advanced training courses, such as the aesthetic complications course and the biostimulator masterclass course. These courses provide essential knowledge on managing potential complications and mastering biostimulator injection techniques.

What Are the Side Effects of Biostimulators?

Like any injectable treatment, biostimulator injections come with potential side effects and practitioners must be prepared for both mild and temporary, and more serious complications. Some of the most observed side effects include:

• Swelling and bruising – Mild to moderate swelling and bruising at the injection site are common and usually subside within a few days.
• Redness and tenderness – Patients may experience temporary redness and tenderness, which typically resolves within a week.
• Small nodules or lumps – Some individuals may develop small lumps under the skin, especially if the product is not properly massaged post-injection.
• Delayed onset nodules – Hard lumps can form weeks or months after the treatment due to excessive collagen stimulation or improper injection technique.
• Infection – Although rare, infections can occur if proper aseptic techniques are not followed.
• Vascular occlusion – Incorrect placement of the filler can lead to vascular occlusion, which may result in skin necrosis if not promptly managed.

How to Manage Potential Serious Side Effects?

Managing serious side effects of biostimulator injections requires a proactive approach that includes both prevention and intervention. The first step in minimising risks is ensuring proper patient selection and following correct injection techniques. 

‍Educating patients about aftercare, including avoiding excessive facial movements and massaging the treated area if recommended, also plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of adverse effects. Additionally, practitioners should stay up to date with the latest protocols through specialised training, like the HubMed Ed platform, to be fully prepared for managing any potential complications. 

If a serious side effect does occur, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent long-term damage. For nodules or lumps, gentle massage or corticosteroid injections may be required, while cases of vascular occlusion demand urgent measures such as applying warm compresses and using hyaluronidase if applicable. Infections should be treated promptly with antibiotics, and patients experiencing severe inflammatory reactions may require medical management, including anti-inflammatory medications or immune-modulating treatments. 

Are Biostimulator Injections Safe?

Biostimulator injections are generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals who understand proper injection techniques and patient selection. Most patients tolerate biostimulatory fillers well, experiencing only mild side effects such as temporary swelling, bruising, or redness. However, the risk of complications increases if the injections are improperly performed or if the patient has underlying health conditions. 

Despite their overall safety, biostimulator injections are not suitable for everyone. Certain contraindications can increase the likelihood of adverse effects, making it essential for practitioners to assess each patient carefully before treatment. Individuals with autoimmune diseases, active skin infections, or a history of severe allergies may not be ideal candidates for biostimulators, as their immune response could be unpredictable. 

By following proper patient screening protocols and offering alternative treatments when necessary, medical professionals can ensure that biostimulator injections remain a safe and effective option for suitable candidates.

What Is the Aftercare for Biostimulators?

By adhering to proper aftercare guidelines, patients can enhance the longevity and effectiveness of biostimulatory fillers while minimising the risk of complications.After treatment, patients should: 

• Avoid excessive facial movements.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Shield from direct sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and irritation.
• Some biostimulatory fillers, such as PLLA and CaHA, require post-treatment massage to distribute the product evenly and prevent the formation of nodules. 
• Applying a cold compress can help manage swelling.
• Keeping the skin hydrated and following a healthy lifestyle that supports collagen production and long-term results.
• Refrain from using makeup or harsh skincare products on the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation or infection. 
• Alcohol and blood-thinning medications should be avoided for a few days, as they can exacerbate bruising. 
• While mild redness and swelling are normal, any persistent pain, lumps, or signs of infection should be reported to the practitioner immediately. 
• Follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor progress and ensure optimal outcomes. 

Final considerations

Biostimulator injections provide a powerful alternative to traditional dermal fillers by stimulating natural collagen production for long-lasting skin rejuvenation. While generally safe, they do carry potential side effects that practitioners must be prepared to manage. 

‍With proper training, medical professionals can ensure optimal patient outcomes and decrease the likelihood of adverse reactions. Furthermore, understanding the risks, benefits, and aftercare of biostimulatory fillers helps practitioners and patients make informed decisions about these innovative aesthetic treatments to determine the most suitable and cost-effective treatment approach.