The world of medical aesthetics has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, with treatments becoming more sophisticated in their ability to address the signs of ageing. Among these developments, biostimulatory fillers stand out for their ability to enhance natural beauty while improving skin quality over time.
Unlike traditional fillers, which provide instant volume by adding a gel-like substance under the skin, biostimulators focus on stimulating the body’s collagen production for gradual, long-lasting results.
For medical aestheticians, understanding biostimulator injections and their unique benefits is essential for providing patients with effective, cutting-edge treatment options. This post will dive into the science, uses, and differences between biostimulatory and traditional dermal fillers, offering valuable insights into this transformative approach to facial rejuvenation.
What Are Biostimulators and How Do They Work?
Biostimulatory fillers are advanced injectables designed to work with the body’s natural processes to rejuvenate and enhance the skin. While traditional dermal fillers provide immediate volume with substances like hyaluronic acid (HA), biostimulatory injectables consist of active compounds such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). These materials act as stimulants, triggering collagen and elastin production over time.
Non-surgical modalities, particularly biostimulatory agents like PRP, PRF, PLLA, and CaHA, are increasingly used in facial rejuvenation to induce physiologic changes in the skin and mitigate ageing. A systematic review of 45 studies highlighted their potential as alternatives or adjuncts to traditional treatments. The key to their effectiveness lies in how they interact with fibroblasts, the cells responsible for maintaining the skin’s structural integrity.
When injected, bio-stimulators stimulate these cells to produce new collagen, leading to improved skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. This process not only restores volume to areas affected by ageing but also creates a more youthful and natural appearance. Biostimulation provides sustained effects in improving dermal thickness and skin elasticity over multiple sessions.
Why Biostimulatory Fillers Are Becoming a Go-To Solution for Skin Rejuvenation
The appeal of biostimulator filler injections lies in their ability to deliver natural-looking results that improve over time. The gradual nature of these treatments ensures that changes appear organic rather than sudden, reducing the likelihood of an “overdone” look.
In addition to addressing visible signs of ageing, biostimulatory fillers improve overall skin quality. As collagen production increases over time, patients experience firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin, often reporting an enhanced overall glow that traditional fillers cannot achieve.
These injectables are also versatile, effectively treating a wide range of concerns, from volume loss to skin laxity. Their dual ability to restore youthful contours while enhancing the skin’s intrinsic health makes them an invaluable tool in aesthetic medicine.
How Biostimulatory Fillers Differ from Traditional Dermal Fillers
While both biostimulatory fillers and traditional dermal fillers aim to enhance the skin’s appearance, their mechanisms, applications, and outcomes differ significantly.
Top Biostimulatory Filler Brands and Their Unique Features
Several brands are considered leaders in the biostimulatory filler market, each offering distinct benefits tailored to specific patient needs. Among the most popular are:
- Sculptra (Poly-l-lactic acid): This biostimulatory filler is renowned for its ability to stimulate collagen production over time, making it ideal for addressing facial volume loss and improving skin texture. Clinical studies show that Sculptra can deliver results lasting up to 2 years, making it a reliable choice for patients seeking gradual but noticeable improvements.
- Radiesse (Calcium hydroxylapatite): Radiesse offers the dual benefit of immediate volumising effects and long-term collagen stimulation. It is particularly effective for contouring the jawline and rejuvenating the hands. With results lasting 12-18 months, it provides both immediate satisfaction and sustained improvement.
- Ellansé (Polycaprolactone): Known for its long-lasting results, Ellansé combines immediate volume restoration with collagen stimulation. Depending on the formulation used, results can last up to 4 years, making it one of the most durable options in the biostimulatory filler category.
- HArmonyCa (Hybrid filler): HArmonyCa is a hybrid biostimulatory filler that combines hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxylapatite. This innovative combination provides the immediate volumising effects of HA while stimulating collagen production for long-term skin improvement. It is particularly effective for addressing skin laxity and restoring youthful contours, with results lasting up to 18 months.
- Lanluma (Poly-l-lactic acid): Lanluma is a collagen-stimulating filler that works similarly to Sculptra, with poly-L-lactic acid as its active ingredient. It is highly effective for larger treatment areas, such as the buttocks and thighs, in addition to the face. Lanluma offers gradual and natural results, with improvements continuing to develop for up to 2 years.
What Patients Can Expect Before and After Biostimulatory Filler Treatments
It’s important to understand that biostimulatory fillers require time to achieve their full effect. Patients can expect gradual improvements in skin quality and volume over several months as collagen production increases. This process leads to a natural, refreshed appearance that avoids the overly dramatic changes sometimes associated with injectables.
Before treatment, patients should have a detailed consultation to discuss their goals and ensure they understand the gradual nature of the results. After treatment, common side effects include mild swelling and redness, which typically subside within a few days. The result is smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin, with benefits lasting for years.
Initial Biostimulator Injections Cost
The cost of biostimulatory fillers typically ranges depending on the brand, treatment area, and practitioner’s expertise. Factors such as the geographical location of the clinic and the number of vials required also influence the overall cost. For example, treating larger areas like the cheeks or temples may require more product compared to smaller areas like the nasolabial folds.
Although these prices are higher than those of traditional fillers, the extended duration of biostimulatory fillers often justifies the initial expense. Products like Sculptra and Ellansé, for instance, can last up to two years or more, meaning patients do not need frequent follow-ups or touch-ups, resulting in long-term savings.
Why Medical Aestheticians Should Offer Biostimulatory Fillers
For medical aestheticians, adding biostimulatory fillers to their repertoire offers a way to meet the growing demand for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation. These injectables appeal to patients who value gradual transformations and improved skin health, making them an excellent alternative to traditional fillers.
This aligns with the growing patient demand for subtle, natural-looking results that enhance overall skin health. With proven efficacy backed by clinical research and the ability to provide results lasting up to two or more years, biostimulatory fillers deliver exceptional long-term value to patients while reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
To effectively offer these treatments, medical aestheticians must undergo specialised biostimulators training. These advanced training programmes provide practitioners with the skills to assess patient suitability, select the right products, and administer them with precision for optimal results. Investing in training allows aestheticians to enhance their expertise, as well as build trust and confidence with their patients, positioning themselves as leaders in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation.
In summary
Biostimulatory fillers represent a new frontier in non-surgical aesthetic treatments. By combining volume restoration with collagen stimulation, they offer a dual benefit that enhances both appearance and skin quality. For medical aestheticians, these injectables provide a powerful tool to deliver results that are natural, long-lasting, and aligned with the evolving desires of today’s patients.