What Are Biostimulators and How Can They Help Rejuvenate Your Skin, While Keeping You Looking Natural?

Introduction

Biostimulators have revolutionized the field of aesthetics by offering a non-invasive and long-lasting solution for various cosmetic concerns. These innovative products stimulate the body's natural collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin texture, volume restoration, and overall rejuvenation. In this blog post, we will explore the use of biostimulators in aesthetics and the benefits they provide.

What are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators are injectable substances that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, giving it a youthful and firm appearance. As we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By the age of 30 years old, on average, we lose 1% of our collagen per year, and that rate dramatically increases by the time we reach 40 years old.

Elastin is also a protein that is found in the connective tissues of the body, like the skin. It is responsible for providing elasticity and flexibility to the tissue. This allows the skin to stretch and then return to its original shape. Elastin works in conjunction with collagen to maintain the structural integrity and resilience of your skin. The body cannot produce new elastin once it has become damaged or degraded. Over time, the natural aging process, along with factors such as sun exposure and lifestyle habits, can cause a decrease in the production and quality of elastin fibers, again, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which provide immediate volume enhancement, biostimulators work gradually by activating the body's regenerative processes in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This leads to natural-looking results that continue to improve over time. 

At ENHANCED An Aesthetic & Wellness Experience located in Eagle, ID we offer a few different Biostimulators, each of which has its own unique properties and indications.

ENHANCED Biostimulators include:

Sculptra:

A Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance that has been used in medical applications for decades. When injected into the skin, PLLA stimulates collagen production, resulting in improved skin texture and volume restoration. PLLA biostimulators are often used to treat facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and sunken cheeks. The results are gradual with clients typically showing signs of continued improvement (beyond that of the immediate volume augmentation post procedure) 6 weeks after their second treatment. That continued improvement generates longer lasting results - many patients report continuing to see results in excess of 12 months post-treatment. 

Dilute or Hyper-dilute Radiesse: 

‍Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), CaHA is a mineral-like compound found naturally in bones. When used as a biostimulator, CaHA stimulates collagen type I & II and elastin production and provides immediate volume enhancement. Hyper-dilute Radiesse is commonly used to treat deep facial wrinkles and marionette lines, as well as to restore volume in the cheeks and, even, hands. Additional applications include its use to help with neck and chest skin laxity, to improve the appearance of creepiness above knees, and to increase volume in the rear (i.e., a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift or “BBL”). 89% of patients continue to see improvement at the 18 month-mark, with 40% still improving after 30 months!

EZ Gel PRF: 

‍Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and/or Human Serum Albumin (HAS) is a 100% autologous (made from one’s own body) and natural gel material, obtained through centrifugation of a whole blood sample in order to isolate beneficial cells. Those isolated beneficial cells are then subjected to a cooling and heating process, without any chemical addition nor modification, in order to form a completely natural filler product. PRF is considered a type of biostimulator and is comprised of high concentrations of platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive substances. When injected into the skin, PRF stimulates natural healing processes and promotes the production of collagen and elastin. PRF works by releasing growth factors that attract stem cells and promote tissue regeneration, resulting in improved skin texture and tone and enhancing the overall skin rejuvenation process. EZ Gel / PRF is a great and all natural option to address signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

Exosomes:

‍Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that are naturally produced by cells in the body. They contain various bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and growth factors, which can stimulate cellular processes and promote tissue regeneration. These are typically sourced from stem cells. In Aesthetic Medicine, we can use exosomes as biostimulators either topically (to help improve healing and speed up recovery from aesthetic treatments) or by injecting them into the skin (to promote collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, and rejuvenate the overall appearance of your skin). These small extracellular vesicles communicate with neighboring cells and deliver bioactive molecules that stimulate cellular activity and tissue repair. This fairly new therapy is evolving fast, and our ENHANCED providers and staff are excited to study and incorporate all of the different ways that these innovative biostimulators can be used in regenerative/aesthetic medicine.

Benefits of Biostimulators

1. Natural-looking results: Boost your body's own collagen production with biostimulators and experience natural-looking results that improve over time, thus avoiding the potential "overfilled" or "frozen" appearance that can occur with traditional dermal fillers administered by the wrong hands.
2. Long-lasting effects: Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which may require frequent touch-ups, biostimulators provide long-lasting results. The collagen production stimulated by biostimulators can last for several months (to years), depending on your body's response to the product.
3. Minimally-invasive procedure: Biostimulators do not require surgery. The procedure is performed using canellas (a blunt-ended needle) to accurately place the biostimulator product and typically requiring less than an hour. Given the expeditious nature of the treatment and the fact that it has minimal to no downtime, this is a great option for individuals with busy lifestyles.
4. Versatile applications: Biostimulators can be used to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including facial wrinkles, volume loss, skin laxity, and even cellulite. Functional applications or concerns that biostimulators can help in remedying include hair restoration and joint health. This versatility makes them a popular choice among both patients and aesthetic practitioners.

After receiving biostimulator injections, most individuals can resume their daily activities immediately. Some temporary side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, may occur but typically resolve within a few days.

Biostimulators are revolutionizing the field of aesthetics, and we're here for it! With their natural-looking results, long-lasting effects, and versatile applications, biostimulators have become a popular choice among individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements. If you are considering biostimulator treatments, consult a qualified aesthetic practitioner at ENHANCED Medical Spa in Eagle, ID to determine if you are a good candidate and to develop a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Book a consultation with me at ENHANCED an Aesthetic & Wellness Experience to learn more and find out if biostimulators are right for you!

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Published Clinical Studies and Supporting Literature

Consensus Recommendations for the Use of Hyperdiluted Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) as a Face and Body Biostimulatory Agent - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467620/

Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29897517/

Role of Platelet-rich Fibrin in Wound Healing: A Critical Review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3740636/

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes: Applications in Regenerative Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8393426/