Collagen Biostimulators

Collagen is a fibrous protein in the skin that provides structure and firmness, contributing to a youthful appearance. As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen, and the rate of collagen production slows, causing common signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, deep folds, skin laxity, and volume loss. These signs of aging can be particularly apparent in the lower face, with deep creases forming around the nose and mouth, known as marionette lines and nasolabial folds. Luckily, there is a non-surgical solution to combat these distressing signs of the natural aging process available at Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office: biostimulator injections, which work to erase fine lines and wrinkles, add volume, and restore lost volume.

Biostimulators are a type of anti-aging cosmetic treatment used to address signs of the natural aging process, boosting collagen production for volume restoration that continues to improve over time, increasing skin elasticity, some skin tightening, and natural-looking rejuvenation results. Unlike traditional fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which provide immediate volume and structure through cross-linking technology, biostimulators boost new collagen production over time, delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results. Biostimulator injections, including dermal fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse, improve skin quality without downtime or the risk of significant side effects. To find out which type of biostimulator will be best for you, schedule your initial consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green has been treating patients at her Upper East Side, NYC dermatology office for more than 25 years. Highly experienced in a vast range of cosmetic treatments, Dr. Green is an expert in procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox, chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, and much more, providing patients with a natural-looking, youthful appearance. Well-known for patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of New York City’s best dermatologists by such publications as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.

What are collagen biostimulators?

Collagen biostimulators are a type of anti-aging injectable treatment that works to boost the body’s natural collagen production over time. Biostimulators can address a range of cosmetic concerns, including deep wrinkles, fine lines, volume loss, loss of skin firmness, and sagging skin. While different types of biostimulators have distinct mechanisms of action, they are all designed to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. By triggering the body’s natural collagen production, patients will experience treatment results that improve over time.

What are the types of biostimulators?

Several types of biostimulators are available at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side, New York City, dermatology office, including PRP injections and dermal fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse. Biostimulators are a class of treatment that boosts the body’s natural collagen production, though each type of biostimulator works a little differently due to the active ingredient. Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) work by isolating plasma from the patient’s own blood to enhance healing and stimulate collagen production. Dermal fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse contain different active ingredients to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve volume loss, and enhance skin texture. Sculptra works via the active ingredient poly-L-lactic acid, while Radiesse uses calcium hydroxylapatite. No one treatment method is inherently more effective than the others. Rather, Dr. Green will take your aesthetic goals into account to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.

What are Sculptra poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injections?

Sculptra is a dermal filler developed by the cosmetic company Galderma. It contains the active ingredient poly-L-lactic acid, a collagen stimulator that boosts natural collagen production in the treatment site for a firm, smooth, lifted look. Originally FDA-approved in 2004 to treat midface volume loss (lipoatrophy) in patients living with HIV, Sculptra was FDA-approved for general cosmetic use in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular dermal filler treatment options. On the face, Sculptra can address volume loss in the midface, fine lines, and acne scars; on the body, it can reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. As Sculptra injections boost the body’s natural collagen production, it can take several months, with up to three follow-up touch-up appointments, for the full results to become visible. However, once the effects have taken hold, they can last for up to five years.

What are Radiesse calcium hydroxylapatite (CAHA) injections?

Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. It is FDA-approved for correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and for correcting facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with HIV or age-related volume loss. FDA approval for Radiesse also extends to its use on the hands to restore age-related volume loss. In addition to these areas, Radiesse can also be used for jawline and cheekbone contouring and, off-label, to address loose, crepey skin on the neck, decolletage, arms, abdomen, and buttocks. When used to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and cellulite, Radiesse is often diluted before injection into the treatment area.

Radiesse has a thick gel consistency that provides immediate results once injected into wrinkles and folds. Each Radiesse injection initiates neocollagenesis, stimulating the body’s own collagen production. Over time, the gel is absorbed, and fibroblasts appear to form a structural scaffold for the skin. The natural-looking results of collagen boost from Radiesse injections are long-lasting, lasting around 1 year after just one treatment session.

What is microneedling with PRP biostimulator treatment?

Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure that uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production, improving skin tone and texture. Microneedling sessions can also be combined with Platelet Rich Plasma application, which can aid healing and further boost collagen production. When the tiny needles pierce the top layer of skin, the treatment triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to the production of new skin that is smoother and brighter than before. Microneedling is an excellent way to improve the appearance of aging or discolored skin on the face, neck, arms, legs, chest, back, and hands, and microneedling is a treatment that can be safely used for any skin type and skin tone.

Dr. Green often pairs microneedling treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for optimal results. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a modern treatment that uses growth factors found in a patient’s own blood to promote healing, strengthen and encourage the growth of new cells, and assist with blood clotting. PRP treatment is commonly used for various medical purposes and skin conditions, including aiding in wound healing and musculoskeletal injury recovery, skin rejuvenation, and preventing hair loss. The procedure begins with a blood draw, which is then centrifuged to separate red and white blood cells from platelet-rich plasma. When the PRP solution is injected into the treatment area or applied to the face following a microneedling treatment, it aids in the healing process, improves blood flow and circulation, thickens the skin, and stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, resulting in smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. PRP injections are particularly advantageous in sensitive areas like the under-eye area because the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, making it naturally biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reaction, and minimizing downtime.

How do biostimulator treatments work to boost collagen production?

Biostimulators trigger the body’s natural collagen production to correct volume loss and enhance the appearance of rejuvenated, youthful skin. When the gel is injected into the treatment area, the body recognizes it as a foreign body, triggering the immune system and increasing collagen production at the injection site. The increased collagen in the area leads to greater volume and improved skin texture at the treatment site, helping fill wrinkles and providing augmentation and body contouring. As biostimulators take advantage of the body’s natural collagen-generating processes, it can take several treatment sessions and time for the full results to become visible. Typically, Dr. Green recommends scheduling three to four treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with the full effects of the treatment becoming visible approximately six weeks after the final treatment session.

What are the side effects of biostimulation collagen?

As with any injectable treatment, several common, mild side effects can occur following collagen biostimulation treatment that will resolve themselves on their own within several days, including:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness
• Bleeding
• Itching
• Tenderness
• Lumps

Injectable biostimulator aesthetic treatment is not recommended for those who are pregnant, lactating, or breastfeeding, or for patients with a history of allergic reactions to the biostimulator solution. The risk of developing serious adverse events greatly decreases when you seek treatment from an experienced injector, such as Dr. Green. Inexperienced injectors are more likely to inject the biostimulator solution into a blood vessel, which can lead to serious complications. Some patients have reported small lumps or bumps forming under the skin, which may appear immediately after treatment or months later.

Is there any downtime necessary following biostimulation treatment?

Biostimulators provide hydration, skin rejuvenation, and a naturally youthful appearance, all without downtime, so patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities. Some aftercare may be necessary for biostimulator treatments. After Sculptra injections, it is important to massage the treated area to help prevent the formation of nodules or bumps under the skin. Dr. Green recommends following the “Rule of 5s” when massaging the temples after Sculptra: patients should massage the treatment area 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days after the injections. Immediately following the procedure, Dr. Green will massage the treatment area, performing the first of five massages that day.

What are the first signs that biostimulator collagen is working?

Collagen bio-stimulators do not produce immediate results because it takes time for new collagen to build. The results of Sculptra are therefore visible around one month after the injections. However, an immediate improvement in facial volume is observed with Radiesse injections due to its thicker, viscous gel consistency. Patients will know the treatment is working when they experience improved skin elasticity, reduced fine-line appearance, and enhanced facial volume and contour. The results of biostimulator treatment improve over time and are very long-lasting.

How long do biostimulator collagen results last?

Both Sculptra and Radiesse provide long-lasting results through collagen stimulation, and neither is permanent. The results of Sculptra can last up to 2 years, while those of Radiesse can last up to 1 year. It is important to note that the longevity of any dermal filler depends on several factors, including the type of filler used and the patient’s metabolism. Both Sculptra and Radiesse results can be easily maintained with annual touch-up injections.

Does collagen help connective tissue?

Collagen is a structural protein in the body that provides a framework for the skin and tissues. Still, as we age, collagen production decreases, leading to increased skin laxity, volume loss, and the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen biostimulators combat natural collagen loss by delivering a solution deep into the dermis. When the particles are absorbed into the body, they trigger a controlled inflammatory response that, in turn, stimulates collagen production in the treatment area. As the treatment harnesses the body’s own collagen production, results become visible several weeks after the session, with effects continuing to improve for the next 6 months.

What is the best biostimulator for collagen?

Sculptra and Radiesse are both highly effective treatments for filling in deep wrinkles on the face and body, and neither one is inherently better than the other; rather, it is important to determine which dermal filler will work best for you. The first step in determining whether Sculptra or Radiesse is the better treatment option is to consult with an experienced injector or dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Dr. Green will assess the treatment area and discuss your treatment goals before developing a treatment plan for full skin rejuvenation. Both Radiesse and Sculptra are effective for use in deep facial wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Radiesse can also be used to restore lost volume in the hands and improve skin texture in the neck, decolletage, arms, abdomen, and buttocks. Sculptra is also highly effective for injection into the jowls and jawline for facial contouring, as well as into midface hollows. Patients seeking body contouring and enhancement for the hips and buttocks can also turn to Sculptra to achieve their ideal body shape.

At what age is it too late to take collagen?

The age at which patients achieve the most optimal results from collagen biostimulator treatment is in their late 20s and early 30s. For most patients, collagen production decreases over time after their 20s, leading to signs of natural aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss. While patients in their 40s and 50s can still benefit from collagen biostimulator treatment, the results will not be as dramatic as for patients in their 20s and 30s. If you are unsure whether biostimulator injections are right for you, it is best to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.

Does eating collagen help build collagen?

Collagen supplements can help improve overall health. Collagen supplements may be a daily way to support skin elasticity and even skin texture, and to maintain hydrated, healthy-looking skin. However, any collagen that you eat will not provide as dramatic results as the collagen biostimulator injectable treatments.

What are the cons of biostimulators?

Yes! Biostimulators are a safe and effective treatment option for patients looking to reduce the appearance of visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Biostimulators leverage the body’s natural collagen production, so results continue to improve over time. One con of biostimulators is that patients will not see immediate results. Patients looking to restore lost volume immediately may turn instead to traditional fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as the Juvederm or Restylane family, provide patients with immediate results that fade in 6-18 months.

How much do collagen biostimulators cost?

The total cost of each treatment will depend on several factors, including your geographic location, the type of institution where you receive treatment, and the size and scope of the treatment area. For example, patients receiving a full liquid facelift will have a higher overall treatment cost than patients receiving filler only in their lower face. The type of institution can also affect the price of the procedure. Often, MedSpas offer specials that lower the overall price; however, the risk of adverse side effects is greatly reduced when you seek treatment from an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.

Are collagen stimulators worth the money?

Once you’ve had your initial consultation with Dr. Green and you have developed your treatment plan, her office can provide you with an estimate of the total cost of the treatment. Most patients will need multiple treatment sessions for optimal results, and Dr. Green will schedule the necessary follow-ups after your first appointment. Many patients who receive biostimulator treatment are very pleased with the long-lasting results. Biostimulator injections help improve skin laxity, restore lost volume, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful overall appearance.

Do biostimulators really work?

Absolutely! Biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, and microneedling with PRP, are FDA-approved for skin rejuvenation, providing patients with natural-looking results that improve over time. Biostimulators can address a wide range of concerns, including deep wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity, making them highly versatile. Because biostimulators trigger patients’ natural collagen production, they are a long-lasting treatment option with results that can last up to 2 years. Biostimulators also have a low risk of adverse side effects, making them safe and effective for most patients.

How do I get started with collagen biostimulators today?

Collagen and elastin are two proteins that give the skin structure and elasticity. As we age, the natural production of collagen and elastin decreases, and patients begin to experience signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss. Luckily, there is a non-surgical treatment option available at Dr. Michele Green’s private NYC dermatology office to reduce these signs of aging without downtime or the risk of significant side effects: collagen biostimulators. Collagen biostimulators are treatments that stimulate the body’s natural collagen production to improve skin texture and elasticity. Biostimulators work over time, providing patients with natural-looking results that continue to improve. To find out more about the different types of biostimulators and how they can work for you, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over twenty-five years of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans tailored to her patients’ unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors as one of New York’s best dermatologists for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and see if collagen biostimulator injections are the best treatment option for you.