What is the role of the new trend in aesthetics; Biostimulators?

 A central topic of conversation surrounding anti-aging medicine often falls under the collagen umbrella. As we age, the natural production of collagen within the body reduces and results in a loss of structure and elasticity. This lack of volume causes skin laxity making it sag, wrinkle and, basically, age. A new trend in the aesthetic world, that fits right in this conversation, comes in the form of the increasingly popular, biostimulators. 

What are biostimulator injections?

Elastin and collagen are the ‘scaffolding’ of the face and as they diminish with age, we lose structure and elasticity. Biostimulators are a breakthrough in aesthetic medicine, which naturally encourage the production of collagen. 

Biocompatible synthetic stimulants are injected beneath the surface of the skin and serve to restore volume, thus rejuvenating and improving skin quality and appearance. 

The injectables function by stimulating the production of the body’s natural fibroblast - cells which create collagen and elastin. 

Once the cycle is complete and the collagen production has occurred (along with all components of the  extracellular matrix) the biodegradable synthetic substances are then naturally absorbed by the body. 

Who benefits from biostimulator injections? 

Anyone!! From Millennials looking for rejuvenation and throughout all generations, (especially those looking to improve the lack of tension in the skin and deeper tissue in their face or body) can benefit from biostimulators. They are suitable for all ages yet the older the person, or more severe the case, the more product they may need.

The results of biostimulators leave the patient with more youthful looking skin - wrinkles, fine lines and folds of skin are improved and potentially acne scars reduced. In the body it is especially good for laxity related to skin deficiencies, e.g. cellulite, folds and wrinkles. 

Who cannot have biostimulator injections?

Biostimulators are not suitable for people during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding or for those with specific allergies, bleeding disorders  autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, prone to keloid formation, active acne, infection, (all to be discussed with your practitioner prior to treatment).

Do Biostimulators differ from dermal fillers? 

Biostimulators can offer an alternative to dermal fillers or work in combination with them, and other anti-aging treatments, depending on the severity of the individual case. Often biostimulators are used alone, or in combination with other treatments (dermal fillers, fat grafting, toxin injections, Ultherapy, microneedling, CO2), in the temples, jowls, and cheeks, jawline, lower cheeks, neck and chest (decolettage) to create volume - to fill, lift and rejuvenate. In the body they are used to create a smoother effect with improvement in the tension of the skin and below the skin. 

How do biostimulators work?

The injectable synthetic partyicles react by causing both a biomechanical and chemical effect under the skin. Because of this reaction the body is triggered to regenerate tissue in three pillars; collagen, elastin neovessels and a balanced extracellular matrix. This happens by the fibroblasts , that have surrounded the newly injected crystals, recruiting other fibroblasts to produce collagen. This three pillar stimulation  increases over time and improves the volume of the dermis, epidermis and also gives a stronger connection with deeper tissue, over the course of 3 months post injection. 

What to know before having Biostimulator injections…

• There is zero recovery time needed. 
• The treatment is quick and can be achieved in a short time over a few sessions depending on the expected/desired outcome. 
• There is minimal discomfort experienced during or after the treatment. 
• Mild swelling and/or bruising may be experienced. 
• Local/topical anaesthetic is used to avoid any pain. 

How many sessions will I need?

This ultimately depends on the individual, the severity of their situation, their expectations and desired outcome. This is also affected by whether or not they are receiving a combination of treatments or the biostimulators alone. Some may only need one session and others perhaps three of four (spread out a month apart) depending on their unique case. 

How long do the results of biostimulators last?

The length of time the injections last again depends on the individual, but results can last as long as 1-3 years. Booster injections can be applied to maintain and optimise the longevity of results. 

Results are also dependant on whether the biostimulators were applied in combination with other treatments which may last for more or less time, as well as lifestyle choices, age, skin quality, etc.

Generally the outcome will be evident weeks or months after treatment, depending on the individual, and can last for two years or more as the collagen stimulation continues for months. 

What To Expect After Treatment?

As mentioned you may experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness but often there are no noticeable signs at all immediately after the treatment. The results themselves will take time to develop, depending on the individual - between weeks and months. Usually you can begin to see a difference a few weeks after the treatment as the collagen production is stimulated and gradually occurs. 

You can resume normal life straight away. 

What are the risks with Biostimulator Injections?

Biostimulators are an extremely low-risk treatment however some of the following may occur in some cases: 

• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Discolouration
• Bruising
• Injection site tenderness
• Small nodules under the skin

These reactions are generally very mild and resolve within a maximum of 7 days. Any initial swelling (due to the suspension containing water) should reduce within a couple of hours, but can be noticeable for up to 2 days. This is a temporary reaction which doesn’t affect in the long term. 

The injected areas can feel fuller and thicker, a gentle self-massaging of the area can reduce this - a few minutes a few times a day for a few days should do it. 

What does having Biostimulator injections involve?

Once you have been for a consultation and deemed suitable for biostimulator injections your practitioner will outline the areas to be treated and how. Your expectations will be assessed alongside your skin quality, the severity of the problem and whether or not a combination of treatments is advisable. 

You will undergo a full facial and/or body assessment where the practitioner will consider the depth and placement areas for the injections. This all depends on the desired outcome, and unique individual case, as to the amount of product and where and how it will be administered. For example, for tightening the skin the injections are more superficial, but for volumisation the injections would go a little deeper under the skin. 

The results of biostimulator injections depend heavily on age, skin quality, skin laxity, technique and the amount of product and its placement (as well as if it is used in combination with other procedures). 

Please contact Ocean Clinic Marbella for a consultation or more information on our biostimulator injections and methods.