Biostimulators – naturally beautiful through collagen build-up

How do biostimulators work?

The difference to conventional hyaluronic acid fillers could not be greater: While classic fillers create immediate volume by adding substance under the skin, biostimulants take a completely different approach. They are like a gentle wake-up call for your skin cells.

These remarkable substances specifically stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis – the important skin layer responsible for firmness and elasticity. Instead of artificial volume, you get real structural improvement through the body’s own processes. Your skin learns to regenerate and tighten itself again.

The effect unfolds gently over a period of weeks. What may initially seem like a disadvantage turns out to be the biggest advantage. This is because the change happens naturally – step by step. This long-term effect through the body’s own processes makes biostimulants an investment in the future of your skin.

What biostimulators are available – and how do they differ?

Biostimulators are diverse and each product has its own particular strengths. Here is a detailed comparison of the most important options:

Product	Active ingredient	Onset of action	Special feature
Sculptra®	Poly-L-lactic acid	Delayed (6-8 weeks)	Long-term volume, structure
Radiesse®	CaHA	immediate + stimulating	Instant lifting + collagen
Profhilo®	Hyaluronic acid	fast (2-3 days)	Glow + skin firmness
PhilArt®	Polynucleotides	step by step	Cell regeneration, finest zones

Sculptra® is the marathon runner among biostimulants. The poly-L-lactic acid breaks down slowly and continuously stimulates collagen production. Patients particularly appreciate the natural increase in volume, which lasts for months and never appears exaggerated.

Radiesse® combines the best of both worlds: The calcium hydroxyapatite complex offers immediate firming and long-term collagen stimulation at the same time. Perfect for those who don’t want to wait but still want lasting results.

Profhilo® is the skin enhancer par excellence. The special hyaluronic acid formulation penetrates the skin and creates the famous “Profhilo® glow” – a radiance that looks natural yet impressive.

PhilArt® with polynucleotides is the insider tip for the most sensitive areas. The DNA building blocks repair skin cells at a molecular level and are so gentle that they can even be used around the eyes.

What are the advantages of biostimulants over traditional fillers?

The fundamental difference lies in the philosophy: instead of artificial volume, biostimulants create real structural improvement. Your skin is not filled up, but built up – and that makes the decisive difference for a natural result.

The durability of 12 to 24 months clearly surpasses most classic treatments. More importantly, biostimulants not only improve the volume, but also the overall quality of the skin. Density, elasticity and texture are noticeably optimized – an all-round package for youthful radiance.

The results are particularly impressive on the chin line, cheeks, décolleté and even in the sensitive eye area. Where other methods are often too harsh, biostimulators unleash their gentle power. Patients appreciate the fact that they can age more naturally.

What are the risks or side effects of biostimulants?

As with any aesthetic treatment, biostimulants can also cause temporary side effects. Local redness, swelling or small hematomas are quite normal in the first few days, but usually subside quickly.

An important point with biostimulants is the individual variability: collagen formation varies from person to person. What achieves very clear results for one person may be more subtle for another. This individuality is what makes detailed, personalized advice so important. For example, Sculptra® usually requires several sessions to achieve the optimum result. This requires patience, but is rewarded with particularly long-lasting results. The immediate effect is achieved with Radiesse®.

It is important to know that all established biostimulators are CE-certified and have been used successfully for years. The safety profiles are excellently documented and the treatments are considered to be very low-risk.

What does science say – are there any studies on the effectiveness of biostimulants?

Although the scientific evidence on biostimulants is still mainly derived from smaller and partly industry-supported studies, the results are consistently promising and the number of publications is growing continuously. Several clinical studies show that the effects are measurable – and not just based on subjective impressions:

• Sculptra® (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022): Improvement in skin thickness in 87 % of participants
• Radiesse® (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2021): documented volume effect + tightening
• PhilArt® (Dermatologic Therapy, 2023): antioxidant effect + 20 % reduction in wrinkles around the eyes
• Profhilo® (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020): Elasticity improvement of 89 % after two sessions

These results indicate that biostimulators can enable visible and lasting improvements. The combination of regenerative and preventative effects is particularly exciting and opens up new treatment options – especially in sensitive facial regions.

As a treating physician, I can confirm: “The results described in the studies correspond very well with our daily experience. Patients can be confident that these methods are proven and safe options.”

Who are biostimulators suitable for – and when are they not?

Biostimulators are ideal for people who suffer from the natural loss of skin elasticity. If the skin feels less firm, the first signs of sagging are visible or a certain tiredness of the skin is noticeable, these treatments can be an effective solution. They are particularly effective for fine lines and wrinkles caused by declining collagen production. The characteristic loss of contour in the cheeks, along the jawline or on the neck responds excellently to biostimulation. This is where the active ingredients unfold their regenerative power to optimum effect.

Biostimulants are less suitable if a strong immediate volume effect is desired – for example for dramatic lip augmentation. Here, classic hyaluronic acid fillers remain the better choice. Absolute contraindications exist during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as in the case of active skin inflammation or infections in the treatment area. Safety always comes first.

How does treatment with biostimulators work?

A typical biostimulator treatment takes around 30 to 45 minutes. After a thorough consultation and explanation, the treatment area is disinfected and an optional local anesthetic is applied to ensure maximum comfort. The injections themselves are carried out using the finest cannulas or needles, with experienced practitioners applying the substance precisely to the desired skin layers. The procedure is much less unpleasant than many patients fear.

Depending on the product selected, 2 to 3 sessions at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks are ideal. This staggering allows the skin to regenerate gradually and develop the best possible result.

The first results are usually visible from the 6th week – with the exception of Radiesse®, which shows an immediate improvement. The downtime is minimal to non-existent, so you can resume your usual activities immediately after treatment.

Which biostimulators are suitable for the eye region?

The eye area places special demands on any aesthetic treatment. The skin here is thinner, more sensitive and reacts correspondingly sensitively to an increase in volume. In short, not all biostimulants are suitable for this delicate area.

PolyPhil Eye®has been specially developed for the eye area. The polynucleotides provide intensive moisture, smooth fine lines and improve skin quality without creating unwanted volume. The result is a fresh, alert look without the risk of puffiness. The combination option with microneedling or other skin booster treatments is particularly appealing. These synergies enhance the regenerative effects and can lead to even more impressive results.

Sculptra® and Radiesse®, on the other hand, are not suitable for the eye area. Their firmer consistency carries the risk of nodule formation or unnatural contours in this sensitive area.

Can biostimulators be combined with other treatments?

One of the greatest strengths of biostimulators is their excellent combinability with other aesthetic procedures. These synergy effects enable customized treatment concepts for optimal results. The combination with hyaluronic acid fillers is particularly popular: while the fillers create immediate contour improvements, biostimulators take over the long-term structural build-up. This dual strategy combines the best of both worlds.

Botulinum toxin ideally complements biostimulants by relaxing mimic wrinkles, while the biostimulants improve skin quality. The overall result is harmonious and authentic.

The combination with PRP (platelet rich plasma) or microneedling is particularly effective. The additional stimulation of regeneration through these procedures considerably enhances the effect of the biostimulators. Supplementary LED light therapy can further optimize this effect.

Laser or ultrasound treatments also create valuable synergies. They optimally prepare the skin and increase the penetration and effectiveness of the subsequently injected biostimulants.

The art lies in the individual coordination of these processes – an area in which experience and expertise make the decisive difference.

Are you ready for biostimulators?

Let’s find out together which path is right for you. We will discuss your wishes, expectations and options in a confidential meeting – without pressure and with a great deal of empathy.

We look forward to getting to know you.