Biostimulants
Biostimulators do not simply fill in wrinkles; instead, they stimulate the skin’s own collagen production over a period of months.
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Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
Whilst traditional hyaluronic acid fillers plump up wrinkles and restore volume, a modern approach in aesthetic medicine goes one step further: it stimulates the body to regenerate itself. The active ingredients that make this possible are known as Biostimulants. They are not merely fillers, but act as a sort of „workout“ for the skin, stimulating the body’s own collagen production over a period of months.
This article explains what distinguishes biostimulators from conventional fillers, what active ingredients are available, and who this long-lasting form of skin rejuvenation is suitable for.
What are biostimulants?
Biostimulators are injectable substances whose primary purpose is not immediate volume restoration, but rather the Stimulation of the body’s own collagen production (collagen neogenesis).
Following injection, the particles of the material trigger a controlled reaction in the tissue, which stimulates the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) to form a new, firm collagen network over a period of months. The result is a natural, gradual and long-lasting increase in skin thickness, firmness and elasticity.
How it works: building collagen rather than just filling
The philosophy behind biostimulants can be summarised simply as follows:
- A hyaluronic acid filler restores lost volume – just like a cushion placed inside an empty cover. If you remove the cushion, the cover is empty again.
- A biostimulator is the blueprint and the material that instructs the body to rebuild the empty shell itself, making it thicker and firmer. Part of the effect is maintained by newly formed collagen, even after the material has been broken down.
This process takes time. Whilst the results of hyaluronic acid are immediately visible, the full effect of a biostimulator only becomes apparent after 3 to 6 months.
The main biostimulators: Sculptra, Radiesse & Co.
There are various substances that have this stimulating effect. The three best-known are:
1. Sculptra® (polylactic acid / PLLA): A pure biostimulator. The PLLA microparticles are mixed with sterile water and injected over a wide area to stimulate collagen production throughout the entire region. Ideal for adding volume over a large area in cases of sunken cheeks or for improving skin quality.
2. Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite / CaHa): A hybrid product. The CaHa microspheres are suspended in a gel matrix, which provides a subtle, immediate volumising effect. As the gel is absorbed, the CaHa stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results. Ideal for defining contours such as the jawline or for cheek augmentation.
3. Ellansé® (polycaprolactone / PCL): This is also a hybrid product offering immediate results and long-lasting collagen stimulation. A distinctive feature is the range of versions available, each with a different duration of effectiveness (1 to 4 years).
Biostimulators vs. hyaluronic acid fillers: A direct comparison
This is the most common question asked during the preliminary interview. Here is a clear distinction:
| Characteristic | Biostimulants | Hyaluronic acid fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Collagen stimulation (the body builds up volume) | Volume restoration (the filler adds volume) |
| Result | Gradual build-up over 3–6 months | Visible straight away |
| Shelf life | Long-lasting (often 1.5 to 2+ years) | Temporary (6–18 months) |
| Naturalness | Very high, as the body’s own tissue is formed | High, but the material remains a foreign body |
| Can it be dissolved? | No, it cannot be specifically dissolved | Yes, it can be broken down using Hylase |
| Ideal for | Extensive skin tightening, long-term volume restoration | Targeted wrinkle correction, lips, precise contours |
Who are biostimulants suitable for?
Biostimulators are an excellent choice for patients who:
- ✔ want to see a natural, gradual improvement and are able to wait patiently for the results.
- ✔ suffer from a general loss of volume and a decline in skin quality.
- ✔ aim for a particularly long-lasting result.
You are not ideal for the treatment of very superficial, fine lines, for lip augmentation, or for patients who want an immediately visible result or are concerned about a substance that does not dissolve.
Risks and the importance of choosing a doctor
The greatest risk associated with biostimulants is the Formation of nodules (granulomas). If the substance is not diluted or injected correctly, or if the patient has an excessive reaction to it, this may result in hardened, palpable or even visible nodules under the skin.
Safety first: experience counts!
As biostimulants cannot simply be dissolved using Hylase, the user’s choice of of crucial importance. Treatment with Sculptra, Radiesse and similar products requires specialised training and extensive experience in injection techniques. You should only consult specialists with proven expertise in this field.
Should complications nevertheless arise, such as granulomas requiring treatment, a Consequential Costs Insurance provide important financial protection against the costs of corrective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about biostimulants
The injections are similar to treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers. Most products are mixed with an anaesthetic, or an anaesthetic cream is applied. After the treatment, the area may feel tight.
With Sculptra, 2–3 sessions at intervals of 4–6 weeks are usually required to achieve the best possible result. With Radiesse or Ellansé, a single session is often sufficient, depending on the area and the desired effect; occasionally, touch-up treatments are necessary.
That is the main risk. Unlike with hyaluronic acid, there is no means of selectively dissolving it; corrections are therefore considerably more complex and are often only possible indirectly or after a delay.
The costs are generally higher than for hyaluronic acid treatments. A session with Sculptra or Radiesse usually costs between €600 and €1,200, depending on the amount of material used and the area being treated.
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