Biostimulators
Biostimulators are injectable treatments that work by stimulating the body's own collagen and tissue production rather than adding volume directly. Their effect is gradual and progressive, building structural quality in the skin and deeper tissues over a period of weeks to months.
How this fits into facial rejuvenation
Where dermal fillers replace lost volume immediately, biostimulators address the underlying loss of structural integrity in the skin and soft tissue. Collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness, thickness, and resilience, decline with age. Biostimulators work by triggering the body's fibroblasts to produce new collagen, gradually thickening and strengthening the tissue from within.
This makes them particularly useful for improving overall skin quality and tissue density rather than targeting a specific anatomical deficit. They are often used in combination with other treatments: preceding structural filler work to build tissue quality first, or following it to consolidate and maintain the result. The sequence is determined by what the assessment reveals.
What the assessment evaluates
Biostimulators are most effective when used in the right patient and at the right stage. Dr. Berns assesses skin thickness and laxity, the distribution and degree of collagen loss, and the overall condition of the deeper soft tissue. This informs not only whether a biostimulator is appropriate, but which product and protocol is suitable, and how it should be sequenced with any other planned treatments.
Different biostimulatory agents work through different mechanisms and have different clinical profiles. The choice between them is clinical, not cosmetic.
Who may be suitable
Biostimulators may be considered for patients experiencing progressive loss of skin firmness, fine crepey texture, or overall thinning of the facial skin. They are particularly relevant for patients who want gradual, natural-looking improvement over time rather than immediate volumetric change.
They are not appropriate as a standalone treatment for patients with significant volume loss or structural deficit. In those cases, volume replacement is typically the more appropriate first step. They are also not a substitute for skin quality treatments addressing surface texture and tone.
Important considerations
Biostimulators work gradually. Results are not immediately visible; improvement develops over several weeks and may continue for three to six months following treatment. A course of treatments is often required, with maintenance sessions thereafter.
As with all injectable treatments, risks include temporary bruising, swelling, and, depending on the agent used, the possibility of nodule formation if the product is not placed correctly. These risks are managed through appropriate technique and patient selection, and are discussed fully during the consultation.