Collagen biostimulators: skin firmness and quality

How it works

From around age 25 to 30, collagen production decreases progressively, and the skin becomes thinner, less firm and less supported. Biostimulators act on this cause: once applied, they trigger a controlled response from fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen), which start forming new fibers around the product.

Over time, the body absorbs the biostimulator and the collagen formed remains, making the skin thicker, firmer and of better quality. Two main groups are used at the clinic:

• Poly-L-lactic acid: focused on increasing skin thickness and an overall improvement in laxity, on the face and body. On the face, the clinic uses Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid); on the body, Elleva X (poly-L-lactic acid).
• Calcium hydroxylapatite: in addition to stimulating collagen, it provides immediate support, useful for defining contours.

Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid) is an extensively studied biostimulator. It has been in use since the late 1990s, is registered with Anvisa (Brazil's health regulatory agency) and approved by the U.S. FDA, and has decades of published clinical studies that support its use to stimulate collagen and describe its safety profile when applied with the appropriate technique by a dermatologist.

Indications

• Facial skin laxityLoss of firmness and thickness of the facial skin.
• Volume loss and foldsOverall volume loss, with folds and a less defined contour.
• Dull skin, texture and poresThin, dull skin with loss of elasticity.
• Body skin laxitySagging skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks.
• CelluliteCellulite associated with skin laxity.

Treated areas

What a session is like

The doctor assesses the skin and defines the product, dilution and areas. After cleaning and anesthesia (cream or local, depending on the area), the biostimulator is applied with a cannula or needle, in a fan pattern or at points, distributed across the treated region.

Recovery

There may be swelling, tenderness and small bruises in the first few days. The initial swelling does not represent the final result, which depends on collagen production. You can return to your activities the next day, or on the same day, depending on the area.

Sessions and results

The improvement starts to be noticed two to three months after the application and continues to develop over the following months, with an effect that can last about two years. The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern.

Contraindications

Biostimulators are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, over infections or active inflammation in the area, for people allergic to the product's components, or for those prone to keloids. Active autoimmune diseases and previous permanent fillers require evaluation.

At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.