by Aesthetic Doctor, Marisa Heyns
In recent years, the field of aesthetic medicine has witnessed a revolutionary trend with the emergence of bio-stimulation treatments. These treatments have rapidly gained popularity among individuals seeking non-invasive yet effective solutions for skin rejuvenation whilst providing a natural aesthetic improvement.
Bio-stimulators are innovative compounds that harness the body’s natural processes to stimulate organic mechanisms, ultimately leading to natural-looking results in skin texture, firmness, tightness, lift, and plumpness.
Table of contents
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- WHAT IS SKIN-BIOSTIMULATION?
- FIRM, TIGHT, LIFT, AND PLUMP; WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
- CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE BIO-STIMULATION: THE FIRMER AND PLUMPER
- POLY-L-LACTIC ACID BIOSTIMULATION: THE POTENT FIRMER
- AUTOLOGOUS BIOSTIMULATION
- GFIT: THE AUTOLOGOUS BIOSTIMULATION ALTERNATIVE
- FIRM AND TIGHTEN WITH RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) MICRONEEDLING
- REGAIN FIRMNESS AND PLUMPNESS WITH 3D MEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING
- FIRMING AND LIFTING WITH THREAD LIFT TREATMENTS
- LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENTS: THE ULTIMATE TIGHTENERS
- MESOTHERAPY AND MESOBOOSTERS: NUTRITIVE FIRMERS AND PLUMPERS
- FINAL THOUGHTS ON BIOSTIMULATION
WHAT IS SKIN BIO-STIMULATION?
Skin bio-stimulation encompasses various terms like biorestructuring, bioregeneration, and biorevitalization. It involves activating the skin’s biological functions to optimize physiology and enhance aesthetics. Biostimulation aims to activate the skin’s natural processes, promoting optimal collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. It’s a holistic approach that aligns with the body’s intrinsic regenerating and healing capacities to promote enduring rejuvenation with natural age-appropriate aesthetic results.
A distinction needs to be made between pure biostimulation, usually a nutritive treatment that aims to improve both the skin’s physiology and aesthetics; and biorestructuring, which focuses on aesthetic enhancement by altering the structural components of the skin and usually involving some form of damage and inflammation with resultant wound healing. The essence lies in harmonizing the skin’s innate wisdom and cutting-edge science for optimal skin health and beauty.
FIRM, TIGHT, LIFT, AND PLUMP; WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
These are words associated with the various biostimulatory treatment options available to patients. It is however important to understand which treatments provide which end result.
Firming treatments aim to improve the structural network systems mainly focusing on increased collagen production within the skin and supportive tissue.
Tightening treatments generally rely upon the use of energy devices to produce controlled microinjuries of varying intensity to create a stronger more condensed (scar) collagen network to visibly tighten the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
Plumping treatments aim to provide improved hydration and elasticity to the skin and promote a more youthful and healthier-looking skin.
The term lifting in a minimally invasive treatment setting employing bio-stimulatory techniques should perhaps be seen as secondary to a culmination of the three concepts of tightening, firming, and plumping.
HYALURONIC ACID:
THE ULTIMATE PLUMPER
Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, exhibits remarkable biostimulatory effects on the skin, making it a coveted ingredient in skincare and aesthetic treatments. This gel-like substance has the unique ability to retain water, enhancing skin hydration and plumpness. When injected, hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin production, key proteins that contribute to the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Its biostimulatory prowess lies in its capacity to engage fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing these vital structural components. As a result, skin gains improved texture, reduced fine lines, and enhanced suppleness. Additionally, hyaluronic acid’s natural presence in the body ensures compatibility and reduced risk of adverse reactions. This attribute, along with its non-invasive nature, has made it a go-to solution for dermal fillers, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments.
Hyaluronic acid’s biostimulatory benefits extend beyond surface-level improvements, transcending into cellular revitalization and long-term skin health, culminating in a radiant and rejuvenated complexion.
Now, let’s cover our top skin bio-stimulation procedures and the effects you can expect from each.
CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE BIO-STIMULATION:
THE FIRMER AND PLUMPER
This treatment addresses deep wrinkles and volume loss, making it particularly effective for tackling stubborn lines. Calcium Hydroxyapetite (CaHa) can be used in single ingredient profiles (as with products such as Radiesse) or in combination formulations with hyaluronic acid (such as with hybrid fillers such HArmonyCa).
One can expect long-lasting effects for up to two years. CaHa-containing treatments promise immediate yet subtle volume enhancement but also trigger the body’s natural collagen production over time, improving the skin’s quality and function.
Safety is paramount, and CaHa boasts a strong safety profile, being biocompatible and non-toxic, with minimal risk of allergic reactions.
The benefits of CaHa injectables also extend beyond the face, and can also rejuvenate the neck and hands, making it a versatile solution for your aesthetic goals.
POLY-L-LACTIC ACID BIOSTIMULATION:
THE POTENT FIRMER
Another firming and plumping treatment that can boast a surprisingly secondary lift in the ideal patient is Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA), most commonly found in products such as Sculptra. It offers a gradual, subtle enhancement, unveiling natural-looking results that evolve over time. Its effects can endure for up to two years, delivering a lasting transformation that aligns with your individual beauty.
At its core, PLLA functions as a potent collagen stimulator, able to provide a firmer supportive connective tissue to the skin. The ingredient profile consists of microspheres of PPLA reconstituted in a biocompatible fluid medium that is injected superficially underneath the skin, where it will uniformly spread and initiate its biostimulating action.
Safety takes precedence with PLLA injectables, which have undergone rigorous clinical testing and earned global recognition. Administered by skilled medical professionals, PLLA biostimulators boast a high safety profile with minimal side effects, prioritizing patient well-being.
AUTOLOGOUS BIO-STIMULATION:
PRP AND FAT-DERIVED STEM CELLS
In the true sense of the term: biostimulation, using one’s own growth factors and stem cells to improve the quality and physiology of the skin, is perhaps the gold standard for true regeneration and natural aesthetic enhancement. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments focus on providing the skin tissues with specific growth factors known to induce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Fat-derived stem cells are considered much more potent in their ability to induce a healthier connective tissue environment. Furthermore, both treatments have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve blood supply, and hence nutrition to the skin.
Treatment indications include hyperpigmentation, scarring, sensitive and sun-damaged skin as well as hair loss. Popular treatment areas include Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips, cheeks, under-eye hollows, temples, neck, décolletage, and hands.
The added benefit of fat-derived stem cells is also a subtle yet clinical volume restoration in areas of the face where there is a depletion in the superficial fat compartments.
GFIT: THE AUTOLOGOUS BIO-STIMULATION ALTERNATIVE
Another popular treatment modality focusing on topically administered growth factors includes GFIT (growth factor induction therapy). The big difference: it is a biotechnologically engineered solution of specific human-derived growth factors and regenerative cells known to improve the skin tissues.
During each GFIT treatment, an AQ Prescription Serum is infused into the skin to enhance the skin’s natural restorative process and promote collagen production, healthy circulation, and cellular renewal.
Having similar effects to autologous PRP, GFIT treatments are ideal for patients not wishing to use their own blood, or who may suffer from conditions that may exclude them from using their own blood.
FIRM AND TIGHTEN WITH RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) MICRONEEDLING
Radiofrequency (RF) micro-needling treatments (such as Morpheus8) stand at the forefront of biostimulation, leveraging advanced technology for transformative effects on the skin.
RF micro-needling combines the precision of micro-needling with RF’s skin-tightening prowess. This synergy delivers accuracy in targeting specific areas while harnessing RF energy’s ability to enhance skin’s tightness. The treatment’s controlled micro-injuries stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, vital components for skin’s firmness and elasticity. This leads to a visible reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
RF micro-needling’s dual-action approach also reduces the appearance of scars and large pores. The skin’s texture is refined as new collagen forms, and this may take a few months to show results.
Minimal invasiveness minimizes the risk of complications. Mild post-procedure effects like temporary redness or swelling may occur, underscoring the procedure’s overall safety. RF micro-needling is also not limited to the face; it extends to the neck, décolletage, and even areas like the abdomen arms, and legs for comprehensive skin tightening.
Incorporating precision, collagen boost, and safety, RF micro-needling embodies the art and science of biorestructuring, offering a pathway to radiant and revitalized skin.
REGAIN FIRMNESS AND PLUMPNESS WITH 3D MEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING
3D Medical Skin Needling (a signature treatment at the Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates Skin Clinic) emerges as a remarkable biostimulation technique, artfully harnessing the power of controlled skin injury to promote transformative rejuvenation.
This minimally invasive treatment introduces controlled skin injury at varying depths, addressing multiple skin concerns in a single session. The technique’s adaptability ensures comprehensive results.
By tapping into the body’s regenerative abilities, 3D Medical Skin Needling triggers collagen production, a key factor in skin’s youthful resilience.
The treatment is adept at localized therapy, focusing on specific concerns for precise outcomes. With minimal downtime, patients can also quickly return to their routines, embodying the procedure’s gentle touch.
Administered by trained professionals, risks are minimal. However, sterile techniques are pivotal, and adequate patient skin preparation is crucial.
This technique extends its transformative effects to the entire face, especially areas with scarring, wrinkles, or uneven tone. It also presents an effective solution for body areas marked by stretch marks or scars.
FIRMING AND LIFTING WITH THREAD LIFT TREATMENTS
Thread lifts offer a remarkable biostimulatory approach, employing dissolvable threads to shift and reposition saggy skin, yielding both instant and ongoing effects. The term thread lift, however, can be confusing to the consumer market, as the treatment is not an alternative to a surgical facelift when it comes to removing excess tissue to lift.
Through the strategic placement of threads, sagging skin is repositioned, creating a ‘lifted’ more rejuvenated appearance. The process also initiates a cascade of collagen production, further enhancing skin texture and tone over time.
With thread lift treatments (and there are many brands available on the market), enjoy the dual benefits of an immediate ‘lift’ and continuous collagen stimulation. This synergistic effect yields natural rejuvenation while requiring only a short treatment time, often completed within an hour.
The procedure’s tiny entry points minimize scarring, resulting in discreet and subtle intervention. Furthermore, the shorter downtime associated with thread lifts sets them apart from traditional facelifts.
Thread lifts utilize biodegradable threads, minimizing the risk of long-term complications. Temporary side effects, such as mild bruising, swelling, or discomfort, underscore the procedure’s overall safety.
Thread lifts effectively target minimal to moderate mid-face, jowls, neck, and brow, providing a comprehensive minimally invasive, and subtle solution for a range of aesthetic concerns.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENTS:
THE ULTIMATE TIGHTENERS
Laser skin resurfacing treatments (such as the CO2RE Fractional Laser treatment, and the Erbium iPIXEL Pro) epitomize the science of biorestructuring, relying on the skin’s innate wound healing mechanisms to tighten the skin and improve fine lines and wrinkles.
The controlled heat generated by lasers not only diminishes existing imperfections but also triggers collagen activation, fostering long-term skin vitality.
Wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone are harmoniously addressed, resulting in renewed skin clarity. These treatments are customizable, with various lasers tailored to diverse skin types and concerns.
MESOTHERAPY AND MESOBOOSTERS:
NUTRITIVE FIRMERS AND PLUMPERS
Mesotherapy and mesoboosters exemplify biostimulation’s elegance by harnessing the potential of natural ingredients for comprehensive rejuvenation. Where mesotherapy generally implies the administration of ingredients superficially into the skin, Mesoboosters are generally injected deeper into the skin with formulations that may or may not include cross-linked hyaluronic acid to ensure longer-lasting results.
Mesotherapy and Mesoboosters address a variety of skin care concerns including aging skin, and hair loss. Medical grade active and biocompatible ingredients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to offer an encompassing strategy for overall skin revitalization.
Mesotherapy and Mesobooster injectable treatments can performed through various injection techniques and are designed for localized treatment, ensuring tailored results for specific concerns.
Minimal side effects enable patients to swiftly resume daily activities after treatment, reflecting the minimally disruptive nature of these approaches. The use of natural compounds in both mesotherapy and mesoboosters reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions. However, maintaining sterile techniques and patient screening remains crucial for ensuring safety.
Both treatments extend their benefits across the full face, neck, décolletage, and scalp, presenting a holistic solution for an array of aesthetic concerns. Experience the grace of biostimulation through mesotherapy and mesoboosters, as your skin embraces a renewed radiance.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SKIN BIO-STIMULATION
Bio-stimulation treatments have emerged as an innovative trend in modern skin science and aesthetic medicine. Their ability to harness the body’s natural processes and stimulate organic mechanisms sets them apart as a transformative approach to skin rejuvenation.
There are multiple biostimulatory treatment options available to patients. The key to achieving the best results ultimately relies on the correct choice of treatment as well as the combination of biostimulatory treatments to achieve superior and long-lasting skin rejuvenating results.
We highly advise patients to book an appointment with one of our skilled aesthetic medical professionals at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates to discuss, assess, and manage their individual needs, concerns, and aesthetic goals.
Email capetown@drnwilkinson.co.za to enquire about your consultation today.
