Biostimulator Injections

The main ingredient of Biostimulator Injections has been used for more than 30 years in surgical products, including dissolvable stitches. Unfortunately, due to Australian regulations, we are not allowed to name the product used. It’s a synthetic substance made to replicate a natural derivative created by the muscles during exercise. Since it is comprised of synthetic materials, there is no need for allergy testing prior to treatment.

The microscopic crystals induce a mild inflammatory reaction under the skin where they were injected. This "triggers" the formation of new collagen - white blood cells surrounding the microcrystals recruit collagen-producing fibroblasts. Collagen production gradually increases, making the volume-enhancing results of the treatment apparent in about four to six weeks.

Biostimulator Injections can be injected just about anywhere where you want to increase your skin’s collagen content.

The most common areas for this treatment are the cheeks and temples, as well as the chin and jawline.

It has become common to be injected into the body too. The neck and décolletage are areas that often displays visible signs of aging earlier than the rest of the body, which is why many are now opting for Biostimulator Injections in their neck and chest.

Patients of all ages and gender are suitable candidates, however the older you are the more treatment sessions are generally required. The body’s ability to stimulate collagen reduces as we age.

There are a small number of people who break down Dermal Fillers faster than most, so Biostimulator Injections are a good alternative for them. Often Dermal Fillers and Biostimulator Injections are used in combination for a cumulative benefit. Biostimulator Injections cannot be used in mobile areas of the face, such as around the mouth. Dermal Fillers can be used in these areas, so the two treatment modalities are complementary.

Biostimulator Injections should not be used in people with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, bleeding disorders, prone to keloid formation, active acne, infection, if you are breast feeding or pregnant.

First you will be assessed by our medical practitioners to determine whether you are a suitable for Biostimulator Injections. Then we will determine what area should be treated and it will be marked out. Usually, it’s the outer part of the face and temples as this will result in the most effective skin tightening and “pulling back” of the face with improvement in jowls and sagging. You want smooth results to be even around your entire face and this will help your face retain its natural shape. This is partly why results look so natural.

For face treatment:

Local anaesthetic is mixed in to the Biostimulator injection to reduce discomfort. In addition, a local anaesthetic injection at the injection site will be used so that you don’t feel any pain and a cannula (a fine blunt tipped instrument) is used to administer the solution to minimize the risk of bruising.

For neck and chest treatment:

When treating the neck and chest, a needle is used, so topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment areas. Local anaesthetic is also combined with the Biostimulator injection to reduce discomfort.

At the completion of treatment, the area treated is massaged well to evenly disperse the product. This ensures a smooth result. You are then required to do the same for five minutes, five times a day for the next five days.

Lignocaine, a local anaesthetic is added to the Biostimulator Injections so that most patients experience little discomfort. With face treatments local anaesthetic is also injected at the injection entry site. For face and neck a topical anaesthetic cream is used.

The treatment involves minimal downtime.

It is normal and expected to not notice much difference immediately after a Biostimulator treatment. The water carrier in the Biostimulator Injections may produce some filling effect, but this water is absorbed by the body within a few days, and so you may look unchanged. The true and lasting effects of Biostimulator treatment take weeks or months to become evident. Bruising can occur but this is reduced by the use of a cannula (a fine blunt tipped instrument). Neck and chest treatments are more likely to bruise but can be covered with clothing. Patients are generally able to resume their normal daily activities as soon as their treatment is complete, though some choose to wait for any swelling or bruising to fade.

Immediately after treatment, the area of the face that was injected will appear fuller, but this is due to the water content in the Biostimulator injection (the microparticles are suspended in sterile water for injection). This temporary fullness will recede in a few days. The true and lasting effects of Biostimulator treatment take weeks or months to become evident. Progressive, results usually become visible within a few weeks of each treatment session. Biostimulator Injections delivers its results gradually as it stimulates new collagen production. Results may last 2 years or longer.

Results vary depending on your age, the area treated, your skin condition, and the number of vials used in a treatment session. In most instances, multiple sessions, usually 2-3 sessions at 4-6 weekly intervals are required for optimal correction. In general, the rule of thumb is one vial of Biostimulator injection per decade of life. So, if you’re in your 30’s, you will most likely need 3 vials; however, there are exceptions to this rule depending upon the amount of volume loss. Individual responses vary, so the exact number of treatments sessions required cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. After the initial 2-3 treatment sessions, typically, patients will need one maintenance session a year to maintain results.

Results are very long-lasting - up to two years or more.

Unlike Dermal Fillers which can be dissolved, Biostimulator Injections can’t be dissolved. However, the solution is very similar to that of dissolving stitches, and it works in a similar way. After about six months, your body will naturally start to absorb the Biostimulator. By this time, your skin will have already produced new collagen.

Injection related reactions may occur including swelling, redness, pain, itching, discolouration, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve within 2-6 days.

Because it is injected in a suspension containing water, there will be initial swelling that will be noticeable for at least 2 hours and may last as long as 2 days. The effect is temporary and does not affect the long term tissue response.

Induration, or a feeling of fullness and thickness can be felt in the injection areas. Massaging the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days after the treatment can minimize this.

A possible delayed side effect is the appearance of a small lumps or bumps under the skin termed nodules. If this occurs, they can be non-visible or visible and may be felt in the areas of the treatment. Typically, these nodules may only be felt when pressing on the skin. They tend to happen within the first 6-12 months after treatment.