January Spotlight: Biostimulators
As we age our collagen matrix begins to break apart. Collagen is the support for our skin. Also, as we age our firbroblasts, cells that produce collagen, collapse and release enzymes that break down more collagen and therefore the matrix. And with this the scaffold that supports our skin starts to crumble. How can we stop this?
We lose 1% of our collagen each year after the age of 30, so anything that can get us more of it is a benefit. Many modalities can stimulate the production of collagen but here we are going to talk about injectable substances. Presently there are two on the market, Sculptra and hyper dilute Radiesse. Sculptra is a poly -L
-lactic acid of PLLA. It comes as a powder and is reconstituted with saline or sterile water to make a solution that is injected into the deep dermis where the fibroblasts are. It stimulates them to make collagen, repairing the matrix. This process takes time so results take a month or two to appear, but last for 2-3 years.
Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite, a semi- permanent filler used in cheek and jawline volumization. When diluted with saline it becomes a biostimulant. Hyperdilute Radiesse is also injected into the deep dermis/ subcutaneous where it causes inflammation. Inflammation stimulates the fibroblasts who then product collagen. At least two treatments are recommended, some say 3. With either of these treatments results can vary. Your provider can tell you if you are a good candidate, what you can expect to see and someone who will monitor your progress. Bruising can happen but other than this there is no down time.
There have been questions as to whether this makes surgery such as a facelift more difficult. The results of biostimulants are not permanent. Two years is a good rule of thumb. The results are also subtle, providing skin with better quality and improvement in fine lines and indentations. If you are 45 and feel like you will get a facelift at 55 there is no reason not to proceed. If, however you are 60 and have jowling and sagging neck skin, a facelift would be a better choice.
The face is not the only place these products can be used. Hyperdilute Radiesse can be used in the neck, décolleté, upper arms, and knees. Sculptra is useful in the décolleté and beneath stretch marks. In the world of bio stimulation, procedures can be combined, for instance an ablative laser treatment followed by hyper dilute Radiesse. We are fighting aging from within.
Call us today to set an appointment!