Biostimulators like Sculptra® are part of the regenerative aesthetics family that works with your body to effectively age backwards.
As a cosmetic injector and Naturopathic Doctor, I get asked a lot about the latest in non-surgical cosmetic injections. One of the most exciting and effective trends I’m seeing right now is the use of biostimulators—a group of injectables that help your skin look more youthful by encouraging your body to rebuild its own collagen. One of the most popular options in this category is Sculptra®, which is what I recommend for my clients in Kamloops and Kelowna, but there are others as well. If you’ve heard the term “biostimulator” and wondered what it really means, or if you’re curious about how it differs from dermal fillers, keep reading. I’ll break it down for you.
What are biostimulators?
Biostimulators are a type of injectable that work by stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure, firmness, and elasticity. As you age, your natural collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which immediately add volume to your lips or other areas of your face, biostimulators take a different approach: They help your body gradually rebuild its collagen over time, thus increasing volume naturally. One of the most well-known biostimulators is Sculptra®, which contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)—a synthetic substance that encourages your skin to produce new collagen in response to the injection.
How Biostimulators Differ from Dermal Fillers
It’s easy to confuse biostimulators with dermal fillers, but they actually serve different purposes.
- Dermal Fillers: These injectables provide instant volume and smooth out wrinkles. They’re great for areas where you’ve lost volume, like your cheeks, lips and chin, or under your eyes, or to smooth lines and folds. The results are immediate, but they’re temporary and typically last anywhere from six to 18 months.
- Biostimulators: In contrast, you won’t immediately see the results of biostimulators like Sculptra®. Instead, they work gradually, stimulating the production of collagen over time. The results are subtler and more natural-looking, and they last longer—up to five years! You might think of biostimulators as a long-term investment in the health and structure of your skin.
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How Biostimulators Work
When you come in for a biostimulator treatment with me in Kamloops or Kelowna, I’ll walk you through every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect. First, I’ll carefully administer the injections, which work beneath the skin’s surface to activate your body’s natural collagen production. With Sculptra®, the active ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid, starts working as soon as it’s injected. It doesn’t immediately “fill” wrinkles or lines, though. Instead, it stimulates your skin’s fibroblast cells (the ones responsible for producing collagen) to generate new collagen. Over time, this helps to plump the skin, improve texture, and restore volume that may have been lost as part of the natural aging process.
The best part? The process is gradual, which means your results look really natural. You won’t suddenly look “done” or overfilled. Instead, the changes will be subtle and occur over a few months, giving you a more youthful appearance that looks like you’re simply investing more time in your self-care routine.
Biostimulator Results
Like I mentioned, if you’re looking for a “quick fix,” biostimulators definitely aren’t it. It takes time to stimulate collagen production, so your results during your appointment with me in Kamloops or Kelowna will be anything but immediate. After your first treatment, it may take about four to six weeks to start seeing initial changes. The full effects typically become noticeable after three to four months, as collagen gradually builds and tightens your skin. Many of my patients report feeling like their skin looks firmer, smoother, and more refreshed.
Over time, your skin will continue to improve, and the results can last up to five years, depending on the treatment area and your individual factors like age, skin type, and lifestyle. Unlike fillers, which offer more dramatic and instant results, biostimulators provide a subtle, gradual improvement that looks more natural—and can give you a youthful look that lasts much longer.
Common Concerns Biostimulators Can Help With
Biostimulators are versatile and can be used to treat so many concerns related to aging. Here are the areas I most frequently recommend treating for my clients in Kamloops and Kelowna:
Restoring Lost Volume: As you age, your face naturally loses volume, especially in areas like the temples, cheeks, and jawline. Biostimulators like Sculptra® can restore this lost volume by encouraging collagen production in these areas.
Improving Skin Texture and Tone: Collagen is the key to smooth, even skin. Biostimulators help improve skin texture by boosting collagen levels, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, and uneven skin tone.
Lifting and Tightening: Biostimulators can also help with skin laxity, especially around the jawline, chin, and neck. The collagen boost can tighten loose skin, giving a subtle lift.
Treating Fine Lines and Wrinkles: While biostimulators don’t directly “fill” wrinkles like traditional dermal fillers, they do help to smooth them out over time by strengthening the underlying skin structure. This is especially beneficial for fine lines or early signs of aging.
Sculptra® results after 24 months
Regenerative Aesthetics Are Gaining Popularity
Biostimulators like Sculptra® are all over my social feed lately, and more and more patients are requesting this treatment during their appointments with me in Kelowna and Kamloops. And honestly? I’m really happy about it. What I especially appreciate as a Naturopathic Doctor is that biostimulators take a holistic approach—they stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, helping your skin rebuild and improve over time. Plus, they’re not just for the face; they can also be used on areas like the neck, décolletage, and hands, where aging often shows up first. This natural approach combined with the subtle results that biostimulators provide is totally aligned with my principles as a cosmetic injector and Naturopathic Doctor.
And for my patients, the benefits extend even further. Biostimulators are a great option for anyone looking for long-lasting results with minimal downtime. After your biostimulator appointment, you can expect a little swelling or bruising that’ll clear up in a few days, but otherwise, your schedule won’t be disrupted at all.
Are biostimulators right for me?
Biostimulators are an excellent option for many patients, but they aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for an instant, dramatic change, or if you have significant volume loss, traditional dermal fillers might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want a natural, gradual improvement over time, and you’re looking for longer-lasting results, biostimulators like Sculptra® could be the right fit for you.
As always, it’s important to consult with a skilled injector who understands both aesthetic techniques and the holistic approach to skincare. They’ll be able to assess your needs and goals and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Sculptra® results after nine months.
Sculptra® Injections in Kelowna and Kamloops
Biostimulators like Sculptra® are one of the most exciting developments in regenerative aesthetic treatments right now. Whether you’re looking to restore volume, tighten skin, or smooth out wrinkles, biostimulators provide an effective way to stimulate collagen naturally, helping you to look more youthful over time. If you have any questions about if biostimulators are right for you, I encourage you to book a consultation at one of my locations in Kelowna or Kamloops. Or, please feel free to contact me through my website.
