In the world of aesthetic medicine, there’s a concept that’s gaining increasing recognition and appreciation: the idea that our bodies have an inherent ability to rejuvenate themselves. This concept is at the heart of collagen biostimulation, an approach to skin rejuvenation that works with the body’s natural healing processes rather than against them. Understanding how biostimulation works can help you make informed decisions about your skin health and explore options that align with your goals.
What is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into biostimulation, let’s take a moment to understand collagen itself. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it’s particularly important in the skin. It makes up about 70 percent of the dermis, the middle layer of skin that provides structure and support. Think of collagen as the scaffolding of your skin. It creates a framework that keeps skin firm, smooth, and resilient. When collagen is plentiful and well-organised, skin appears youthful, with good elasticity and a smooth texture. As we age, collagen production decreases and the existing collagen becomes fragmented and disorganised. This is why skin loses firmness and wrinkles develop.
There are actually several types of collagen in the skin, with Type I and Type III being the most prevalent. Type I collagen is the strongest and most abundant, providing structural support. Type III collagen is more flexible and is important for skin elasticity. As we age, we not only produce less collagen overall, but the ratio of Type I to Type III shifts, contributing to a loss of elasticity and firmness.
The Concept of Biostimulation
Biostimulation is a term used to describe treatments that stimulate the body’s own biological processes to produce new collagen. Rather than adding volume directly to the skin, biostimulatory treatments work by triggering the body’s natural healing response, encouraging fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen) to get back to work. This is a fundamentally different approach from traditional dermal fillers, which work by adding volume directly to the skin. While both approaches can be valuable, biostimulation offers a unique advantage: the results are gradual and natural-looking, because they’re based on the body’s own collagen production.
The Science Behind Neocollagenesis
When a biostimulatory substance is injected into the skin, it initiates a carefully orchestrated biological response. The process begins with an inflammatory response not the kind of inflammation that causes pain or redness, but rather a controlled, beneficial inflammation that signals to the body that healing is needed. This inflammatory response activates fibroblasts, the collagen-producing cells in the dermis. The fibroblasts respond to the signal by increasing their production of new collagen, a process called neocollagenesis. This is the body’s natural response to injury or stimulus, it’s the same process that happens when you get a cut and your body works to heal it, except in this case, the stimulus is carefully controlled and targeted to the skin.
As new collagen is produced, it gradually integrates into the skin’s existing collagen network, strengthening and reorganising it. This process doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time for the body to produce new collagen and for it to remodel and integrate into the existing structure. This is why results from biostimulatory treatments are gradual, typically becoming noticeable over several months.
The Timeline of Collagen Remodeling
Understanding the timeline of collagen remodeling is important for having realistic expectations about biostimulatory treatments. The process typically unfolds in several phases.
Phase 1: Initial Response (Days 1-2) occurs immediately after treatment. There may be some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort as the body’s inflammatory response kicks in. This is a normal part of the healing process.
Phase 2: Collagen Production (Weeks 1-4) is when fibroblasts are actively producing new collagen in response to the stimulus. During this phase, you may not see dramatic visible changes yet, but important biological processes are happening beneath the surface.
Phase 3: Collagen Remodeling (Months 1-3) is when the newly produced collagen begins to integrate into the skin’s existing collagen network and remodel. This is when you’ll start to notice subtle improvements in skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance.
Phase 4: Continued Improvement (Months 3-6) sees continued remodeling and maturation of the new collagen. Results continue to improve and refine over this period.
Phase 5: Stabilisation (Months 6+) is when the collagen has fully integrated and remodeled, and results stabilise. The new collagen becomes part of the skin’s permanent structure, which is why results from biostimulatory treatments can be long-lasting.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During a biostimulatory treatment, you’ll receive injections of the biostimulatory substance into the targeted areas of the skin. A qualified practitioner will carefully assess your facial anatomy and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. The injections themselves may be slightly uncomfortable, but this can be minimized with the use of topical anesthetics or other comfort measures. Most people describe the sensation as a mild pressure or pinching.
After treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, or mild bruising at the injection sites. This typically resolves within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow post-treatment instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, and certain skincare products for a short period. As the weeks and months pass, you’ll notice gradual improvements in your skin. The changes are subtle at first, but over time, you may notice improved skin texture, increased firmness, and a more refreshed appearance. Because the results are based on your body’s own collagen production, they look and feel natural.
The Longevity of Results
One of the advantages of biostimulatory treatments is the longevity of results. Because the treatment stimulates your body to produce new collagen that becomes part of your skin’s permanent structure, results can last significantly longer than traditional fillers. However, it’s important to understand that biostimulation doesn’t stop the aging process. Over time, your skin will continue to age naturally. Many people choose to have periodic maintenance treatments to continue to support their skin’s collagen production and maintain their results.
Is Biostimulation Right for You?
Biostimulatory treatments can be an excellent option for people looking for a gradual, natural-looking improvement in their skin. They’re particularly well-suited for people who want to address volume loss, improve skin texture and firmness, or take a proactive approach to skin aging. However, biostimulation is not right for everyone, and it’s not a quick fix. If you’re looking for immediate, dramatic results, a traditional filler might be a better option. Additionally, biostimulatory treatments require a commitment to the process, you need to be patient and allow time for the collagen remodeling to occur.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
The success of a biostimulatory treatment depends greatly on the skill and experience of the practitioner administering it. A qualified aesthetic medicine practitioner will have a deep understanding of facial anatomy, the properties of different biostimulatory substances, and the techniques required to achieve natural-looking results. If you’re interested in exploring biostimulatory treatments, I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified practitioner. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, learn about the science behind the treatment, and determine whether biostimulation is the right approach for you.
Dr Tina Fang MBBS FRACGP FACAM is a cosmetic physician with 10 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, with experience in evidence-based approaches to skin rejuvenation. To book a consultation and learn more about collagen biostimulation, contact us at 07 3472 7477 or book online. We are located at Level 2, 1808 Logan Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122.
