Can Biostimulators Be Used on the Body? Yes, They Can!

When we talk about collagen loss, most people immediately think about the face. But changes in skin firmness, thickness and elasticity can occur throughout the body, especially on the neck, chest, arms, abdomen, thighs and knees.

Biostimulators are a nonsurgical option for patients who want to improve crepey skin, mild laxity and overall skin quality in areas beyond the face.

What Are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators are injectable treatments that encourage the body to produce more of its own collagen. Unlike traditional fillers, which are generally used to replace volume or reshape an area, body biostimulator treatments are often used to gradually improve the skin’s structure, firmness and texture. Commonly used products include poly L lactic acid, found in Sculptra, and diluted calcium hydroxylapatite, found in Radiesse. The best product and technique depend on the treatment area, the condition of the skin and the patient’s goals.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

• Neck

  Biostimulators may help improve fine lines, crepey texture and mild skin laxity on the neck. Treatments are often combined with energy based devices when additional tightening or resurfacing is needed.

• Chest & Décolleté

  Sun exposure and collagen loss can leave the chest looking wrinkled, thin or crepey. Biostimulators may help strengthen the skin and soften lines throughout the décolleté. Diluted Radiesse is FDA approved for correcting wrinkles in the décolleté in adults aged 22 and older.

• Upper Arms

  The upper arms commonly develop loose, thin or crepey skin due to aging, sun damage or weight changes. Biostimulators can be placed throughout the area to encourage collagen production and improve skin firmness over time.

• Abdomen

  Pregnancy, weight loss and natural aging can affect the firmness and texture of abdominal skin. Biostimulators may help improve mild laxity, crepiness and skin quality, although they cannot remove significant excess skin or repair separated abdominal muscles. For additional skin tightening, Ellacor or CO2 Laser can be added to the treatment plan. CoolTone may also be incorporated to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles and improve muscle definition.

• Butt

  Biostimulators may be used on the buttocks to improve skin texture, soften the appearance of cellulite dimpling and create subtle contour enhancement. This is not the same as a surgical Brazilian butt lift. Results are typically gradual, and achieving meaningful volume may require considerably more product than a facial treatment.

• Thighs

  The inner and upper thighs can develop crepey skin, laxity and uneven texture. Biostimulators may help improve skin firmness, smoothness and overall skin quality over time.

• Knees

  Loose or wrinkled skin above the knees is a common concern that can be difficult to address through exercise alone. Biostimulators may help make the skin look smoother, firmer and less crepey.

• Hands

  The hands can lose volume and skin thickness over time, making tendons and veins appear more prominent. Depending on the treatment selected, biostimulators may be used to restore support while encouraging collagen production. Radiesse is FDA approved for correcting volume loss in the backs of the hands.

• Elbows

  The skin around the elbows may become thin, wrinkled or crepey. Although this is a less commonly requested area, diluted biostimulators may be used to improve skin quality in appropriately selected patients.

What Can Biostimulators Improve?

The goal is gradual, natural looking improvement, not an overnight transformation. Depending on the area and type of Biostimulator used, they can help improve:

• Crepey and thinning skin

• Mild to moderate laxity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Reduced firmness and elasticity

• Uneven texture

• Certain types of cellulite dimpling

• Subtle contour or volume concerns

When Will I See Results?

Biostimulators work progressively as the skin produces and remodels collagen. Some patients begin noticing changes within several weeks, but results generally continue developing over the following months. A series of treatments may be needed, especially when treating larger body areas. The amount of product, number of sessions and maintenance schedule vary considerably from one patient to another.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Body Biostimulators are generally best suited for patients with mild to moderate laxity, crepiness or changes in skin quality who understand that results develop gradually. They are not a replacement for surgery and cannot remove large amounts of excess skin. More advanced laxity may require a combination of biostimulators, skin tightening devices or resurfacing treatments.

Treat the Skin Beyond the Face

Collagen loss does not stop at the jawline. For the right patient, Biostimulators can help improve the firmness, texture and overall quality of skin throughout the body. At Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley, every treatment plan begins with a consultation. We evaluate the area, discuss realistic expectations and determine whether Biostimulators alone or a customized combination approach will provide the best result.