Biostimulators.
Rebuild your own collagen — gradually, durably. Sculptra and Radiesse work over months rather than minutes. Not the same as filler, and the difference matters.
45–60 min per session
Mild swelling/bruising 3–5 days
Build 3–6 months · last 12+ months
Series often required
Not filler. Collagen builders.
Biostimulators are injectables, but they don't behave like traditional dermal fillers. Rather than adding immediate volume, they prompt your own skin to produce new collagen over the weeks and months following treatment. Most of the visible improvement shows up well after you've left our office.
We offer two: Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite). Both build collagen; they do it in different ways and behave differently in the body. The choice matters and we walk through it in consultation.
The hardest education hurdle with biostimulators is patience. After your first treatment you may not see much for 6–8 weeks. The 'before' photos most clients show us aren't the right benchmark — the right benchmark is how you look at month 4 compared to month 0. If you want immediate visible change, traditional filler is a better fit; we'll say so.
What to expect.
Before
Skip blood thinners (Ibuprofen, fish oil, alcohol) for 24–48 hours if you can. Avoid scheduling biostimulators within 3–4 weeks of a major event — settling and bruising need time, and visible change is delayed.
During
We mark, apply topical numbing, and inject. Most clients describe it as similar to filler — quick pinches, manageable discomfort. Session is 45–60 minutes. For Sculptra, we'll talk through the 5-day at-home massage protocol before you leave.
After
Mild swelling and possible bruising 3–5 days. Sculptra: massage the treated areas 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days — this is not optional. Both products show their full effect at 3–6 months.
Who it's for
Who it's for.
- Diffuse volume loss or general structural softening
- Patient clients who want gradual, natural-looking results
- Anyone wanting longer-lasting results than HA filler offers
- Cheek hollowing, temple deflation, jawline structure
- Clients wanting collagen support beyond what topicals can provide
Who should hold off or check with us.
- Clients seeking immediate visible change — traditional filler is the right tool
- Pregnant or nursing clients
- Active skin infection in the treatment area
- History of severe allergic reactions to either product's components
- Anyone unwilling to follow the post-treatment massage protocol (Sculptra)
If you're unsure, ask us — we'll go through your history during your consult.
Treatments that pair well with this one.
Questions clients ask us most.
Medically reviewed by Brittany Ptachick, MSN, FNP-C and Catherine White, MSN, FNP-C
Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioners · Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness
Ready to talk through it?
Biostimulators are a delayed-gratification treatment — we want to make sure you're ready for that part before booking. Consultation first.
Book a VisitFlexible monthly payments available with Cherry or PatientFi.or text us at 757-585-4162