What is Biostimulator?
Biostimulator (also known as powder filler) is a fantastic and versatile injectable made of a white powder which is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance. (Australian TGA prevents us naming the substance or its brand name. It is made of product similar to the product used to make threads for threadlifting.
It has the ability to:
- Gradually plump up areas of the face that lost volume over the years,
- Volumize and create contour to buttocks giving them a perkier look and
- the aptitude to thicken the skin that has been thinning throughout the years (all over the face, neck, decolletage and body.
- Improve cellulite
How does Biostimulator/powder filler work?
Biostimulator is injected into the areas to be treated in a mesh-like pattern with a cannula or needle. The crystals of the powder filler then create a foundation net for collagen growth that helps to restore volume loss and support the skin structure.
When will I see results from Biostiulator? Why can’t results be seen immediately?
Normally, it takes time to show results and 2-3 treatments with an interval of 6-8 weeks are usually required to get the full effect. The process of collagen production triggered by biostimulator doesn’t happen overnight. It is true that some patients notice an immediate change in their fullness and skin condition, however, most patients will start noticing results around 6 weeks after the first treatment and a more significant improvement after the second one.
What areas can be treated with Biostimulator?
BIostimulator is such a flexible injectable and can be used to improve several different areas. It’s fabulous to volumize cheeks and hollow temples, to restore definition in the jawline and chin, to improve crepey skin in the neck, decolletage, knees, elbows, back of hands and abdomen after having multiple pregnancies. It’s fantastic to improve mild cellulite and dimples. Another favorite treatment is the Biostimulator Butt Lift, that enhances the shape and curve of the buttocks, ideal for fit patients who want a more contoured look for their derriere.
How much Biostimulator is required for “The Liquid Butt Lift”
The Liquid Butt Lift can only be recommended for patients who are at a relatively stable weight. Up to 5 vials of biostimulator is needed for each side of the buttocks. It’s important to remember that 2-3 treatments might be required so that equates to 20-30 vials in total.
Why massaging is essential after your Biostimulator injections?
After having a treatment with powder filler, you’re required to do a massage in the area 5 times a day, for 5 minutes, for the next 5 days after the procedure. The patient must be diligent with that aftercare recommendation because it guarantees an evenly distribution of the product. Massaging the areas with a firm pressure, in circular motions is key to prevent biostimulator from accumulating in specific areas leading to the formation of lumps and bumps.
Can I have dermal fillers and Biostimulator on the same day?
Yes you can and that helps to deliver a fabulous result. As long as they are not performed in the same areas on the same day, that’s not a problem. It is fantastic to use Biostimulator more laterally in the temples, pre auricular area and lower cheeks and treat the upper cheeks, nasolabial folds and chin with dermal fillers for instance. However, an area treated with dermal fillers previously will require at least 6 months until it can be treated with Biostimulator and vice versa. This is a cautious measure to help preventing complications and the formation of lumps and bumps.
What are the possible side effects with Powder Filler?
The side effects most commonly noted with Biostimulator are normally related to the injections themselves.
They are:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness and
- Redness
The rare side effects include nodules, granulomas, skin discolouration, scarring and infection. In order to minimise that, the biostimulator should only be administered by an experienced injector who’s trained well at performing Biostimulator. To prevent any side effects it’s essential the patient to follow the aftercare by performing the massages, not applying any make up for at least 12 hours after the treatment, not ingesting any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours and not exercising for 24 hours
How much Biostimulator will I need for my face?
It totally depends on your assessment and what will be the focus of the treatment. If we are using biostimulator as a volumizer to restore facial loss for example, and the patient is 40 years old, as a rule of thumb we’ll need one vial for each decade of life, so 4 vials in this case. That could be broken down is two treatments of 2 vials each. This is just a general rule but the treatments are tailored according to the patient’s needs.
How much does Biostimulator cost?
Each vial of Biostimulator costs from $950 and there’s pack of 4 vials from $3000
Can Biostimulator be combined with other treatments?
Yes and it should to help you achieve a more global improvement. For skin tightening we love a good combination of PDO threads and biostimulator and both can be performed on the same day. The erbium laser, or RF microneedling or Q switch laser can be combined with biostimulator to help improving skin quality and appearance but a break of at least 48 hours after the injections would be recommended.
Do Biostimulator injections hurt?
At The Manse Clinic we can provide Entonox, an anaesthetic gas with rapid onset and offset that’s fantastic to minimise any discomfort with injections. Besides, numbing cream is applied prior to the treatment and Biostimulator is also mixed with lidocaine to provide comfort.
Who cannot have Biostimulator?
Sculptra is contraindicated to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; patients who are allergic to lidocaine; patients with multiple allergies and history of anaphylaxis and patients with active inflammation or infection.
Do women in the menopause respond well to Biostimulator?
Generally the answer is yes and having Biostimulator is a great way to boost the collagen production and help assist with the dramatic loss of dermal collagen that happens through menopause.
How long does Biostimulator last?
The longevity of any injectable depends on several factors and we do recommend Biostimulator as an ongoing anti-aging treatment. There’s clinical evidence that Biostimulator lasts for an average of 2 years and there are patients that experience the effects for up to 5 years.
Please see part 2 for 15 more FAQs re Powder Filler
