Collagen Stimulators
From the age of 25, we lose on average 1% of collagen every year.
Collagen and elastin give skin its bounciness and glow.
Stimulating collagen helps to regain youthfulness through achieving smoother and tighter skin.
Collagen Stimulators cover a range of products that stimulate collagen through their chemical or physical properties.
What are Collagen Stimulators?
What are Collagen Stimulators?
Collagen stimulators are manufactured by many brands, which all stimulate the production of collagen through different biomechanisms.
These can be used at different depths of the skin. When used in the dermis (skin), they can improve both superficial and deep wrinkles.
When injected deeply, they can restore structure and support the face through volume replacement.
Different products available in the market specialise in different outcomes, and a consultation is needed to recommend the most suitable
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse uses Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel matrix that can provide immediate contouring and long-term collagen and elastin stimulation.
The gel matrix has similar properties to collagen fillers and can naturally support and plump up the area it is injected into. This gel matrix is slowly broken down over 8 to 12 weeks while the Calcium hydroxylapatite effects take over.
Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres stretch and recruit fibroblasts, the body's natural collagen and elastin producing cells, to stimulate your own natural collagen.
Radiesse is one of the few biostimulators that do so without triggering an inflammatory response than can be unpredictable and result in unwanted adverse reactions.
An alternative HA product that also has biostimulatory effects is Profhilo®.
What is Profhilo®?
Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally produced by our bodies to provide hydration and support to the skin. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water.
Profhilo® has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid in an injectable. It contains 32mg/2ml of high molecular weight and 32mg/2ml of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
Profhilo® Technology
Profhilo's Bio Aesthetic Point (BAP) injection technique marries subtle volumisation and lifting over aesthetic points in the face, with optimal diffusion of the product for skin hydration.
The high and low molecular weight is cross-linked using their unique patented NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology which uses heat to stabilise and cross-link the hyaluronic acid molecules. Crosslinked hyaluronic acid stays longer in the skin.
Collagen stimulators are increasing in popularity, as they offer multiple benefits in a single treatment:
Natural looking results
Stimulating collagen evenly in the skin gives a natural rejuvenation to the whole face without changing your own unique features
Immediate and Delayed Results
Depending on the product used, some collagen stimulators have immediate volumising and lifting results.
Collagen Stimulators also offer more lasting results than HA fillers.
Customisable
Collagen Stimulators come in different forms. Some may also be diluted to a specified concentration to perform the desired outcome.
Generally, more viscous (thicker) collagen stimulators, such as undiluted Radiesse are firmer and more supportive, and can be used in a similar fashion to dermal fillers.
Gouri, Juvelook and diluted Radiesse are have less immediate results and more delayed results through pure collagen stimulation.
Harder products are placed deeper for natural revolumising and lifting.
Softer products are placed more superficially, for example in the lips, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars for a more natural result.
HA fillers are useful for:
Who is suitable?
Positive Ageing
The use of fillers will focus on replacing volume lost and lifting the face to counter the effect of gravity.
Beautification / Enhancing
The placement of fillers will focus on enhancing your features to create a more beautiful version of yourself.
Correction
Fillers can be used to correct facial asymmetry or scars.
Transformation
Non-surgical transformation of the whole face is possible now due to the wide range of dermal fillers available. Achieve perfect balance and harmony in line with your ethnic and cultural identity using dermal fillers.
What to expect?
Consultation
During the consultation, our doctor will formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns holistically. This may include a combination of collagen stimulators, fillers or energy based devices or skin boosters.
Preparation
Prior to injection, our doctor will confirm the treatment plan and mark out the areas, followed by topical numbing cream.
During the Procedure
There may be some discomfort from the injection but it is generally well-tolerated as the product itself contains local anaesthetic. We use a combination of direct injection and micro-cannula to optimise the aesthetic outcome and minimise the risk of filler-related adverse effects.
Post-Procedure
You are advised not to massage or rub the area for 48 hours. There is no downtime and you may resume daily activities. There may be temporary swelling or bruising around the treated area, although this is rare. If this occurs, you may apply a cool ice pack at home to speed up recovery.
What to expect?
The procedure is straightforward and can be performed within 20 minutes. Although it is a 'whole face' treatment, there are only 2 injection points in the face as shown in the image below. Gouri is introduced with micro-cannula to distribute equally.
There may be some discomfort but it is generally well tolerated.
Gouri is fully soluble and formation of lumps or 'nodules' is very rare.
The effect lasts for 6 months and may be repeated at regular 6-monthly intervals for maintenance of the effect.
