Biostimulation

What is biostimulation and how does it work?

Collagen gives skin density and support; with age, production slows and skin thins. Biostimulators are not classic dermal fillers: rather than filling lines, they signal skin cells (fibroblasts) to produce new collagen and elastin. Poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite are microparticles around which the body gradually builds new connective tissue; both are broken down over time. Polynucleotides and PDRN are purified DNA fragments that support skin repair and hydration. Results therefore develop over weeks and months.

Biostimulation treatments at Melior Clinics

• HH PLLA – poly-L-lactic acid for lax skin on the face, neck and hands.
• Lanluma – poly-L-lactic acid for the face and body (buttocks, thighs, upper arms).
• Radiesse® – calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres; face, neck, hands.
• Linerase® Collagen + Hydro – type I collagen, then a hyaluronic acid and amino acid complex.
• HH PDRN – salmon DNA fragments for the face and neck.
• HP Cell Vitaran II – polynucleotides for the face, neck and around the mouth.
• HP Cell Vitaran I – polynucleotides for the thin skin around the eyes.
• Price list – current prices for all treatments.

What happens during the treatment?

At the consultation the specialist assesses skin laxity and your health and selects the product. After cleansing, numbing cream is used if needed; some products contain a local anaesthetic. Injection with a fine needle or blunt cannula usually takes 30–60 minutes. The course depends on the product: typically 2–3 sessions 4–10 weeks apart for PLLA, 2–4 sessions 2–4 weeks apart for polynucleotides and PDRN, and 1–3 sessions every 3 weeks for Linerase. For Radiesse, the amount is agreed individually.

Who should not have it?

Biostimulation is usually not carried out in case of:

• pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation or uncontrolled diabetes;
• acute inflammation, infection or cold sores in the area, or fever;
• allergy to any ingredient, and for polynucleotides and PDRN also fish allergy;
• blood clotting disorders or use of blood thinners;
• a tendency to keloid scarring;
• a recent invasive procedure in the same area.

The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the treatment

Mild redness, swelling, needle marks or bruising are common and usually settle within 1–3 days. Make-up is not advised for the first day. Exercise, sauna, hot baths and sunbeds are best avoided for 48–72 hours, and laser or chemical peels for at least two weeks. SPF 50 matters for at least 1–2 weeks. After PLLA, massage following the 5–5–5 rule (5 days, 5 times a day, 5 minutes) is often advised so the product spreads evenly. After Radiesse, the area is not massaged unless the specialist advises it.

Frequently asked questions

Radiesse vs PLLA: what is the difference?

Both stimulate collagen. Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) gives some support on the day, with the final result after 2–3 months. PLLA (HH PLLA, Lanluma) works only gradually: first changes after 6–8 weeks, the fullest after 3–6 months, with massage afterwards. The choice depends on the area and skin.

How long do the results last?

It depends on the product, skin and lifestyle: typically 3–6 months for polynucleotides and PDRN, up to 6–9 months for collagen, up to 12–18 months for calcium hydroxylapatite and HH PLLA, and up to 2 years for Lanluma.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe light pricking or pressure, eased by numbing cream or, in some products, a built-in anaesthetic.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, 5th floor of the Stockmann department store.