What is the difference between biostimulators and traditional fillers?

Traditional dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid products (Juvederm, Restylane) add volume immediately by filling space beneath the skin and are fully reversible with hyaluronidase. Biostimulators such as Sculptra (PLLA) and Radiesse (CaHA) work by triggering the body's natural collagen production. Results develop gradually over 2 to 3 months rather than immediately, and they cannot be dissolved. The payoff is that results tend to be longer-lasting — often 1 to 2 years or more — and they improve overall skin quality, not just volume.

What is Sculptra made of?

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic biodegradable polymer that has been used safely in medical applications including dissolvable sutures for decades. PLLA microparticles suspended in sterile water are injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue, where they slowly dissolve and stimulate fibroblast activity and new collagen synthesis.

What is Radiesse made of?

Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a mineral compound naturally found in bone. The microspheres are suspended in a water-based gel carrier. After injection, the gel carrier provides immediate volume while the CaHA microspheres stimulate collagen production over time. The microspheres are gradually absorbed by the body over 12 to 18 months.

How many biostimulator sessions are needed?

Sculptra typically requires a series of 2 to 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal collagen stimulation. Radiesse may produce satisfying results in fewer sessions depending on the area treated. Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

Are biostimulators reversible?

No. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, neither Sculptra nor Radiesse can be dissolved with an injection. This makes a thorough consultation and conservative initial treatment approach especially important. Results develop gradually, so any adjustment should be made incrementally over the treatment series rather than all at once.

Who is a good candidate for biostimulator treatments?

Ideal candidates are adults who want to address progressive facial volume loss and skin laxity with a treatment that produces natural-looking, longer-lasting results. Biostimulators are particularly well-suited for patients who prefer a gradual, subtle improvement rather than an immediate dramatic change. They are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding patients or those with certain autoimmune conditions or allergies to product components.

Home > Services > Injectables > Biostimulators

Biostimulators In El Dorado Hills, CA

Rediscover Your Youthful Radiance with Biostimulators in El Dorado Hills, CA

Experience the transformative power of biostimulators, a revolutionary approach to facial rejuvenation that goes beyond simply filling wrinkles. At Northern California Wellness in El Dorado Hills, CA, we offer advanced biostimulators like Radiesse and Sculptra to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, resulting in gradual and long-lasting improvements in skin volume, texture, and elasticity.

What Are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators are a unique type of injectable treatment designed to stimulate your body’s own collagen production. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that primarily focus on instantly adding volume, biostimulators work by triggering a natural regenerative response within the skin. This leads to the gradual formation of new collagen, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance that develops over time. Biostimulators are an excellent option for those seeking a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to address facial aging.

Benefits of Biostimulators in El Dorado Hills, CA

Stimulate Collagen Production

Trigger your body's natural collagen production for long-lasting facial rejuvenation. This results in a gradual and natural-looking improvement in skin volume, texture, and elasticity.

Restore Lost Volume

Replenish volume in the cheeks, temples, and other areas affected by aging. This helps to create a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Smooth Out Wrinkles and Folds

Improve the appearance of wrinkles, lines, and folds for smoother, younger-looking skin.

Improve Skin Texture and Elasticity

Enhance skin quality by promoting collagen growth, resulting in firmer, more supple skin.

Natural-Looking Results

Achieve subtle and refined results that enhance your natural beauty without looking overdone or artificial.

Long-Lasting Effects

Enjoy the benefits of biostimulators for up to two years or more, depending on the type of injectable used.

How Do Biostimulators Work?

Biostimulators are injected beneath the skin using a fine needle. The injectable material, typically composed of microparticles or a gel-like substance, acts as a scaffold that triggers the production of new collagen. This process helps to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles and folds, and improve skin texture and elasticity. The results of biostimulators develop gradually over several weeks or months as your body produces new collagen, resulting in a natural-looking and long-lasting improvement in your appearance.

Treatment Options

Radiesse

Radiesse is a biostimulator composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. Upon injection, Radiesse provides immediate volume and lift, while the CaHA microspheres stimulate collagen and elastin production for long-lasting results. Radiesse is commonly used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, as well as to restore volume in the cheeks and hands.

Sculptra Aesthetic

Sculptra Aesthetic is a biostimulator made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible and biodegradable substance that stimulates collagen production. Sculptra works gradually over time, helping to restore facial volume and improve skin thickness and elasticity. Sculptra is often used to address facial fat loss, hollowness in the temples and cheeks, and deep wrinkles and folds.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Biostimulators?

You may be a good candidate for biostimulators if you’re experiencing volume loss in the cheeks or temples, deeper wrinkles and folds, or an overall loss of skin firmness, and want results that build gradually rather than appearing all at once. This approach works especially well for patients who prefer a more natural progression over the instant volume of traditional dermal fillers, or who want results that continue to improve over several months.

During your consultation, Dr. Dunbar will help determine whether Radiesse, Sculptra, or a combination of the two best matches your goals, skin type, and treatment areas. Patients with active skin infections, keloid-prone skin, or certain autoimmune conditions may need to consider a different option, which your provider will discuss during your evaluation.

Why Choose Northern California Wellness for Biostimulators in El Dorado Hills, CA?

Expertise of Dr. Dunbar: Dr. Dunbar and the team of providers at Northern California Wellness have extensive experience in administering biostimulators and will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Variety of Biostimulators: We offer both Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic to address a range of concerns and provide optimal results.

Focus on Natural Results: We prioritize achieving natural-looking outcomes that enhance your features without altering your unique expressions.

Comfortable and Professional Environment: Experience a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere at our El Dorado Hills, CA, medical spa.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing and package options to make our treatments accessible.

Convenient Location: Our medical spa is conveniently located in El Dorado Hills, CA, making it easy for you to schedule appointments and receive treatments.

Sub Heading

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Radiesse and Sculptra?

Both are biostimulators, but they use different materials to stimulate collagen. Radiesse provides immediate volume and lift, while Sculptra works gradually over time.

How long do the results of biostimulators last?

The results can last for two years or more, depending on the type of injectable used and individual factors.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. We can apply a topical numbing cream to enhance your comfort during the procedure.

When will I see results?

With Radiesse, you’ll see immediate results. With Sculptra, the results appear gradually over several weeks or months as your body produces new collagen.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are generally mild and temporary, and may include redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.