Injectable collagen stimulation injections have been available since early 2000s.  

The information on this page for Bio-Stimulators will assist your understanding during your consultation with our doctor.  Due to TGA regulations, we cannot put before and after photos or use the trade names of bio-stimulators on this webpage. 

Both our doctors have many years experience with Bio-regenerative Collagen Bio-stimulators. 

What is the difference between Bio-stimulators and Traditional Temporary Gel Facial Fillers?

Temporary gels are water binding materials that occupy space in the tissues and give instant results.  These gels breakdown over 6-12 months.  Sometimes the gel do not breakdown completely and there is a risk of product migration. Overtime there is also a risk of patients’ faces being over-filled with these temporary gel fillers.

In addition, these temporary gels have minimal collagen stimulation. 

True collagen stimulators and bio-regenerative type products, on the other hand, has a bio-stimulatory effect, and most patients who use collagen bio-stimulators will notice an improvement in the quality of their skin initially, followed by a gradual increase in volume and firmness over a couple of months.  Results from collagen bio-stimulation injections may vary between individuals, but in general, results last longer than traditional temporary gel fillers.

For patients who have lost a lot of volume in their face and likely to require lots of temporary gel products, or patients who “burn” through their temporary gel quickly,  bio-stimulators may be an alternative option in the long run.  This happens in women who have high metabolism or peri- and post-menopausal women. 

What happens to our skin after menopause?

After mid 20s, we lose about 1% of collagen per year from our face, causing our skin to be thinner as we age.  After menopause we lose even more collagen, up to 30% in the first 5 years of menopause, both in our skin and our bones.  Hence Dr Janet likes to discuss these types of injections with her patients from late 30s, peri-menopausal, menopausal and post menopausal patients.  

The aesthestic management of menopausal women is different to treating a women who is younger.  Women start to lose collagen with declining oestrogen levels, a whole decade before the onset of menopause, so replacing this collagen is sometimes more important than just filling the face. 

These bio-stimulators are also suitable for men with “thinner” skin or mild skin laxity.

There are a few types of collagen bio-stimulator in the Australian market and each have their unique benefits and disadvantages.  Our doctors will discuss the possible benefits of some of these bio-stimulators as well risks of these products during your consultation. 

It is important to know how to incorporate bio-stimulators as part of your rejuvenation journey, when combined with other treatments such as Lasers, traditional cosmetic treatments and other energy based devices.  

You will need a thorough consultation, treatment planning and informed consent prior to collagen Biostimulator treatments. 

You may also need to have a few months interval between your previous treatments and collagen biostimulator treatments. 

Injectable Bio-stimulators are prescription only medicines in Australia and a doctor’s consultation is essential.  

Main advantages and benefits of Biostimulators:  

Improvements in volume occur gradually over a few months and provides natural looking result.  For some types of collagen stimulators, a few treatments may be required. 

Once your skin forms its own collagen, it takes longer for this collagen to breakdown.

Hence, results may last 12-24 months, longer than the average temporary gel products.  

As collagen remodelling and collagen contraction occur overtime, most patients will also notice  “firmness” in the skin that is rarely achievable using traditional temporary gel products. 

Collagen Biostimulators are useful for reducing temporal hollowness, firming lateral high cheek, lateral jawline including pre-auricular region, jowls, neck and decolletage as well as hands. 

Disadvantages: 

Higher upfront cost (when compared to traditional cosmetic injections) and for some biostimulators, a few treatments are required. 

Results are not immediate, as collagen production takes time, the improvements occur over a few months. 

Collagen Biostimulators are not suitable for lips and the thin skin around the eye (periorbital) region as there is a small risk of nodules.  Hence non biostimulatory treatments are required in these areas. 

Some patients with active autoimmune disorders may not be suitable for bio-stimulator injections.  A full medical history is essential to exclude contra-indications.

Other treatment risks are similar to traditional cosmetic injections includes pain, bruising, swelling, foreign body reaction, lumpiness, vascular occlusion and blindness.