What are Collagen Biostimulators?
Biostimulators are substances that, when injected into the skin, stimulate the natural production of collagen, providing a rejuvenating effect. They improve sagging skin, texture and radiance in a progressive and natural way.
When injected, collagen biostimulators trigger an inflammatory reaction in the dermis, activating fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen in the body) and causing the formation of new fibres that support the skin, leaving it firmer, hydrated and radiant.
In which areas can biostimulators
be apllied?
Biostimulators can be applied to both the face and the body. On the face, they are used to treat sagging and more advanced signs of ageing, especially in areas such as sagging cheekbones, pronounced nasolabial folds, marionette lines and an ageing neck.
On the body, biostimulators are often used to augment and remould the buttocks by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, improving the volume, projection, firmness, texture and radiance of the skin. For this reason, they are often used to combat cellulite.
In addition to the buttocks, biostimulators can be applied to areas of the body such as the knees, abdomen and arms, among others, providing a rejuvenating effect and significantly improving the firmness, texture and radiance of the skin.
TIPES OF BIOSTIMULATORS
The three most common types of collagen biostimulators are Calcium Hydroxyapatite, Polylactic Acid and Polycaprolactone, known commercially as Radiesse, Sculptra and Ellansé, respectively.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse): can provide volume depending on the concentration and number of sessions, similar to the effect of hyaluronic acid.
• Polylactic acid (Sculptra): does not increase volume, making it ideal for those who wish to avoid any increase in volume.
• Policaprolactone (Ellansé): Can add volume depending on concentration and number of sessions, similar to Radiesse.
HOW LONG DO BIOSTIMULATORS LAST?
The results of collagen biostimulators are gradual and progressive, as they depend on the body’s natural response to collagen production.
Normally, at least three sessions are required, spaced 1 month apart, to obtain satisfactory results.
The effects of biostimulators can last around 18 months.
Procedure for apllying
collagen biostimulators
It’s a simple, quick treatment and the discomfort is minimal and brief. It can be carried out at any time of the year.
To maintain the results, you can have the treatment every 12 to 18 months, as advised by your doctor.

Skin cleansing and anaesthetic cream
About 15 to 30 minutes before the treatment, the skin is cleansed, and an anaesthetic cream is applied (to the most sensitive areas) to reduce discomfort during the treatment.

Markings
Markings are made in the area where the biostimulators will be applied.

Treatment administration
The biostimulators are administered at strategic points through injections.

Massage
A gentle massage is carried out so that the biostimulators are evenly distributed.
POST TREATMENT CARE
Treatment with biostimulators is a minimally invasive treatment that involves no recovery time. However, certain precautions must be observed:
• Avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours;
• Do not engage in sport or any physical exertion for 24 hours;
• Avoid saunas, swimming pools and Turkish baths for 24 hours;
• Do not wear make-up for 24 hours.
What results can I expect after treatment with biostimulators?
The results of collagen biostimulators are gradual and progressive, as they depend on the body’s natural response to collagen production. As a rule, they begin to be visible with one session, but it is after 3 sessions that the results are most evident.
Biostimulator injections can provide the following results:
• Stimulation of collagen production;
• Firmer, tighter skin;
• Improved skin texture and radiance;
• Smoothed lines;
• A rejuvenated appearance.
A personalised treatment plan
To start your treatment with collagen biostimulators, you should have a consultation with one of our aesthetic medicine doctors.
During the first assessment, a medical diagnosis will be made of your skin and a personalised treatment plan will be drawn up to achieve firmer, healthier and more radiant skin.
Specialist Doctors

About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.




About
Dra. Catarina Duarte
Portuguese Medical Association – registration number 51027, specialising in Otorhinolaryngology.
With a Master’s degree in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine in Lisbon, Dr. Catarina went on to specialise in Otorhinolaryngology at the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon, having joined the teaching staff of the Otorhinolaryngology chair as a free assistant. Her training in otorhinolaryngology had a strong component in head and neck surgery, but also in rhinology, otology and paediatric laryngology.


About
Dr. Joana Alves Barbosa / Dermatologist
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: n.º 64457, Dermatologist.
Master in Medicine from the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute.
She completed her medical internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, having complemented her training in Dermatology with internships in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO do Porto.
Her main areas of interest include General, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology.



About
Dr. Mafalda Cleto / Aesthetic Medicine
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 52818
Has a master’s in medicine by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon with a specialization in family medicine. She specialized in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Throughout her training, she took several national and international courses in the field of aesthetic medicine, namely training in different types of facial fillers, application of toxin, application of peels and she took several courses on corpses in order to deepen her knowledge on facial anatomy.
In the area of aesthetic medicine, she performs numerous procedures, such as the application of toxin and fillers, both for correcting wrinkles and for facial harmonization (filling in dark circles, cheekbones, lips, jaw, chin and rhinomodelation), usage of biostimulators to improve skin quality and flaccidity; thread lifts and biostimulation; techniques that aim to improve the texture and quality of the skin, such as chemical peel, microneedling, facial and body mesotherapy, and sclerotherapy.
In her view, aesthetic medicine encompasses a set of minimally invasive medical procedures, which should be used to enhance the natural beauty of each individual and help delay the signs of aging.
She found her vocation in aesthetic medicine as it allows her to help people regain their self-esteem and increase their physical and psychological well-being.

About
Dr. Ana Mendes Gomes / Aesthetic Medicine
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55658
Has a master’s degree in medicine by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Masaryk in Brno and later completed a master’s degree in aesthetic medicine and anti-aging at the Complutense University of Madrid. She is a specialist in family medicine by the Regional Health Administration of the Lisbon Area.
Throughout her career, she undertook specific training in minimally invasive procedures, namely in the application of Toxin, facial fillers, thread lifts and facial mesotherapy, thus differentiating herself in the treatment and prevention of skin aging.
FAQ about
Collagen Biostimulators
Is treatment with Biostimulators safe?
Biostimulators are safe substances with a low risk of complications. For the treatment to be carried out safely, we recommend choosing an accredited clinic with a team of professionals experienced in carrying out treatments with Biostimulators.
Is it a painful treatment?
Biostimulator treatment is associated with brief discomfort. It is often performed with an anaesthetic cream to make the experience more comfortable.
When will the results of collagen biostimulators be visible?
The results of the treatment are progressive and gradual, because they depend on the natural production of collagen. As a rule, they begin to be visible with one session, but it is after 3 sessions that the results are most evident.
How long do the results last?
The results of treatment with Biostimulators are superior to those of Hyaluronic Acid, lasting up to 18 months on average.
How many sessions are needed?
As a rule, the treatment is based on a protocol of 3 sessions with an interval of 30 days, which may vary depending on the initial condition of the skin, the desired results and the progression of the results.
What is the price of treatment with collagen biostimulators?
The price of treatment with biostimulators varies, as it depends on the initial condition of the skin and the number of sessions required. At your first consultation, you will be presented with a treatment plan tailored entirely to you and the costs involved.
From what age can I have a biostimulator treatment?
There is no ideal or minimum age. Biostimulator treatment should be carried out as soon as there are signs of facial sagging.
In what situations is this treatment contraindicated?
Treatment with Biostimulators is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for patients with autoimmune diseases. Specific health conditions should be assessed by our medical team.
Does treatment with biostimulators have side effects?
Treatment with biostimulators is safe, generally well tolerated and has a low rate of complications. However, swelling, haematomas (bruising), redness and stiffness may occur in the treated area, effects that disappear after a few days.