Biostimulation, Regeneration, And How To Build Your Own Collagen And Elastin  

Blog Topic by Dr. Kate Healy, Merrion Medical Aesthetics

Regeneration in Aesthetics is an exciting and emerging area where Biostimulation therapies are aimed at recapturing youthful structure and function using the body’s own Collagen and Elastin.

These products and procedures are designed to encourage your body to repair and restore damaged and weakened cells and tissues. They also stimulate your body to regenerate and to produce fresh new cells and tissues, a process called biostimulation.

In our skin we have 5 important components, including Collagen and Elastin, that give it structure and glow:

1. Collagen type 1 is the scaffolding in your skin—think of collagen type 1 as members of an orchestra; many members are needed for a strong sound.
2. Collagen type 3 helps organize and align type 1, like the conductor of an orchestra.
3. Elastin allows the skin to stretch when we talk and express emotions and, importantly, helps skin regain its shape after stretching.
4. Proteoglycans give the skin hydration and plumpness.
5. Angiogenesis is the production of micro-circulation, important for oxygenation, delivering nutrients, and repair.
6. Fibroblasts are amazing powerhouses in our skin responsible for generating collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and stimulating angiogenesis. When we are young, they look like tiny starfish reaching out to stimulate new cell growth. As we age, they look more like a shriveled-up raisin and become dormant and ineffective. Consequently, the quality and quantity of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and angiogenesis decrease every year. Our skin becomes dull, and skin laxity appears, increasing fine lines and wrinkles and giving a sagging and tired appearance.

Is there anything that can be done to stimulate our fibroblasts to wake up and become active?

The great news is that now there are treatments available that can rejuvenate our appearance through biostimulation. We can regenerate our own collagen and elastin, increasing our skin hydration and oxygenation.

Radiesse: A Regeneration and Biostimulation Treatment for Your Skin, Available at Merrion Medical Aesthetics in Oakville

Radiesse is made up of tiny calcium microspheres. These microspheres provide a scaffold and stimulate the generation of more fibroblasts, waking up the sleepy ones. This triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, giving our skin improved scaffolding and elasticity, as well as proteoglycans to improve hydration and angiogenesis for enhanced skin oxygenation and nutrient delivery.

Radiesse gets to work within 24 hours; for best results, three treatments spaced three months apart are recommended. The growth and organization of collagen and elastin are best seen from 3-6 months, with benefits lasting 18-24 months. As we continue to age, a repeat treatment can be done every one to two years if desired.

Collagen Banking

More and more people in their 30s and early 40s are interested in Collagen Banking. Collagen banking is about getting ahead of the curve—don’t wait until signs of collagen loss are visible through fine lines and sagging skin. You can build up your own store now to help maintain your youthful looks!

Neck and Hands

Radiesse can also be used in the neck and hands. We often pay attention to aging on our face, making improvements through skincare, Botox, and dermal fillers, only to then realize that the neck and hands look a decade older. Radiesse can significantly improve skin quality and reduce laxity in the neck, beneath the chin, and in the hands.

Radiesse After Weight Loss

After losing weight, people often feel their face looks older and more tired, even though they feel great. Radiesse is an excellent option for skin tightening without adding volume, like traditional fillers, or undergoing facelift surgery.

Biostimulation for Cellulite, Stretch Marks, and Body Contouring

Radiesse has also been used to treat the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, as well as loose skin on the upper arms (“bat wings”), knees, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.