As a board-certified dermatologist, I’m passionate about staying at the forefront of skincare and aesthetic advancements. Regenerative medicine is one of the latest—and one of my favorite—advancements that has made significant progress in just the last decade, not only in the medical field but specifically within cosmetic dermatology. Treatments like biostimulators, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and exosome therapy are reshaping the way we approach skin rejuvenation. Below, we’ll do a deep dive into how these treatments work, their benefits, and whether they might be the right option for you.
I also have a detailed podcast episode on this topic you can find below!
WHAT ARE REGENERATIVE TREATMENTS?
Regenerative treatments are designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, such as collagen and elastin production. Traditional aesthetic treatments typically focus on simply masking the signs of aging or just addressing volume loss, whereas regenerative treatments work at a deeper, cellular level by rejuvenating the skin from within. They can help restore skin health by encouraging the body to regenerate tissue, enhance collagen synthesis, and boost overall skin function. Some popular ones you might be hearing about right now are biostimulators, PRP, and exosome therapy so let’s talk about them.
WHAT ARE BIOSTIMULATORS?
These are injectables that stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. Traditional fillers typically provide that instant volume, whereas biostimulators work over a period of time to enhance the skin’s natural structure and restore youthful volume by promoting collagen, elastin, and other skin structures. Think of it as a more natural alternative to filler. Similar to fillers, they can add volume and in addition help thicken the skin which gets thinner with age. Two of the most effective and widely used biostimulators you may have heard of are hyperdilute Radiesse and Sculptra.
Radiesse is a well-known injectable filler used to restore volume, but when hyper diluted, it becomes an incredibly effective tool for skin rejuvenation. Hyperdiluted Radiesse is a formulation in which the standard Radiesse product is mixed with a sterile saline or Plasma solution, making it ideal for broader, more superficial skin treatments. Its key ingredient, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), stimulates fibroblasts to boost collagen and elastin production. This process will naturally improve skin thickness, elasticity, firmness, skin tone and texture over time.
It’s a highly versatile option, addressing skin laxity, texture changes, and volume loss in the neck, chest, abdomen, elbows, knees, buttocks, and hands. It’s ideal for individuals with moderate to advanced skin laxity or volume loss, offering subtle, long-lasting improvements in skin tone and texture without needing invasive procedures.
Sculptra is another biostimulator, but it works a little differently than Radiesse. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable that stimulates collagen production, to help restore facial volume and reduce wrinkles over a gradual period of time. It’s often used for patients who have experienced volume loss due to aging or lifestyle factors.
Sculptra is especially effective for patients with deeper lines, wrinkles, and volume loss in the mid-to-lower face, as well as those looking for a more gradual, natural-looking restoration of facial volume. It’s a fantastic option for patients in their 30s and 40s who want to address early signs of aging or even those in their 50s and beyond who need more substantial volume restoration.
WHAT IS PRP?
PRP is everywhere right now and has become incredibly popular for both skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. PRP is Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy and it uses your body’s own blood to stimulate healing and regeneration. Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate cell turnover, increase collagen production, and accelerate your body’s natural healing processes. When injected into the skin, PRP promotes a more youthful, revitalized appearance by improving texture, fine lines, and helping to heal damaged tissues, including acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It can also be injected into the scalp to help with hair restoration.
PRP is ideal for patients looking for a non-invasive, natural solution to skin rejuvenation. PRP is also commonly used in combination with other treatments like microneedling to enhance your results. If you want a treatment with minimal downtime this can be a good option to explore.
WHAT IS EXOSOME THERAPY?
I think of exosomes as the Avatars of stem cells. We used to think of them as waste, but now realizing they are the long lost treasures of skin rejuvenation. Exosomes are small, naturally occurring extracellular vesicles that are responsible for sending signals between cells to stimulate repair and regeneration. Exosomes contain a rich mix of growth factors, cytokines, and genetic material that can communicate directly with skin cells to promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing. When delivered through lasers or microneedling, exosomes can rejuvenate skin at the cellular level, improving skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance.
Exosome therapy is ideal for patients who want to target deeper layers of the skin for more significant, long-lasting changes. It’s a great option for individuals with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, or skin that’s starting to show the effects of aging. They can also be highly effective in post-procedure healing, as they accelerate recovery and enhance the effects of other treatments.
WHY ARE REGENERATIVE TREATMENTS SO POPULAR?
These treatments stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, so the results are subtle and look and feel much more natural. My patients appreciate that they can enhance their appearance without looking “overdone.” They offer long-lasting benefits by promoting collagen growth, improving skin health over time. Unlike invasive procedures, regenerative treatments typically have minimal downtime and patients are typically able to return to normal activities right after the treatment. This is more ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. The versatility also allows treatment of various areas, including the face, neck, hands, and more.
As always, it’s best to speak directly with your dermatologist about what treatments, procedures, or skincare options are best for you. If you’re interested in exploring these innovative treatments, and are located in the US, contact my practice to schedule a consultation through the link below. Together, we can develop a personalized plan that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals with the latest in regenerative skincare technology.
