Dermal Biostimulators
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Gatos, Danville and San Jose

A dermal biostimulator is a type of injectable that works to reduce the signs of facial aging. While fillers provide more immediate temporary volume, biostimulators are designed to raise your skin’s collagen levels over time. Collagen is an essential protein that helps your skin maintain its structure and elasticity, it plays an important role in the body, structuring bones, teeth, tendons, cartilage, and connective tissue – and, of course, skin. As we age, we naturally lose collagen, resulting in weakened skin structure and increased wrinkles.
At Swan Medical, we have helped many patients improve their complexions with customizable treatments designed to transform your skin. Both men and women have transformed their complexion with biostimulators designed to reduce signs of aging with minimal downtime.
Contact our office or call (925) 905-9922 in Danville or Los Gatos to learn more about how the simple treatment can transform your appearance.
Contents
About Dermal Biostimulators
As you age, the levels of collagen and elastin–proteins in your skin that help it maintain its structure and elasticity–begin to decline. Collagen-promoting dermal biostimulators restore your collagen levels to help you achieve younger-looking skin. Dermal biostimulators provide lasting volume by increasing your skin’s collagen levels, which can help improve the texture and tone of your skin as well. We offer different dermal biostimulators for both deep and delicate tissue to enhance your complexion and help you achieve a youthful appearance. Some biostimulators can be used for the body as well as the face. We can customize your treatment based on your needs.
Our effective procedures have helped thousands of patients achieve results. In 2023, specialists performed more than 25.4 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to help patients enhance their appearance. (1) That same year, approximately 30% of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were injectables. (2)
Sculptra (Galderma)7
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable collagen stimulator containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), tiny microspheres that are biodegradable and biocompatible, which help your skin restore its foundation. The treatment is ideal for addressing mid-face volume loss, wrinkles, and folds that can increase your perceived age. PLLA is a well-tolerated substance that can address hollow cheeks, facial volume loss, and deep wrinkles. When injected into the cheek area, Sculptra helps smooth, create firmness and give a glow to the skin for 2 years or longer. It can also be used in non-facial areas such as the neck, decollete, chest, arms, abdomen, and legs to improve skin quality as well.
Sculptra for Body
Some patients also receive Sculptra for noninvasive body contouring. The formula can augment the buttocks for a minimally invasive Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). We can also address dimples and volume loss in multiple areas of the body to help you achieve a smoother appearance.
Radiesse (Merz)
Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler and collagen stimulator that improves volume and rejuvenates your skin barrier with tiny microspheres that promote collagen production– based on calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). (3) The injectable helps your skin barrier maintain a smooth appearance, and raising your collagen levels can help your skin renew itself over time. If you have deep folds, wrinkles, or fine lines that you would like to address, Radiesse can help with its dual properties of instant augmentation capacity short-term, and collagen boosting long-term. With Radiesse, we can address wrinkles, fine lines, mild laxity, and volume loss with a quick, effective appointment. You can enjoy plumper, smoother skin with lasting results.
Benefits
There are many benefits to receiving dermal biostimulators, including:
- Brighter eyes: If you have lost volume beneath your eyes, we can address under eye hollows with formulas designed for delicate tissue for a more well-rested appearance.
- Balanced facial proportions: We can improve your facial proportions by restoring volume to the eyes and cheeks, giving you a smoother look.
- Improved collagen levels: Raising your skin’s collagen levels can increase your radiance for lasting results.
- Increased self-esteem: Many patients feel better about their appearance afterward.
- Plumper skin: We can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.
- Lasting results: If you take good care of your skin, you can enjoy long-lasting results.
- Minimally invasive treatment: We can rejuvenate your appearance without scarring or downtime.
- Plumper hands: We can also restore volume to your hands if you have lost it from aging.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for dermal biostimulators often want to address signs of aging and improve their skin’s volume. You are likely a good candidate for the minimally invasive treatment if you want a smoother complexion and diminish wrinkles and fine lines. Most candidates want younger-looking skin and want to achieve lasting results without long surgical scars or downtime from anesthesia. Most candidates would like to address:
- Volume loss in the hands
- Lines around the mouth
- Under-eye hollows
- Skin Firmness
- Sunken cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
- Aging hands
- Skin smoothness
If you have a lidocaine allergy, a current skin infection, or a history of anaphylaxis, you may not be the best candidate for the treatment, and we can recommend alternatives to help you achieve your goals. Although both PLLA and CaHA biostimulators are effective, the type you receive will depend on your medical history and aesthetic goals. (4)
Consultation

During your consultation, we will examine your skin and ask about your aesthetic goals to determine the best treatment for your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any previous procedures you have had to help us create the best treatment plan.
If you have additional goals, we can recommend additional procedures to help you achieve them. For example, if you would like to augment your buttocks with biostimulators, we can also discuss nonsurgical body contouring procedures such as CoolSculpting to enhance your curves. Some patients also choose to receive skin rejuvenation treatments, including laser and light treatments, to renew their complexions and reduce impurities from the skin for a more even skin tone and texture.
Read the blog to learn more about our additional treatments and services!
Preparation & Treatment Process
To prepare for dermal biostimulators, you must stop using products containing retinol and avoid excessive sun exposure to protect your skin from damage that could delay your appointment. Most patients schedule their treatment two weeks before any important events to prevent skin irritation that could affect their appearance. You will also need to:
- Stop taking blood thinners
- Refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours before and after your appointment
- Arrive with a clean face, without makeup or skincare products
During your treatment, we will cleanse your skin and administer the formula to your skin. We will not use a topical numbing cream if your injectable contains lidocaine. We can treat multiple areas for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, you must take good care of your skin and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some minor swelling or redness near the treatment area. Although the treatment does not require downtime, you must avoid excessive sun exposure for several weeks afterward. After 24-48 hours, you can resume intense exercise.
You must also avoid facials or resurfacing treatments that could irritate your skin for several weeks. We can provide specific instructions for your recovery to ensure the best results.
Results
Although your results will depend on your specific treatment plan, you can enjoy smoother, plumper skin afterward. Many patients find that they feel more confident about their appearance and that they can enjoy natural-looking volume that improves over time.
If you take good care of your skin and avoid sun exposure, which can cause more fine lines and wrinkles to appear, you can enjoy long-lasting results. UV exposure accelerates skin aging (photoaging) and contributes to up to 80% of skin aging. (5) Wearing sunscreen will also be important for preventing more fine lines and wrinkles from affecting your appearance after your treatment.
Results from Sculptra typically last around two years, while results from Radiesse typically last a year or 18 months.
The Cost of Dermal Biostimulators in Danville
The cost of biostimulators will depend on your treatment plan and whether you need additional procedures to achieve your goals. During your consultation, we can provide an all-inclusive quote for your specific treatment plan.
To schedule a consultation at our Danville or Los Gatos locations, contact our office or call (925) 905-9922.
FAQ
Do dermal biostimulators hurt?
Many dermal biostimulator formulas are infused with lidocaine, and we can also provide a topical anesthetic if you have sensitive skin.
How many dermal biostimulator treatments will I need to achieve my goals?
This depends on your unique situation. Your injector may recommend just one treatment, or they might recommend a series of treatments spaced out over time to provide you with optimal results.
Are dermal biostimulators the same as fillers?
Not necessarily; dermal biostimulators often work gradually to improve collagen production, allowing them to last longer. Fillers provide faster-acting volume beneath the skin.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Mashhrawi A, AlNojaidi TF, Alkhaldi RA, Alshami NS, Alhadlaq AS. Awareness and Knowledge of the Adverse Effects of Dermal Fillers Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. Published online June 12, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40322
- Loghem JV, Yutskovskaya YA, Philip Werschler WM. Calcium Hydroxylapatite. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2015;8(1):38-49. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295857/
- Mazzuco R, Evangelista C, Gobbato DO, de Almeida LM. Clinical and histological comparative outcomes after injections of poly‐ L ‐lactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite in arms: A split side study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(12):6727-6733. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15356
- Amaro-Ortiz A, Yan B, D’Orazio J. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging, and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules. 2014;19(5):6202-6219. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202